Explanation - Rescue's Reward (Genesis 14)

 

Explanation

Rescue's Reward

(Genesis 14) 

Genesis 14 recounts the events that took place during the time of Abram (later known as Abraham) in the ancient Near East. The chapter primarily focuses on a conflict between various kings and Abram's involvement in it.

The chapter begins by describing a war between four kings from the east and five kings from the region of Sodom and Gomorrah. The eastern kings, led by Chedorlaomer, were victorious and captured Lot, who was Abram's nephew. Lot was residing in Sodom at the time.

Upon hearing about Lot's capture, Abram gathered 318 of his trained men and pursued the eastern kings. With a surprise attack during the night, Abram defeated the eastern kings, rescuing Lot and recovering the possessions and people that had been taken.

After Abram's successful rescue mission, he encountered Melchizedek, the king of Salem (later identified with Jerusalem) and a priest of God Most High. Melchizedek blessed Abram and offered him bread and wine. In return, Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had.

Meanwhile, the king of Sodom, who had survived the conflict, approached Abram and offered him all the possessions he had recovered in exchange for the people. However, Abram refused any compensation, stating that he did not want the king of Sodom to claim that he had made Abram rich.

The chapter concludes by highlighting the continued faithfulness and prosperity of Abram. God reassured Abram, promising him numerous descendants and reiterating the covenant He had made with him. Abram remained steadfast in his faith and trust in God.

In summary, Genesis 14 depicts Abram's courageous rescue of his nephew Lot from captivity, his encounter with Melchizedek, and his refusal to accept compensation from the king of Sodom. The chapter emphasizes Abram's loyalty to God and his continued blessings and promises from God.

Rescue's Reward

 

In ancient days, a tale unfurled,

Of battles waged, in a distant world.

Genesis 14, a chapter's tale,

Where Abram's courage did prevail.

 

The eastern kings, a fearsome might,

Their conquests stretched both day and night.

They captured Lot, Abram's kin,

In Sodom's lands, where vice was sin.

 

With loyal men, three hundred strong,

Abram embarked, a mission long.

He chased the kings, with righteous might,

To free his kin from darkest night.

 

In stealth and skill, they struck like fire,

With victory won, they didn't tire.

Lot was saved, their goal attained,

As Abram's strength and faith remained.

 

Then Melchizedek, a priestly king,

Appeared with blessings, gifts to bring.

He blessed Abram, God's chosen one,

With bread and wine, a holy sun.

 

The king of Sodom, grateful yet,

Offered riches, treasures to beget.

But Abram, firm, with resolute heart,

Declined his wealth, set them apart.

 

For Abram knew, his faith untold,

His riches came from God of old.

He trusted in the One above,

His promises, his boundless love.

 

"Rescue's Reward," this tale we weave,

Of faith, of valor, we shall believe.

In Genesis 14, a triumph's tale,

Where Abram's faith did never fail.

Explanation

Verses 1 to 6 of Genesis 14 describe a conflict between four eastern kings and five kings from the region of Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

Verse 1: "And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations."

This verse sets the stage by providing the names of the four kings from the east who were involved in the conflict. They are Amraphel, the king of Shinar; Arioch, the king of Ellasar; Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam; and Tidal, the king of nations.

 

Verse 2: "That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar."

In this verse, it is mentioned that the four eastern kings waged war against five kings from the region of Sodom and Gomorrah. The kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (also known as Zoar) were the targets of the eastern kings' aggression.

 

Verse 3: "All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea."

The verse explains that the five kings from the region of Sodom and Gomorrah united and gathered in the Vale of Siddim, which was located near the Salt Sea (also known as the Dead Sea).

 

Verse 4: "Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled."

This verse reveals that the five kings from Sodom and Gomorrah had been subject to the rule of Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam, for twelve years. However, in the thirteenth year, they rebelled against his authority.

 

Verse 5: "And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim."

During the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and his allied kings launched a military campaign. They defeated the Rephaim people in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim people in Ham, and the Emim people in Shaveh Kiriathaim. These were different groups of people who inhabited various regions.

 

Verse 6: "And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness."

Continuing the account of Chedorlaomer's conquests, this verse mentions that he also defeated the Horite people in Mount Seir, extending his campaign all the way to Elparan, which was situated near the wilderness.

