Genesis13_1-4

Genesis 13:1-4

And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.

And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;

Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.

With the protection of God Elohim, Abram returned to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai. Bethel means “house of God,” and Hai means “heap of ruins” or “chaos.” Abram came out of Egypt with his wife, his nephew Lot, and all that he possessed. He was also very rich in cattle, silver, and gold, showing that he had gained much wealth during his time in Egypt. What most people spend their whole lives seeking—possessions and wealth—Abram seemed to receive with ease.

Yet Abram kept a sober mind and remained watchful of his surroundings, without greed. When Pharaoh expelled him from Egypt, he departed quickly. He seemed to understand God’s meaning through what he had experienced. Thus, he left the place where he had once told his wife to say she was his sister. Compared with the ambition and greed of humanity, marriage alone is not strong enough to restrain every man. In Abram’s situation, few people would have acted as he did; most would have tried many ways to remain in Egypt for survival.

When Abram realized he had gone the wrong way, he corrected his path quickly and returned to the altar he had built at the beginning. There he called on the name of God Elohim. In doing so, Abram gave up the worldly opportunities represented by Egypt and chose instead to follow God Elohim.

It is not terrible to make mistakes, but it is dangerous to forget the life path on which God once called you to walk. When you go astray, you should turn back quickly. God knows what you need and provides possessions abundantly—beyond your imagination.