SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 14
BIBLE VERSES:
“The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away. They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom.” (Genesis 14:11-12)
“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.” (Genesis 14:14-16)
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” (Genesis18-20)
ABRAM RESCUES LOT (vs. 1-24)
There are lots of kings that were wagging war against each other.
The 4 kings:
1. Amraphel – king of Shiner
2. Arioch – king of Ellasar
3. Kedoriaomer – king of Elam
4. Tidal – king of Goiim
The 5 kings:
- Bera – king of Sodom
- Birsha – king of Gomorrah
- Shinab – king of Admah
- Shemeber – king of Zebolim
- Zoar – king of Bela
The 4 kings seized all the foods and goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and carried off Aram’s nephew Lot and his possessions. One who had escaped came and reported to Abram. Upon hearing, Abram called out 3l8 trained men to pursue them. He recovered back his nephew Lot and his possession together with the women and the other people.
Melchizedek meaning King of Righteousness was King of Salem. Salem means king of peace, and he brought out bread and wine to bless Abram. Then Abram honored him by giving him 1/10 of everything. After Abram had defeated Kedoriaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (King’s Valley). The king of Sodom wanted Abram to give him the people and keep the goods, but Abram refused saying: “:I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread of the thong of a sandal so that you will never be able to say “I made Abram rich” (v. 24)
THOUGHTS:
When Abram learned that his nephew Lot was captured and his possessions seized, he immediately went to rescue. Despite of how Lot had taken advantage of ABram, Abram showed his true character by repaying good for evil. ABram gave us good example of a true godly Christian.
After the victory, Abram was offered to keep the goods by the king of Sodom. But he refused to use God’s victory for personal gain. After every battle, beware of the devil’s bargain. Instead, give God the glory, who is the giver of victory.