 

These verses lay the groundwork for the conflict that unfolds in the subsequent sections of Genesis 14, ultimately involving Abram (later known as Abraham) and his intervention in the war.

Verses 7 to 12 of Genesis 14 continue the narrative of the conflict described earlier, introducing Abram's involvement and his subsequent actions.

 

Verse 7: "And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezon-tamar."

After their successful conquests, Chedorlaomer and his allies, including the eastern kings, returned from their campaign and arrived at a place called Enmishpat, also known as Kadesh. There, they attacked and defeated the Amalekites and the Amorites who lived in Hazezon-tamar.

 

Verse 8: "And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;"

In response to the invading forces, the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (or Zoar) gathered their armies and engaged in battle with Chedorlaomer and his allies. The battle took place in the Vale of Siddim, where the five kings had previously gathered.

 

Verse 9: "With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five."

This verse lists the four eastern kings, Chedorlaomer, Tidal, Amraphel, and Arioch, who led the invading forces. They fought against the combined forces of the five kings from the region of Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

Verse 10: "And the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain."

The Vale of Siddim, where the battle took place, was known for its abundance of slime pits or tar pits. As the battle unfolded, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah were overwhelmed and fled, falling into these pits. Those who managed to escape the pits fled to the nearby mountain for safety.

 

Verse 11: "And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way."

After the victory, Chedorlaomer and his allies plundered the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, seizing their possessions, including goods and food supplies. They then departed from the area.

 

Verse 12: "And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed."

In their conquest, Chedorlaomer and his allies captured Lot, who was Abram's nephew and the son of Abram's brother. Lot had been residing in Sodom at the time. Along with Lot, they also took his possessions and departed from the region.

 

These verses set the stage for Abram's involvement in the conflict, leading to his courageous pursuit and rescue of his nephew Lot, as recounted in the subsequent verses of Genesis 14.

Verses 13 to 18 of Genesis 14 narrate Abram's response to the capture of his nephew Lot and his subsequent rescue mission.

 

Verse 13: "And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram."

In this verse, a survivor of the battle arrives and informs Abram, referred to as "the Hebrew," about the capture of Lot. This survivor likely knew Abram and recognized him as a prominent figure in the region. The verse also mentions that Abram was dwelling in the plain of Mamre, which was inhabited by the Amorites. Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner were allies or confederates of Abram.

 

Verse 14: "And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan."

Upon learning about Lot's capture, Abram immediately takes action. He mobilizes a force of 318 trained servants who were born in his household. These individuals were his loyal and skilled followers. Abram leads this small army on a pursuit to rescue Lot and confront the captors. Their journey takes them as far as Dan, a northern city in the region.

 

Verse 15: "And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus."

In a strategic move, Abram divides his forces and launches a surprise attack during the cover of night. Together with his servants, he engages the enemy forces and defeats them. Following their victory, Abram continues his pursuit of the eastern kings and their allies, pursuing them as far as Hobah, which is located to the left of Damascus.

 

Verse 16: "And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people."

As a result of Abram's successful military campaign, he not only recovers all the goods that were plundered from Sodom and Gomorrah but also rescues Lot, along with his possessions. Additionally, Abram ensures the safe return of the captured women and other people who had been taken by the eastern kings.

 

Verse 17: "And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale."

After Abram's triumphant return from his victory over Chedorlaomer and the allied kings, the king of Sodom goes out to meet him. This meeting takes place in the valley of Shaveh, which is also known as the king's dale. The king of Sodom likely seeks to express his gratitude and perhaps negotiate the return of the possessions that Abram had recovered.

 

Verse 18: "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God."

In this verse, a significant encounter takes place between Abram and Melchizedek, who is identified as the king of Salem (later associated with Jerusalem) and a priest of the Most High God. Melchizedek presents Abram with bread and wine, possibly as a gesture of blessing and hospitality. This encounter sets the stage for a significant interaction between the two figures, which unfolds in the subsequent verses of Genesis 14.

 

These verses illustrate Abram's swift and successful rescue mission to free Lot and recover the possessions that had been taken by the eastern kings.

Verses 19 to 24 of Genesis 14 continue the account of Abram's encounter with Melchizedek and his interaction with the king of Sodom.

 

Verse 19: "And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth."

Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God, blesses Abram. He acknowledges Abram's relationship with God and declares a blessing upon him. Melchizedek recognizes God as the possessor of heaven and earth, emphasizing God's sovereignty.

 

Verse 20: "And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all."

Continuing his blessing, Melchizedek praises the Most High God for granting Abram victory over his enemies. Melchizedek recognizes that it was God who delivered Abram's adversaries into his hands. As a token of gratitude and respect, Abram offers a tithe, or a tenth, of all the spoils of war to Melchizedek.

 

Verse 21: "And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself."

The king of Sodom approaches Abram and makes an offer. He suggests that Abram keep all the possessions and goods that were recovered in the battle, but requests the return of the captured people. The king of Sodom essentially wants the freed captives to be reunited with their families and community.

 

Verse 22: "And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,"

In response to the king of Sodom's proposition, Abram makes a solemn declaration. He acknowledges his oath to the Lord, the Most High God, who is the possessor of heaven and earth. Abram's response indicates his recognition of God's authority and his commitment to honor his relationship with God.

 

Verse 23: "That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:"

Abram explains his refusal to accept any possessions or wealth from the king of Sodom. He declares that he will not take even a thread or a shoelace from the king's belongings. Abram's motivation for this refusal is to prevent the king of Sodom from claiming credit for Abram's prosperity. Abram wants to ensure that it is God, not any human ruler, who is recognized as the source of his blessings.

 

Verse 24: "Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion."

Abram makes an exception to his refusal to take any possessions from the king of Sodom. He allows his allies, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, and their respective groups to take their rightful share of the spoils. This demonstrates Abram's fairness and recognition of his allies' participation in the campaign.

These verses depict Abram's encounter with Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who blesses Abram and acknowledges God's sovereignty. Abram then interacts with the king of Sodom, rejecting any personal gain from the recovered possessions to uphold his commitment to God and avoid any potential claims of enriching Abram through the king's wealth. Abram's actions demonstrate his devotion to God and his integrity in handling the spoils of war.

Important Points

 

Conflict between Eastern Kings and the Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah: The chapter begins by describing a conflict between four eastern kings led by Chedorlaomer and five kings from the region of Sodom and Gomorrah. The eastern kings had subjugated the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah for twelve years before they rebelled.

 

Abram's Rescue of Lot: Lot, Abram's nephew, was captured by the eastern kings during their campaign. When Abram learned about Lot's capture, he mobilized his trained servants and pursued the captors. With a force of 318 men, Abram defeated the eastern kings, rescued Lot, and recovered the possessions that had been taken.

 

Encounter with Melchizedek: After Abram's victory, he encountered Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. Melchizedek blessed Abram and recognized God's role in granting Abram victory over his enemies. Abram, in turn, offered a tithe of the spoils to Melchizedek as a sign of gratitude and reverence.

 

Interaction with the King of Sodom: The king of Sodom approached Abram and requested the return of the captured people but allowed Abram to keep the recovered goods. However, Abram refused any personal gain, declaring that he would not accept anything from the king of Sodom except for the provisions consumed by his allies during the campaign.

 

Abram's Faithfulness and Integrity: The chapter highlights Abram's faithfulness to God and his integrity in handling the spoils of war. He attributes his victory to God and ensures that God receives the glory rather than human rulers. Abram's actions demonstrate his unwavering devotion to God and his refusal to compromise his principles.

 

Overall, this chapter emphasizes Abram's bravery, his trust in God's guidance, and his commitment to righteousness. It also introduces the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, who becomes a significant character in biblical theology and foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as a priest-king.

Quotable Quotes

 

Genesis 14:20: "And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he [Abram] gave him [Melchizedek] tithes of all."

This verse highlights the recognition of God's involvement in Abram's victory and Abram's act of offering tithes, emphasizing the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the principle of giving back to God.

 

Genesis 14:22: "And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth."

Abram's declaration affirms his commitment to God, recognizing God's authority as the possessor of heaven and earth. It reflects Abram's unwavering faith and devotion to God.

 

Genesis 14:23: "That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:"

This verse showcases Abram's integrity and his refusal to accept any possessions from the king of Sodom, highlighting his desire to ensure that his wealth and prosperity come solely from God and not from human rulers.

 

These verses capture some of the key themes and principles present in Genesis 14, such as acknowledging God's role in our victories, demonstrating unwavering faith, and maintaining integrity in matters of material wealth.