Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 9. Is not the whole land before thee.] As the patriarch or head of the family, Abram, by prescriptive right, might have chosen his own portion first, and appointed Lot his; but intent upon peace, and feeling pure and parental affection for his nephew, he permitted him to make his choice first.
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 הלא3808 כל3605 הארץ776 לפניך6440 הפרד6504 נא4994 מעלי5921 אם518 השׂמאל8040 ואימנה3231 ואם518 הימין3225 ואשׂמאילה׃8041
