As we follow Abraham into Canaan, we enter the world of the biblical narrative. It is not our purpose here to retell the story of the patriarchs, which is already very familiar to almost everyone who resides in the House of Classical Judaism. Rather, our purpose is to describe the political landscape of the land; to demonstrate the authenticity of the biblical narrative; and to identify the events that would shape the historical destiny of the nascent Jewish nation.

Abraham entered Canaan with Sarah, his wife, and Lot, his nephew, accompanied by hundreds if not thousands of followers and disciples, whom we’ve discussed in Chapter 12, numerous attendants and shepherds and large flocks of sheep and other livestock. Lot also had considerable flocks and his own retinue of attendants and shepherds. The need for pastureland made living in proximity impractical, and Abraham and Lot agreed to part ways but to be there for each other in case of need…

Read full chapter and earlier chapters at www.rabbireinman.com.