Genesis 13:8-10

In offering Lot either the "left" or the "right" (Genesis 13:9) Abram was evidently suggesting that he and Lot partition the Promised Land; he would take one part and his nephew the other (cf. Genesis 22:3-10). Important to our appreciation of Abram’s offer is knowledge of the fact that the Hebrews, as well as other ancient peoples, were eastern oriented (as contrasted with northern oriented, as we are). Abram and Lot were probably looking east when Abram made his suggestion (Genesis 13:9). Thus "Lot lifted up his eyes and saw the valley of the Jordan" (Genesis 13:10), which was to the east of where they stood (perhaps on Mt. Asor, the highest point in that part of Canaan, and only a short walk from both Bethel and Ai). Thus when Abram offered Lot what was on his left he was referring to northern Canaan, the area around Shechem (cf. Genesis 12:6; Genesis 33:18 to Genesis 34:31; Genesis 37:12-17) as far south as Bethel and Ai. The other choice was what was on their right: southern Canaan including Hebron and the Negev (cf. Genesis 13:6; Genesis 13:9; Genesis 13:1; Genesis 13:18; Genesis 20:1; et al.). Both men had previously lived in both regions.

Moses’ description of the Jordan valley as being similar to Egypt (Genesis 13:10) should have warned the Israelite readers of Genesis against desiring to return to Egypt (cf. Exodus 16:3; Numbers 11:5; Numbers 14:2-3).