After Abram and his family leave Egypt, they wander for a while. His nephew Lot had been with him throughout his travels and now they both had flocks so large that the land could not sustain both of their herds. So they decide to part ways on friendly terms. According to Derek Kidner in his commentary "Genesis", this is a subtle demonstration of faith on the part of Abram. The land of Canaan was failing to meet his needs. But, instead of abandoning the land that God showed him, he offers Lot an obvious choice. Stay here, where we have used up the land, or go East to the fertile plains there. Lot heads to the fertile plains (probably to the region south of the dead sea) and Abram stays in Canaan.
The results of the decisions of Lot and Abram are immediately affirmed. In verse 13 the wickedness of Lot's neighbors in Sodom foreshadows trouble. Conversely, in verse 14, God reaffirms his promise to Abram. Notice God's affirmation focuses on the land that Abram can now see, but He foreshadows the unfulfilled part of the promise - a nation of descendants that will inherit the land forever. Abram must still trust God to provide descendants.
Also notice the role God plays in this passage. God - the hero and protector of chapter 12 (in spite of Abrams scheming faithlessness), is the comforter and encourager of chapter 13. He kindly reminds Abram of the promise He made and lovingly assures him that He will fulfill all of it.
Looking forward:
This story would have been particularly important to the people who God promised to to deliver from Egypt and bring to the promised land. Abram was in a promised land and hoped for a nation of descendants. They were a nation of descendants hoping for the promised land. Neither would see the full promise. But God gave protection and comfort to both.
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