Genesis 14
At the time when Amraphel was king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goyim, 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). 3 All these latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Dead Sea Valley). 4 For twelve years they had been subject to Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
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 6 and the Horites in the hill country of Seir, as far as El Paran near the desert. 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.
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 9 against Kedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goyim, Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. 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. 11 The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away. 12 They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom.
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. 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. 15 During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.
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 (that is, the King’s Valley).
18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying,
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth.
20 And praise be to God Most High,
who delivered your enemies into your hand.”Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.”
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, 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.’ 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.”
Meaning of Genesis 14
Genesis 14 tells the story of a battle between several kings and the rescue of Abraham’s nephew Lot, who had been captured during the conflict. It also tells the story of Abram (later known as Abraham) and his encounter with King Melchizedek. This verse highlights the fact that Melchizedek was not only a king but also a priest of God Most High. It reveals the unique role that Melchizedek played in Abram’s life and underscores his spiritual significance.
Genesis 14 Commentary and Explanation
Genesis 14 is a captivating chapter in the Book of Genesis that provides us with a glimpse into the complex world of ancient Mesopotamia and the adventures of some familiar biblical figures. This chapter tells the story of a war among the kings of various city-states and the rescue of Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who had been captured during the conflict.
As we read into Genesis 14, we immediately notice the geopolitical landscape of the time. The chapter opens with a coalition of kings, including Amraphel, the king of Shinar (which is associated with Babylon), and Arioch, the king of Ellasar. These kings joined forces with Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam, and Tidal, the king of Goiim. This alliance, reminiscent of the ancient power struggles in Mesopotamia, waged war against several other kings, including Bera, the king of Sodom, and Birsha, the king of Gomorrah.
Abram, whom we now know as Abraham, is drawn into this conflict because Lot, his nephew, had settled in Sodom. When he learns that Lot has been taken captive, Abraham musters his own forces, consisting of 318 trained men from his household, and sets out to rescue Lot. Here we see Abraham’s courage and determination, as well as his willingness to take risks to help his family.
During Abraham’s pursuit of the enemy, we witness a remarkable encounter. He meets Melchizedek, the king of Salem (Jerusalem), who is also described as a priest of the Most High God. Melchizedek brings out bread and wine and blesses Abraham. This encounter is significant because it foreshadows the priesthood of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. In Hebrews 7:1-3, Melchizedek is described as a priest without genealogy or end of days, and he serves as a type of Christ, the eternal high priest.
Abraham’s refusal to accept any of the spoils of war from the king of Sodom is another noteworthy moment in this chapter. He affirms his allegiance to God by saying, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth” (Genesis 14:22). This is a reminder of Abraham’s faith and trust in God’s provision, rather than relying on earthly gain.
Genesis 14 concludes with the return of Lot and the spoils of war to Sodom and Abraham’s continued journey. We can draw several lessons from this chapter. First, it reminds us of the importance of family and the lengths to which we should go to help and protect our loved ones. Second, Melchizedek’s appearance points to Christ’s priesthood, emphasizing the continuity of God’s plan throughout the Bible. Lastly, Abraham’s refusal of the spoils highlights the idea that our ultimate allegiance should be to God and not to worldly possessions.
Ultimately, Genesis 14 is a rich chapter that offers historical insights into the ancient world, foreshadows the priesthood of Christ, and reinforces the importance of faith and loyalty to God. It showcases Abraham’s character and the way in which he responds to challenges with unwavering trust in the Almighty.
Also Read: Genesis 32 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Genesis 14
Genesis 14 takes place in a tumultuous period where kings were constantly at war, their conflicts often leading to the capture and enslavement of people. In this particular narrative, Abram’s nephew Lot finds himself in the midst of the chaos, captured along with the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.
When Abram hears of this, he sets out to rescue Lot, not only out of familial love but also out of a sense of justice and righteousness. The story emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right and protecting our loved ones, even in the face of adversities.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 14
a) Enemy Invasion and Capture: Four kings wage war against five kings and conquer Sodom and Gomorrah, taking Lot and the city’s people captive (Genesis 14:1-12).
b) Abram’s Rescue Mission: Upon hearing the news of Lot’s capture, Abram gathers his men and sets out to rescue Lot (Genesis 14:13-16).
c) Victory and Return: Abram successfully defeats the enemy kings, rescuing Lot and all the prisoners of war (Genesis 14:17-16).
d) The Blessing and Offering: Abram encounters Melchizedek, who blesses him and offers him bread and wine. In response, Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything (Genesis 14:18-20).
Bible Study on Genesis 14
In this passage, we witness Abram’s commitment to protecting and rescuing his family. Despite the odds, he courageously leads his men into battle and successfully overcomes the enemy kings. This is a testament to Abram’s faith in God’s provision and protection, as well as his willingness to stand up for what is right.
Furthermore, the introduction of Melchizedek adds a layer of spiritual significance to the story. Melchizedek, as the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, foreshadows Christ’s role as our ultimate high priest. Melchizedek blesses Abram, and Abram responds with gratitude and generosity. This exchange symbolizes the recognition of God’s sovereignty and the importance of giving back to Him from our blessings.
The story of Abram’s rescue mission and encounter with Melchizedek serves as a reminder for us to rely on God’s strength and guidance in times of conflict and challenge. It also highlights the significance of acknowledging God’s blessings and responding with gratitude and generosity.
Final Thoughts
The events in Genesis 14 demonstrate Abram’s unwavering faith and trust in God. His bravery in rescuing Lot and his encounter with Melchizedek highlight the divine favor and blessings that accompany a life lived in obedience to God.
As we study this passage, let us be inspired by Abram’s example and strive to stand up for what is right, rely on God’s strength in difficult times, and respond with gratitude and generosity to His blessings.