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I. THE CAUSE OF THE SEPARATION OF ABRAM AND LOT.

1. The indirect cause: an over-abundance of wealth.

2. The direct cause (vers. 6, 7).

(1)  This strife must have been serious.

(2)  This strife is not unexpected. (a) The Canaanites and Perizzites owned and occupied most of the land, and thus made the pasturage for the flocks of Abram and Lot comparatively very limited.

(3)  This strife is a sample of an occurrence by no means infrequent, not only among herdsmen, but among those professing better things.

(4)  The strife among the servants did not alienate the masters.

II. THE SPIRIT OF THE SEPARATION.

1. On the part of Abram this separation was one of generosity.

2. This separation was executed in the interests of peace.

III. THE RESULTS OF THIS SEPARATION.

1. To Lot seemingly advantageous to worldly prosperity, but spiritually a loss.

2. To Abram seemingly disadvantageous, but most blessed in its ultimate issues.Lessons:

1. The separation of friends is not an unmitigated evil; it may be an occasion of good.

2. Whether, when compelled to separate, or when permitted to have fellowship one with another, the grace of God should teach us to be generous, courteous, and consistent.

(D. C. Hughes, M. A.)

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KJV: And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.

WEB: Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.