Genesis 13:1  “…went up from Egypt…to the South”
Up is usually either a higher elevation or northerly direction.  Land of Canaan is a higher elevation than Egypt.  Entered into the southern part of the land.  Actually moving east and northeast.

2  “Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.”
God had richly blessed him.

3  “…as far as Bethel…where his tent had been at the beginning…”
Not a bad idea when you’ve messed things up.  Go back to where you last met God.  Let Him set you back on the right path.

5-7  “Lot also…had flocks and herds and tents…land was not able to support them…there was strife…Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land”
You would think they could just separate a bit instead of trying to inhabit the same area.  I guess the size of the flocks and herds made it impossible to have their living tents close together.  And of course that is the way with sheep.  They eat the grass down to the ground.  They have to have their own area apart from cattle.  Was wondering about the mention of the Canaanites and Perizzites.  Commentary suggested a few ideas.  Their presence meant a limit to the land available to Abram and Lot which added to the situation.  Also, they could be watching how these two sojourners handled their conflict.  Even now, Abram is a witness to the LORD regardless of how much.  And they could also be a threat.  Abram and Lot were probably still together for the sake of safety as well as family.

9  “…If you take the left, then I will go to the right…”
Abram was clearly the head of the family being the elder.  He showed something of his character by giving Lot the choice of land.  He would have been within his rights to make the choice for himself.

11  “…Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan…”
The land surrounding the Jordan river was plush and well watered.  From a worldly viewpoint, it was a good place to have herds and flocks.  And there were cities in the area.  Unfortunately, Sodom and Gomorrah were two of those cities.  What looks good from our standpoint isn’t always the best, which is why we’re told to always trust God instead of our judgment.

13  “…men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD”
First mention of a problem with Sodom.

14-17  “…northward, southward, eastward, and westward…all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever…walk in the land through its length and its width…”
From the viewpoint of Bethel, which was apparently higher than the surrounding area, God told him to look in all directions.  So even the land which Lot had decided to use for himself would be given to Abram as his inheritance.  God tells him to explore it all, see what a great land and possession He has given to Abram for his own.  Reminds me of the reports given by the spies when the Israelites came out of Egypt.  The land has some desert, but also has some beautiful, productive country.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.