Abram Moved His Tent by the Terebinth Trees
Today’s Text: GENESIS 13:14-18
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The Bible Is the Foundation for Life

After Lot moved to the Jordan Valley, God encouraged Abram by renewing His original promise. Possibly from the same vantage point where Abram had viewed the land with Lot, God now instructed Abram to do the very same thing, “Lift up your eyes and look” (v. 13). 

With the land in view, God reiterated His promise to Abram giving all of it to his covenantal progeny. God also reaffirmed His promise to bless Abram with innumerable descendants that would populate the land.

Whether reminiscent of the ancient legal practice of pacing-off the dimensions of a property prior to purchase or as a tour of inspection after the fact, God commanded Abram to arise and walk through the whole land. Either way, Abram believed God and by faith, did as commanded. Although the Canaanites inhabited the land and Sarai was barren, Abram believed and obeyed.

GENESIS 13:18
“Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the Lord.“

Abram settled by the terebinth trees of Mamre about two miles north of Hebron. A well-watered and fertile area situated around 3,000 feet above sea level, it was an ideal location and became Abram’s primary residence for the remainder of his life.

As was his practice wherever he traveled, Abram built an altar to the Lord that demonstrated his faith in the One-true God providing a testimony to the surrounding culture.

Lot audaciously took what he thought would make him happy and received what he desired—albeit short-lived. Abram trusted God; and, God blessed him with not just a prime location for his residence, but the entire land of Canaan as an eternal inheritance.

IMAGES:
1) The Bible Is the Foundation for Life. (Photo credit: Pixabay/Enhancement, MKM Portfolios)
2) Terebinth Tree of Mamre, Hebron. (Image used for illustrative purposes.) (Photo credit: Internet Archive Book Images/[No restrictions]/Wikimedia/Enhancement, MKM Portfolios).

Copyright © 2016 Charles E. McCracken, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people.  Rev. McCracken’s presentations are relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.

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