By Faith Not Sight Part 2: Genesis Chapter 13 Bible Study

Introduction

Welcome back to The Daily Manna!

Here we continue our journey through the life of Abraham, learning what it truly means to walk by faith and not by sight.

In our last study (Genesis 12), we saw how God called Abram to leave everything familiar and follow Him into the unknown. Despite moments of weakness, God’s promises remained firm, proving His faithfulness even when Abram faltered.

Now, in Genesis 13, we witness Abram’s faith maturing. He returns to the altar, chooses peace over pride, and trusts God to provide even when the better land seems out of reach.

Before we dive in, I encourage you to pause and read Genesis 13 in full as this study can never replace the true word of God. 

Summary of Genesis 13

Genesis 13:1–4 – Abram leaves Egypt with great possessions and returns to the land between Bethel and Ai, to the altar he built earlier. There, he calls on the name of the Lord again.

Genesis 13:5–7 – Both Abram and Lot have grown wealthy, and their herdsmen begin to quarrel because the land cannot support them both.

Genesis 13:8–9 – Abram seeks peace, offering Lot the first choice of land; a selfless act of faith and humility.

Genesis 13:10–13 – Lot lifts his eyes and chooses the lush, well-watered Jordan Valley, near Sodom; a decision based on sight rather than faith.

Genesis 13:14–18 – After Lot departs, God reaffirms His promise to Abram, telling him to look in every direction and see the land He will give to his descendants forever. Abram moves to Hebron and builds another altar to the Lord.

Key Themes and Meaning

Returning to the Altar

 “He went on his journeys... to the place where his tent had been at the beginning... and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.” (Genesis 13:3–4)

After a season of failure in Egypt, Abram returns to the altar he had built previously in chapter 12 that he built when God had promised his descendants the land. This was a time of true dependance on God rather than his self. Something every believer struggles with. 

 Abram went back to worship, repent, and renewed fellowship with God. When our faith wavers, the way forward is to return to the altar; to that place of surrender and intimacy with God. He welcomes us back, not with shame, but with grace.

Faith that Seeks Peace

“Let there be no strife between you and me... for we are brethren.” (v. 8)

Abram could have demanded first choice as the elder, yet he chose peace over position. He knew that God would provide for him in any way no matter what happened because of the promises in 12:2-3. True faith doesn’t fight for its own way, it trusts that God will make a way.

This humility shows spiritual maturity. Abram didn’t need to grasp for blessing or take it upon himself to worry about what was best for him and his family; he knew the One who blesses and provides. 

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

 “And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the plain of Jordan was well watered...” (v. 10)

Lot chose what looked best in his own eyes; the fertile plains near Sodom. We know later what happened to Sodom. This teaches us that even if something looks pleasing to the eye looks like the best choice, doesn't necessarily mean it is. Abram chose to see by faith, trusting God to bless him wherever he went. God showed Abram all the land his children were to inherit again.

The world tempts us to make choices based on what we see: wealth, comfort, opportunity. But faith looks beyond appearances to the unseen hand of God.

Lot’s choice leads toward compromise, while Abram’s trust leads to promise.

God’s Reaffirmed Promise

“Lift up your eyes now... for all the land that you see I give to you and your descendants forever.” (v. 14–15)

After Abram’s act of faith, God renews His covenant promise, expanding it even further. Notice that God speaks after Lot departs. Sometimes, blessing and clarity come after separation; when we release what’s not meant for us.

Abram’s reward is God’s reassurance, not just material gain. He builds another altar, marking his life again by worship. He knew that no matter what, his possession was The Lord. 

Reflection for Today

Where in your life is God calling you to choose faith over what looks easy or secure?

Are you striving to “lift your eyes” like Lot, or to trust God like Abram?

What “altars” do you need to rebuild — places of prayer, worship, or surrender?

Faith doesn’t compete for the best spot; it trusts God to make every place fruitful.

Closing

Genesis 13 shows us that walking by faith isn’t just about leaving our comfort zone, it’s about living with open hands. Abram’s story reminds us that peace, humility, and trust open the door to God’s greatest blessings.

When we choose faith over sight, we choose the path where God’s promises become visible.

Prayer

Lord, teach us to walk by faith and not by sight. When we are tempted to choose what looks good, remind us that only You know what is good. Help us to seek peace, trust Your timing, and build altars of 

worship wherever You lead. May our lives, like Abraham’s, reflect Your faithfulness and grace.

Amen.