Genesis 13:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe how he cherished solitude and peace, dedicating himself to the service of the Lord. It is said that he arrived at the location where he had previously established an altar and invoked the name of God, thus fulfilling long ago the words of David, "I would rather be at the threshold of the house of God than dwell in the tents of wickedness" (Psalm 84:10). For the purpose of calling upon God, the wilderness was more precious to him than urban centers. He understood that the true greatness of a city lies not in its architectural splendor or population size, but in the righteousness of its people. Therefore, the desert, adorned by the virtue of the righteous, became superior to cities and more renowned than the most populated regions.

It is eloquently expressed that he, having been liberated from Egypt, ascended. However, the interpretation of this passage becomes perplexing with the subsequent statement: how is it possible for him, having emerged from Egypt, to be exceedingly wealthy? This conundrum is clarified by the Hebrew assertion that 'Abram was very burdened' due to the heavy load he carried from Egypt. While it may appear that he possessed riches such as livestock, gold, and silver, if these possessions are tied to Egypt, they transform into a burden for the righteous man. Ultimately, he did not journey into the wilderness as far as Bethel, from which he initially departed (as noted by the Seventy), but rather 'traveled through the southern region toward Bethel' (as stated in the Hebrew text).