Genesis Chapter 14
"Justice in the Face of Injustice"
Context:
Abram saves his Nephew Lot from Slavery, and meets some new friends.
Chief People:
- God
- Abram
- Lot
- Amraphel king of Shinar,
- Arioch king of Ellasar,
- Kedorlaomer king of Elam
- Tidal king of Goyim
- Bera king of Sodom
- Melchizedek king of Salem
Choice Verses:
GENESIS 14:1
At the time when Amraphel was king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goyim.
- We are introduced to new characters, three kings. The “land of Shinar” is a reference to the place where the Tower of Babel was built, and the meaning of the name Shinar is: Watch of him that sleeps. The meaning of the name Ellasar is: Revolting from God. The meaning of the name Tidal is: That breaks the yoke, knowledge of elevation.
GENESIS 14:2
These kings went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboyim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar).
- This is the Bible's first mention of the word "war." War at that time was more about taxes and trade than influence of any kind.
GENESIS 14:3
All these latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Dead Sea Valley).
- This region is toward the southern end of the Dead Sea, although some historians believe it to be on the Northern end. Wherever it was, this was the place they all joined.
GENESIS 14:4
For twelve years they had been subject to Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
- Apparently, these five kings had rebelled against the twelve-year rule of the four kings of the east, headed by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam. More than likely, as often occurred in ancient times, this rebellion was most likely over tribute and taxes.
GENESIS 14:5
In the fourteenth year, Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh Kiriathaim.
- As noted, the war has gone on for a year, and involved others. This demonstrates just how long war and politics could take in this era: more than a year passed between the initial rebellion and the resulting invasion.
GENESIS 14:6
and the Horites in the hill country of Seir, as far as El Paran near the desert.
- Their route took them south through Canaan along a line east of the Jordan River, defeating all in their path, including in this verse the Horites in the hill country of Seir all of the way to the edge of the southern wilderness
GENESIS 14:7
Then they turned back and went to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who were living in Hazezon Tamar.
- Amalekite were members of an ancient nomadic tribe, or collection of tribes, described in the Old Testament as relentless enemies of Israel, even though they were closely related to Ephraim, one of the 12 tribes of Israel. The district over which they ranged was south of Judah and probably extended into northern Arabia. The Amorites were the indigenous people of central inland and northern Syria. They developed powerful states such as those centered on Ebla, Carchemish and Aleppo.
GENESIS 14:8
Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboyim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and drew up their battle lines in the Valley of Siddim.
- Now the four kings come to the Valley of Siddim to do battle against the five kings listed in this verse. Those five kings include the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. It will be helpful to remember that Abram's nephew Lot had pitched his tents near the city of Sodom, as described in (Genesis 13).
GENESIS 14:9
against Kedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goyim, Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar--four kings against five.
- The big battle has begun
GENESIS 14:10:
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of the men fell into them and the rest fled to the hills.
- The fact that not much is mentioned of the actual battle suggests it was short, and very one sided. In retreat, many fell into tar pits, which could have been oil coming to the surface from under the ground there, and forming these tar pits. There is thought that this played a role in the fiery destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in later verses.In any case, the five rebellious kings were thoroughly defeated.
GENESIS 14:11
The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away.
- The revolt has been put down and now, and as typical of the time after a victory, the reward is plunder taken from the defeated.
GENESIS 14:12
They also carried off Abram's nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom.
- Lot originally thinking his decision of the fertile area was to his benefit proves to be his loss. Not only has he lost all his possessions, but he is not a captive also; likely to become a slave. The prior verse stated that the kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, which brings to question how Lot was caught up in this. It has been suggested that Lot had moved to the city, and grown accustomed to Sodom's sin, but as much as that may be possible, one has to wonder if since he was in the area that they simply hadn’t come across him in their travels.
GENESIS 14:13
A man who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the great trees of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshkol and Aner, all of whom were allied with Abram.
- Abram is referred to here as a Hebrew, the first use of this term in the Bible.
GENESIS 14:14
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.
- Though he pursued peace, Abram knew how and when to wage war. He did not hesitate in rescuing his nephew, he immediately gathered men. This also implies that although he was a man of peace, he also was a man that planned for conflict. The men he called out to were not just the men of his household, but those trained, likely in the art of war. Dan is in the far northern reaches of Canaan. The lesson here for us is Good people need to be stronger than bad people, or the bad overrun the good. The United States has always been a pillar for good, for the most part, and if we want to continue in that role, we need to stay strong, both militarily and morally.
GENESIS 14:15
During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.
