Abraham returned to Canaan "very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold." Lot was still with him, and again they came to Bethel, and pitched their tents by the altar which they had before erected. They soon found that increased possessions brought increased trouble. In the midst of hardships and trials they had dwelt together in harmony, but in their prosperity there was danger of strife between them. The pasturage was not sufficient for the flocks and herds of both, and the frequent disputes among the herdsmen were brought for settlement to their masters. It was evident that they must separate. Abraham was Lot's senior in years, and his superior in relation, in wealth, and in position; yet he was the first to propose plans for preserving peace. Although the whole land had been given him by God Himself, he courteously waived this right.

Dette kapitel er bygget op over 1. mos 13-15; 17,1-16; 18
Abraham vendte tilbage til Kanaan, "meget rig på kvæghjorde, sølv og guld". Lot var stadig med ham, og de kom til Betel og slog lejr ved det alter, de tidligere havde rejst. De opdagede snart, at større rigdom bringer større besvær. Midt i vanskeligheder og prøvelser havde de boet fredeligt sammen, men i deres velstand var der fare for strid imellem dem. Der var ikke tilstrækkeligt græs til begges hjorde, og de hyppige stridigheder mellem hyrderne forebragtes deres herrer til afgørelse. Det var tydeligt, at de måtte skilles. Abraham var ældre end Lot og havde forrangen med hensyn til slægtskab, rigdom og stilling; men han var den første til at fremsætte planer til fredens bevarelse. Skønt Gud selv havde givet ham hele landet, gav han ædelmodigt afkald på sin ret.