Returning from Egypt enriched, Abram moves to the Negev and then to Bethel. However, the combined wealth of Abram and Lot strains the land's resources, leading to disputes between their herdsmen. To maintain peace, Abram suggests they part ways. Lot chooses the fertile Jordan Valley, settling near Sodom, a city notorious for wickedness. Abram, in contrast, resides in Canaan. God reassures Abram, promising him all the land he can see and innumerable descendants.

God appears to Abram in a vision, reaffirming protection and rewards. However, Abram laments his childlessness, mentioning Eliezer of Damascus as his heir. God promises him a biological heir and descendants as numerous as the stars. Trusting God's words, Abram's faith is credited to him as righteousness. God then formalizes His promise through a covenant ritual. Abram prepares a sacrifice, and as darkness descends, a smoking fire pot and flaming torch—representing God—pass between the divided animals, signifying God's binding commitment to fulfill His promise to Abram.