- Armies of the ancient world were significantly smaller than those of modern times. However, the combined forces of four kings, even after a campaign, would have been many, many times the size of Abram's army. Abram shows his military savvy, he overcomes larger numbers by using a two front surprise attack at night. Perhaps the Kings were not expecting an attack after defeating the other kings of the region, perhaps it was the surprise night attack, and perhaps many of the king's troops had departed, but this battle was a rout. God had promised to bless Abram, as well as to bless all who blessed him and curse all who dishonored him. The mighty Chedorlaomer had dishonored Abram by taking his nephew, and now God keeps His promise once again.
GENESIS 14:16
He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.
- Abram victorious not only recovers his nephew Lot and his possessions, but he also recovers the Canaanites as well. For whatever reason, his only obligation was to his nephew.
GENESIS 14:17
After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh.
- After being soundly defeated by Chedorlaomer, Sodom's king Bera would have been interested in speaking with the man who just rescued his people and possessions.
GENESIS 14:18
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.
- Another king comes out to meet Abram; Melchizedek, king of Salem. Although not Hebrew, the king of Salem was a local king, faithful to God. Some believe this king was sent by God, others say he was Jesus in human form (a temporary, pre-Christ incarnation of God, known as a theophany or a Christophany.), while others say he was just a monotheist, believing in one God. Melchizedek is thought by some to have been the king of Jerusalem (Jeru-salem). (Psalm 110:4), (Psalm 110:4). Interestingly, Melchizedek’s name means “king of righteousness”, and "king of Salem" means "king of peace.".
GENESIS 14:19
and he blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.
- Melchizedek was a priest of God Most High, a highly regarded religious figure, and he blessed Abram by way of God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. Interestingly, prior to this God had blessed Abram several times, but now Malchizedek is.
GENESIS 14:20
And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
- The blessing given states clearly that the Lord was responsible for this victory. This verse also is the first mention of tithing (Numbers 18) (Leviticus 27:30-33) (Malachi 3:10). This may have been a customary response to a blessing at this time, but it certainly would not have been required of Abram. As the victor, the spoils of war would likely have been his to claim. He chose not to keep them.
GENESIS 14:21
The king of Sodom said to Abram, 'Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.
- This is in contrast to the interaction with Melchizedek, as Melchizedek offered praise and blessing to Abram, but the king of Sodom offers nothing, he just demands for his people. Some may be critical of this king but he did offer Abram all the goods.
GENESIS 14:22
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, 'With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth'.
- Whatever Abrams response will be, his decision will be between God and himself; his loyalty is to God, not the king of Sodom.
GENESIS 14:23
that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.'
- One could find this odd of Abram in that he gave Melchizedek 1/10 of everything to a “righteous” man, and excepted nothing from the king of Sodom. First off, we do not know if the 1/10 Abram gave was even anything that Melchizedek had lost, since the only plunder recorded prior was that of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Melchizedek was king of Salem. We also have to recognize that Sodom and Gomorrah were in God's eyes places of wickedness and evil. Abram may have not wanted to be associated in any way with enriching himself from what was once wicked. This oath demonstrates Abram's commitment to making it clear that all he had was given to him by God.
GENESIS 14:24
I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me--to Aner, Eshkol and Mamre. Let them have their share.
- However, in this concluding verse, Abram does say that those who fought with him, his allies, the brothers Mamre, Aner, and Eshkol, are entitled to their fair share of the plunder. Abram is not going to speak for them—this oath is his, and the burden is his. In the same way, Abram will not repay the food his men have already eaten on the way; strictly speaking, he cannot, since it's already gone. Everything that can be returned to Sodom will be returned.
Crucial Words
- Theophany: A visible manifestation to humankind of God or a god, that God desires to be present with humanity. From Greek theophaneia, “appearance of God”
- Christophany: A Christophany is an appearance or non-physical manifestation of Christ. Traditionally the term refers to visions of Christ after his ascension, such as the bright light of the conversion of Paul the Apostle.
- Tithing: The word tithe literally means tenth in Hebrew. Tithing in the book of Hebrew is a way to say thank you to God, and it shows faith in God.
Cross Reference
- (Psalm 110:4) “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
- (Hebrews 5:6) “And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
- (Numbers 18:8) “Then the Lord said to Aaron, “I myself have put you in charge of the offerings presented to me; all the holy offerings the Israelites give me I give to you and your sons as your portion, your perpetual share.”
- (Leviticus 27:32) “Every tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the Lord.”
- (Malachi 3:10) “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
Questions:
- Genesis 14:10 Are the tar pits oil?
- Genesis 14:12 Had Lot moved to the city, or was he just collateral damage?
- Genesis 14:13 Why is Abram referred to as the “Hebrew’ here, for the first time in the Bible?
- Genesis 14:16 Why did Abram recover the possessions of the Canaanites too, was this an attempt to sway these wicked people towards God?
- Genesis 14:18 Was Melchizedek king of Salem actually Jesus? (we can get deep into the weeds on this one)
Christ seen (or mentioned)?
Maybe, through Melchizedek the king of Salem