Genesis 13:5-13 Lot-A Study in Backsliding-Another Episode (Genesis 13:5-13) The strife between the herdmen of Lot and Abraham arose over the goods they had gotten while they were in Egypt. It is supposed by some that Lot got his wife there, too, and she was the cause of much of his trouble. The name Lot is said to indicate “ the man with the veil on” (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4). Certainly his eyes were blinded to real spiritual values. This incident gives us an insight into the selfishness of Lot and the magnanimity of Abraham. Lot chose the best of the land because it was good for cattle. He was too short-sighted to see that it was bad for his family. He chose “ all the plain” (Genesis 13:10) because it was so attractive for its beauty. Later on we find that this plain was doomed (Genesis 19:17), and Lot was bidden flee from it. It was to be abandoned for its danger, and was finally overthrown because of its wickedness (Genesis 19:25). Lot is an interesting study in backsliding. Notice the gradual process. He beheld (Genesis 13:10); chose (Genesis 13:11); pitched his tent towards (Genesis 13:12); dwelt in (Genesis 14:12); sat in the gate (Genesis 19:1); lingered (Genesis 19:15-16); and was loath to leave Sodom (Genesis 19:1-38). He first went to sojourn, then he continued, and finally dwelt, in Sodom. Satan’ s strategy is here illustrated. He does not plunge men all at once into sin. He leads them gradually, step by step. How careful the Christian needs to be in choosing a place of residence. Lot lost his family and almost his own soul; indeed, we would have thought that was lost too, had it not been for the reference in 2 Peter 2:7-8. Abraham’ s magnanimity and peaceful disposition is here beautifully set forth. He is a good illustration of the apostle’ s injunction, “ Let the peace of God arbitrate in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15), and, “ The servant of the Lord must not strive” (2 Timothy 2:24). How shall quarrels between Christians be settled? Shall we go to law (1 Corinthians 6:1-8)? Or shall we yield as Abraham, trusting God to do for us that which is right and just?