First ReadingGenesis 13:2, 5-18
From the Book of Genesis
2Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. verses 3–4 are not read5Lot also, who went with Abram,had flocks, herds, and tents.6The land was not able to bear them,that they might live together;for their possessions were so greatthat they couldn’t live together.7There was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestockand the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock.The Canaanitesand the Perizzites lived in the land at that time.8Abram said to Lot,“Please, let there be no strife between you and me,and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen;for we are relatives.9Isn’t the whole land before you?Please separate yourself from me.If you go to the left hand, then I will go to the right.Or if you go to the right hand,then I will go to the left.”
10Lot lifted up his eyes,and saw all the plain of the Jordan,that it was well-watered everywhere,before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah,like the garden of the Lord,like the land of Egypt,as you go to Zoar.11So Lot chose the Plain of the Jordan for himself.Lot traveled east,and they separated themselves from one another.12Abram lived in the land of Canaan,and Lot lived in the cities of the plain,and moved his tent as far as Sodom.13Now the men of Sodom were exceedingly wickedand sinners against the Lord.
14The Lord said to Abram,after Lot was separated from him,“Now, lift up your eyes,and look from the place where you are,northward and southward and eastward and westward,15for I will give all the land which you see to youand to your offspring forever.16I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth,so that if a man can count the dust of the earth,then your offspring may also be counted.17Arise, walk through the land in its length and in its width;for I will give it to you.”
18Abram moved his tent,and came and lived by the oaks of Mamre,which are in Hebron,and built an altar there to the Lord.