Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary 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.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 5-9 - Riches not only afford matter for strife, and are the things mos commonly striven about; but they also stir up a spirit of contention by making people proud and covetous. Mine and thine are the grea make-bates of the world. Poverty and labour, wants and wanderings could not separate Abram and Lot; but riches did so. Bad servants ofte make a great deal of mischief in families and among neighbours, by their pride and passion, lying, slandering, and talebearing. What mad the quarrel worse was, that the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt the in the land. The quarrels of professors are the reproach of religion and give occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. It is bes to keep the peace, that it be not broken; but the next best is, in differences do happen, with all speed to quench the fire that is broke out. The attempt to stay this strife was made by Abram, although he wa the elder and the greater man. Abram shows himself to be a man of coo spirit, that had the command of his passion, and knew how to turn awa wrath by a soft answer. Those that would keep the peace, must neve render railing for railing. And of a condescending spirit; he wa willing to beseech even his inferior to be at peace. Whatever other are for, the people of God must be for peace. Abram's plea for peac was very powerful. Let the people of the land contend about trifles but let not us fall out, who know better things, and look for a bette country. Professors of religion should be most careful to avoi contention. Many profess to be for peace who will do nothing toward it: not so Abram. When God condescends to beseech us to be reconciled we may well beseech one another. Though God had promised Abram to giv this land to his seed, yet he offered an equal or better share to Lot who had not an equal right; and he will not, under the protection of God's promise, act hardly to his kinsman. It is noble to be willing to yield for peace' sake.
Original Hebrew ולא3808 נשׂא5375 אתם853 הארץ776 לשׁבת3427 יחדו3162 כי3588 היה1961 רכושׁם7399 רב7227 ולא3808 יכלו3201 לשׁבת3427 יחדו׃3162
