Genesis 12:4: “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.”
Outside of Eden, people got into trouble time and again and God put out fire after fire. To help them, He devised a salvation plan that would span out over many generations. Abram was to be part of His plan.
Stemming from ancient Mesopotamia, Abram was a wealthy cattle owner and merchant, doted husband to his wife Sarai and stepfather to his nephew Lot. After the death of his father Terah, God appeared to Abram for the first time and said [Genesis 12:1-3]:
“Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Abram was amazed. He had heard from Noah and the other prophets of old, but he did not consider himself a holy man. After all, he was just a regular merchant. Even so, Abram did not question the Lord, but firmly believed in Him. Excited, he told his wife about the vision. “What a privilege,” he mused. “God speaks to us! He has asked us to leave this country and go to a place that He will show us.” Sarai smiled. “That sounds wonderful. It also sounds like a daring adventure. Have you talked to Lot yet? Do you think he will join us?” Abram shook his head and said, “No, I have told only you about the vision. I will speak with Lot tomorrow.”
Abram and Lot met the following day to talk things over. Lot was hesitant about the prospect of leaving Harran. “We are well-off here”, he said. “I’m not sure I want to lead a nomadic life.”
Abram had been secretly dreading that his nephew would be reluctant to come with him. Lot was only ten years old when his father passed away. Ever since, Abram had taken care of his brother’s son. He saw him grow up, get married and start a family. Anxiously awaiting Lot’s decision, Abram refrained from trying to persuade him one way or another. Clearly, it was Lot’s responsibility to determine what was best for his own tribe. His nephew silently considered his options and finally reached his decision: “I love you, Uncle. We have lost your father and my grandfather only a month ago. I would hate to lose you too.”
And so Lot agreed that the family tribes should stay together. The following day, Abram and Lot packed up and departed from Harran with their families, hired hands, flocks and herds.
Passing through the city gate, only Lot looked back.