“And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward.”
This verse is a part of the narrative surrounding Abram (later known as Abraham) and his nephew Lot. In the preceding verses, we see that Abram and Lot, along with their families and possessions, had journeyed together from Egypt and were dwelling in the land of Canaan. Due to the abundance of their possessions, strife arose between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot, leading to the need for separation.
After Abram gives Lot the opportunity to choose the land he desires, Lot selects the well-watered plain of Jordan, which was like the garden of the LORD, leaving Abram with the rest of the land. Following this event, God speaks to Abram and gives him a directive.
The phrase “And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him” signifies that God communicated with Abram after the separation occurred. This highlights God’s timing and His desire to guide Abram in the next steps of his journey.
God instructs Abram to “Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward.” This command encourages Abram to survey the land around him in all directions, symbolizing the vastness and breadth of the territory that God intends to give him and his descendants.
The significance of God’s command to look in all directions suggests that the promise of land inheritance extends far beyond what Abram had previously experienced or envisioned. It implies a divine expansion of territory and a demonstration of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises.
Furthermore, this verse underscores the faith and trust required of Abram. Despite the separation from his nephew and the relinquishment of the seemingly favorable land, Abram is instructed to lift his eyes and envision the greater blessings God has in store for him.
From a broader perspective, this verse also serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to direct the paths of His people. Abram’s obedience to God’s command and his willingness to trust in God’s plan set the stage for the subsequent chapters of Genesis, which detail the covenant God makes with Abram and the establishment of his descendants as a great nation.
In summary, Genesis 13:14 conveys God’s instruction to Abram to survey the land in all directions, emphasizing the vastness of the territory God intends to give him. It also highlights Abram’s faith and trust in God’s plan, as well as God’s sovereignty in directing the paths of His people.
