Genesis 14
Genesis 14 is the first chapter in the Bible where war is mentioned, depicting the battle between the four kings from the east and the five kings, including Sodom. In the process, Abram (later Abraham) takes action to rescue his nephew, Lot. In the latter part of the passage, an enigmatic figure, Melchizedek, also appears and a meeting between him and Abram is recorded.
1verseIn the days of Amraphel, king of Shinar; Arioch, king of Ellasar; Chedorlaomer, king of Elam; and Tidal, king of Goiim,
2versethey made war with Bera, king of Sodom; Birsha, king of Gomorrah; Shinab, king of Admah; Shemeber, king of Zeboiim; and the king of Bela (also called Zoar).
3verseAll these joined together in the valley of Siddim (also called the Salt Sea).
4verseThey served Chedorlaomer for twelve years, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
5verseIn the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
6verseand the Horites in their Mount Seir, to El Paran, which is by the wilderness.
7verseThey returned, and came to En Mishpat (also called Kadesh), and struck all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that lived in Hazazon Tamar.
8verseThe king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (also called Zoar) went out; and they set the battle in array against them in the valley of Siddim
9verseagainst Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings against the five.
10verseNow the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there. Those who remained fled to the hills.
11verseThey took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their food, and went their way.
12verseThey took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who lived in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
13verseOne who had escaped came and told Abram, the Hebrew. At that time, he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner. They were allies of Abram.
14verseWhen Abram heard that his relative was taken captive, he led out his three hundred eighteen trained men, born in his house, and pursued as far as Dan.
15verseHe divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and struck them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
16verseHe brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot and his goods, and the women also, and the other people.
17verseThe king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
18verseMelchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.
19verseHe blessed him, and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth.
20verseBlessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all.
21verseThe king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.”
22verseAbram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to the LORD, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,
23versethat I will not take a thread nor a sandal strap nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’
24verseI will accept nothing from you except that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their portion.”
Structure and Flow of the Passage
- Verses 1–12: The eastern alliance army (four kings) attacks the Canaan alliance army (five kings). As a result, Sodom is defeated and Lot is taken captive.
- Verses 13–16: Hearing the news about his kinsman Lot, Abram pursues them with 318 people trained in his household and returns, recovering Lot and his possessions.
- Verses 17–20: When Abram returns, the king of Salem, Melchizedek, comes out with bread and wine and blesses Abram. Abram gives him a tenth of everything.
- Verses 21–24: The king of Sodom proposes that Abram share the plunder, but Abram refuses it for the glory of God.
The Overall Meaning of the Passage
Genesis 14 shows God’s providence revealed through Abram’s faith and courage, as well as his relationship with foreign kings. The events of war and rescue, along with the meeting with Melchizedek, are not merely historical records; they are interpreted as scenes in which God protects and guides Abram. It also stands out that Abram values God’s will and glory over material gain.
Reflection Points
- Let us reflect on the love for one’s neighbor, the courage, and the attitude of putting God’s will first that Abram demonstrated.
- We can also check our choices today by looking at Melchizedek’s blessing and Abram’s response, as well as Abram’s decision to choose God’s glory rather than the benefits of the world.
Personal Application
- Let us also consider whether we, in our lives, are seeking God’s kingdom and his glory first.
- Consider whether I have the courage to serve someone with what I have and step in to help when others around me face difficulties.
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