Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the cause of the strife between Avram's and Lot's herdsmen?
A: According to Rashi, the strife arose because Lot's herdsmen allowed their animals to graze on others' property, while Avram's herdsmen strictly avoided theft. Additionally, the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 41:5) explains that Lot's herdsmen were morally corrupt, leading to disputes.
Q: Why does the verse mention that the Kena'ani and Perizzi lived in the land at that time?
A: Rashi explains that this detail highlights the moral challenge Avram and Lot faced—while they were righteous, the land was inhabited by idolatrous nations (Kena'ani and Perizzi). This contrast emphasizes the difficulty of maintaining ethical behavior in a corrupt environment.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avram's response to the conflict with Lot?
A: Avram chose peace over conflict by suggesting they separate (Genesis 13:8-9). The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:3) teaches that pursuing peace (דְּרִישַׁת שָׁלוֹם) is a high Jewish value, and Avram's actions model how to resolve disputes with humility and generosity.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish ethics in business?
A: The Talmud (Bava Kama 93a) derives from this episode that ethical business conduct is essential—Avram's herdsmen avoided theft, while Lot's did not. This teaches that honesty in financial matters (גְּנֵבַת דַּעַת) is a fundamental Torah principle.
Q: Why did Avram, a righteous man, have conflicts with his own nephew Lot?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 41:6) explains that Lot's values diverged from Avram's, leading to inevitable tension. This teaches that even close family relationships can be strained by differing moral standards, and sometimes separation (as Avram chose) is necessary to preserve righteousness.
Conflict Between Avram and Lot's Herdsmen
The verse (Bereishit 13:7) describes a dispute between the herdsmen of Avram and those of his nephew Lot. Rashi explains that the quarrel arose because Lot's shepherds allowed their flocks to graze in fields belonging to others, while Avram's shepherds rebuked them for this theft. Avram's shepherds argued that since Hashem had promised the land to Avram, Lot had no right to graze there improperly. Lot's shepherds, however, claimed that since Avram had no children, Lot would inherit him, making the land effectively theirs already.
Presence of the Kena'ani and Perizzi
The mention that "the Kena'ani and the Perizzi dwelt then in the land" serves as a contrast to Avram's righteousness. Ramban notes that despite these idolatrous nations occupying the land, Avram maintained his moral integrity and did not engage in their corrupt practices. The Sforno adds that this detail highlights the challenge Avram faced—living among wicked peoples while striving to uphold justice and monotheism.
Moral and Halachic Implications