Genesis 13:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe how God strives in every conceivable manner to ignite within the righteous a vibrant faith. "Arise," He proclaims, "journey around and examine both the length and width of the earth, so that you may comprehend its expanse, which you shall possess, and even before you take hold of it, be already filled with hope. The land that you traverse, I will grant to you, that you may realize you have not given to your nephew as much as you currently have. Do not assume that you have ended up with the inferior portion simply because Lot seems to have claimed the optimal areas. You will soon understand that his choice of the prime locations yields him little advantage, and he will discover for himself the folly of pursuing the best spots.

Once Lot had parted ways with Abram, the Lord manifested Himself to Abram, declaring, "Get up and traverse the land in its length and breadth, for I shall grant it to you." This clearly symbolizes the Cross. The territory assured to the forefathers is entwined with the mystery of the Cross; however, because of the Cross, the descendants were forsaken, and those lands were allocated to different heirs.

God, not having defined the limits of the promised territory, directs its extent and dimensions. This can be interpreted as God's command to Abram to traverse and explore the land at his discretion, with the certainty that every spot where he steps would be part of the promised inheritance. Through this, God conveys to Abram that the extent of divine promise corresponds to the extent of faith, and that the borders of the promised land are as numerous as they are expansive, and even as unseen.

Through these expressions, the Lord intended to reveal to Abram that the entirety of the land of Canaan was bestowed upon his offspring, with every spot their feet touched becoming their permanent inheritance. The travels that Abram, following God's guidance, undertook as a wanderer in the land of Canaan symbolize the triumphant expedition that his descendants would experience throughout it.