And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
Genesis 24:35 And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.
Genesis 26:12,13 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him…
Deuteronomy 8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
in livestock
Livestock was a primary measure of wealth in the ancient world, providing food, clothing, and trade opportunities. Abram's wealth in livestock indicates his significant status and influence. This also foreshadows the importance of livestock in the sacrificial system established later in the Mosaic Law, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
and silver and gold
Silver and gold were valuable commodities in the ancient world, used for trade, ornamentation, and as a store of wealth. Abram's possession of these precious metals highlights his prosperity and God's provision. This wealth would later play a role in the economic interactions between Abram's descendants and other nations. The mention of silver and gold also connects to the broader biblical narrative, where these metals are often associated with the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple, symbolizing God's presence and glory among His people.
- God had called Abram out of Ur (Genesis 12:1-4: “Go from your country… and I will bless you.”).
- The man standing in Genesis 13:2 is the same obedient pilgrim described in Hebrews 11:8-9, yet now his journey is marked by visible blessing.
- Notice how the text keeps the focus on Abram himself, not on the wealth; Scripture consistently presents him first as God’s covenant partner (Genesis 17:5).
- The verb signals process, not accident. Abram’s increase unfolded after the famine trip to Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20), where Pharaoh “treated Abram well for her sake” (12:16).
- Later, his servant will testify, “The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become wealthy” (Genesis 24:35), confirming that the growth continued over time.
- The narrative underscores that prosperity followed God’s promise, showing cause and effect rooted in divine faithfulness (Genesis 12:2).
- Scripture does not shy away from describing abundance; the phrase stresses superlative increase.
- Proverbs 10:22 reminds, “The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.” Abram’s riches are portrayed as a blessing, not a snare.
- God’s earlier promise, “I will bless you and make your name great” (Genesis 12:2), is now tangible. The text lets readers see fulfillment in real time.
- In the patriarchal era, herds equaled both currency and status. Job 1:3 offers a parallel picture of righteousness accompanied by “7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels… and many servants.”
- Abram’s livestock will soon create grazing tension with Lot’s herds (Genesis 13:5-7), illustrating how blessing intersects with practical challenges.
- Jacob’s later expansion—“the man became exceedingly prosperous and had large flocks” (Genesis 30:43)—echoes Abram’s pattern: God grants tangible resources to advance His promises.
- While livestock was mobile wealth, precious metals gave lasting security. Deuteronomy 8:18 cautions Israel to remember “the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the power to gain wealth.” Abram embodies that truth before the Law is even given.
- 1 Chronicles 29:12 affirms, “Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all.” The narrative subtly teaches stewardship: what Abram holds is ultimately God’s.
- Jesus later warns, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19-21). Abram’s story shows proper balance—owning wealth without letting it own him, as evidenced by his generous spirit toward Lot (Genesis 13:8-9).
Genesis 13:2 spotlights the faithfulness of God and the unfolding of His promise: the obedient Abram “had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold.” Each phrase reveals the Lord’s active hand—taking an obedient servant, blessing him over time, abundantly supplying tangible resources, and positioning those resources for covenant purposes. The verse invites believers to trust the same faithful God who both blesses and guides His people for His redemptive plan.
Verse 2. - And Abram was very rich. Literally, weighty; used in the sense of abundance (Exodus 12:38; 1 Kings 10:2; 2 Kings 6:14). In cattle. Mikneh, from kana, to acquire by purchase, may apply to slaves as well as cattle (cf. Genesis 17:12, 13, 23). In silver and gold. Mentioned for the first time in Scripture; implying an acquaintance among the Egyptians with the operations of mining and the processes of refining the precious metals. Cf. the instructions of Amenemhat I., which speak of that monarch, belonging to the twelfth dynasty, as having built for himself a palace adorned with gold (vide 'Records of the Past,' vol. 2. p. 14).