And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
6. And the land, &c.] The account, according to P, of the reason for Lot’s separation. The flocks and herds of the two chieftains when combined were so numerous, that there was not pasturage enough to feed them. Cf. a similar reason, in P’s narrative, for the separation of Jacob and Esau, Gen 36:7. The word “substance” is characteristic of P. Cf. Gen 12:5.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 6. Their substance was great] As their families increased, it was necessary their flocks should increase also, as from those flocks they derived their clothing, food, and drink. Many also were offered in sacrifice to God.
They could not dwell together]
1. Because their flocks were great.
2. Because the Canaanites and the Perizzites had already occupied a considerable part of the land.
3. Because there appears to have been envy between the herdmen of Abram and Lot.
To prevent disputes among them, that might have ultimately disturbed the peace of the two families, it was necessary that a separation should take place.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together,…. That part of the country where Abram and Lot were could not afford them room enough for their several tents; or however could not furnish them with sufficient pasturage for their flocks and herds, they were so numerous; at least could not do it so as to be contiguous to each other, that there was a necessity of one of them going further off:
for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together; we have before an account of the substance of each of them, how great it was; and here now is noted an inconvenience which arises from a large increase of riches, that relations and friends are obliged to part, and cannot dwell together; what one would think would make them more comfortable together, is the cause and occasion of their separation.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
6. Land was not able to bear them Having been impoverished by the recent great famine, and being already occupied, as the next verse states, by other dwellers, they were cramped for pasturage for their immense flocks and herds .
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Gen 13:6. The land, &c. See ch. Gen 36:7. there was not sufficient pasturage for their cattle; insomuch that the shepherds and servants of each master began to quarrel and contend about it. A matter, which might have had bad effects, and therefore required immediate attention; for part of the land being then occupied by the Canaanite and the Perizzite, (nations, or people, so called, see Jos 11:3; Jos 17:15-16.) they might have improved this animosity and division into an occasion of destroying both Abram and Lot. Besides, as these people then possessed the country, this gives an additional reason why it was not able to afford a sufficient supply for the increasing herds and flocks of Abram and of Lot.
Observe here; Lot had got well by Abram’s company: he had his blessing also. Those who suffer with God’s people, shall share their joys as well as sorrows. But worldly riches are often the cause of much uneasiness, as was the care here. For,
1. There was not room for both, and they must divide or incommode one another. Thus every comfort has its cross.
2. Their numerous flocks proved a cause of dispute between their servants, too jealous perhaps for their masters’ interest. How dangerous are riches! To them we may ascribe most of our disputes: for these, brother goeth to law against brother.
3. The danger, and, probably, offence incurred hereby. Danger, by their division: it is this, which usually ruins kingdoms, families, and, above all, churches. Offence: when professors of religion quarrel, they will assuredly make the ways of truth to be evil spoken of.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
Such are all creature comforts! See 1Ti 6:9
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 13:6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
Ver. 6. And the land was not able to bear them. ] This was sour sauce to their sweet meat, lest they should surfeit of their abundance. All earthly comforts are dissweetened with crosses, and there are thorns in all the world’s roses. It is seldom seen that God allows any, though never so dear to himself, a perfect contentment. Something they must have to complain of, that shall give an unsavoury verdure to their sweetest morsels, that they may long after heaven. It could not but be a great cut to this good couple, to be now at length sundered, and deprived of mutual society.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
them. Those two. For signification of the No. 2, see App-10.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Gen 36:6, Gen 36:7, Ecc 5:10, Ecc 5:11, Luk 12:17, Luk 12:18, 1Ti 6:9
Reciprocal: Job 1:3 – substance
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Gen 13:6. The land was not able to bear them The Canaanites and other former inhabitants of the country undoubtedly occupied the best of the land, and what remained was not sufficient to supply their flocks and herds with pasturage.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
13:6 And the land was not able to {c} bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
(c) This inconvenience came by their riches, which break friendships and the bounds of nature.