Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as [b]the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. (Gen 12,6-7)

Abram finally reached the land he was heading for. He must have been very curious: what is it like - will he be pleased or disappointed? The Scripture says nothing about his reactions, but we can conclude that the difference between the places where he lived so far - in the most developed part of the then world - and Kannan was a change for the worse. The development of the society and the economy was on a lower level, even though the country had to attract him as a farmer - yes, it offered many possibilities, not that it did not.

The main problem, however, was the fact that it was inhabited. And they were in no sence only peacefull people, friendly to newcomers, not so. Abram quickly realized that he would not be able to integrate among them, that he would have to live next to them and try not to arouse hostility because he was in minority. Whoever came later could not choose a place to settle and the best pastures, he had to be content with what was left over. He had to show respect for the natives and prove that he was coming in peace.

Abram saw that the land was good, or better to say: it had the potential to become excellent if wisely managed. But it didn't belong to him, and he didn't understand how it could happen one day. He was confused. Will the Canaanites withdraw from here? I'm here with a few people, I can't wage war with them ...

He walked gradually through the land, trying to work out the discrepancy between what God had put in his heart and the reality he saw around him. This discrepancy between what the mind sees and what the heart has accepted in God is the basis of the struggle of faith. Abram's inner struggle begins - and at the moment he does not know yet that he is to become forever an example for all who share the same struggle, so that one day he is even to be called the "father of faith."

So far, he is trying to process his new impressions. It seems to him that there is not much he can do for the occupation of the land now. So he remains worshiping God and building altars for him on his first journey through the land.

He rather prefers looking up to looking around. Like anyone who wants to keep the awareness that in the midst of impossibilities, God remains faithful and there is truly nothing impossible to Him.