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.””
Genesis 14 Meaning
Genesis 14 tells the story of Abram (later known as Abraham) and his encounter with the Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. The verses highlight the military victory of Abram against these kings and the encounter with Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. This chapter highlights the themes of faith, obedience, and the blessings that come when we align ourselves with God’s purposes.
Genesis 14 Commentary and Explanation
In Genesis 14, we find ourselves amidst a fascinating narrative that goes into themes of conflict, power, and the divine intervention of God. This chapter is rich with historical and theological significance, offering insights into the early interactions between various tribes and cities in the ancient Near East, as well as foreshadowing important aspects of God’s covenantal relationship with humanity.
The chapter begins by introducing us to a regional conflict involving several kings, including Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim. These kings formed an alliance and exerted their dominance over other neighboring city-states, including Sodom and Gomorrah. This sets the stage for the main conflict of the chapter, wherein these kings engage in battle against the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar.
Among those caught in the crossfire is Lot, the nephew of Abram (later known as Abraham). Lot, along with his possessions, is taken captive by the invading forces and carried off. Here, we witness the consequences of Lot’s decision to dwell in the vicinity of Sodom, a city known for its wickedness. Despite the warnings and concerns raised by Abram regarding the moral decay of Sodom, Lot chose to settle there, ultimately placing himself and his household in jeopardy.
Upon learning of Lot’s capture, Abram mobilizes his trained men, born in his own house, numbering three hundred and eighteen, and embarks on a daring rescue mission. This demonstrates Abram’s courage, leadership, and loyalty to his family. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Abram pursues the enemy forces, launching a strategic night attack and successfully defeating them. This victory not only secures the release of Lot and his possessions but also highlights Abram’s faith in God’s promise of land and descendants.
Following the battle, Abram encounters Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High. Melchizedek blesses Abram and offers him bread and wine, symbolizing fellowship and divine favor. This encounter is significant in biblical theology, as Melchizedek serves as a precursor to Christ, the ultimate high priest who offers eternal salvation through his sacrifice. The author of Hebrews elaborates on this typology in Hebrews 7, underscoring the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over that of Melchizedek.
Abram’s interaction with Melchizedek also highlights the theme of blessing and prosperity. Abram acknowledges God as the source of his victory and offers a tithe of all the spoils to Melchizedek. This act reflects Abram’s recognition of God’s sovereignty and his commitment to honoring God with his possessions. It sets a precedent for the practice of tithing, emphasizing the principle of giving back to God a portion of what he has graciously provided.
Genesis 14 presents us with a vivid portrayal of ancient Near Eastern warfare, familial loyalty, and divine intervention. Through the experiences of Abram and Lot, we glean valuable lessons about the consequences of our choices, the importance of trusting in God’s promises, and the significance of honoring God with our resources. As we reflect on these narratives, may we be encouraged to emulate Abram’s faithfulness and reliance on God in the midst of life’s challenges.
Also Read: Genesis 13 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Genesis 14
At this point in the biblical narrative, Abram is still known as Abram, meaning “exalted father.” He has journeyed from his homeland with his wife Sarai (later known as Sarah) and his nephew Lot, following God’s call to go to the land of Canaan. In chapter 12, God promises to make Abram into a great nation and bless him, and Abram faithfully obeys. As Abram continues to travel through the land, he faces various challenges and tests of his faith.
In Genesis 14, we see Abram facing a new challenge – the captivity of his nephew Lot. This event prompts Abram to gather a small army and go to battle against the kings who had taken Lot and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah captive. Despite the risks involved, Abram’s faith and determination lead him to victory.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 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.” (Genesis 14:14)
In response to the news of his nephew’s capture, Abram takes immediate action. He gathers his trained men and goes after the captors, showing his love and loyalty to his family.
“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.” (Genesis 14:17)
Following his victory, Abram encounters the king of Sodom, who offers him the spoils of battle. This sets the stage for Abram’s declaration of integrity and his refusal to accept any of the possessions.
“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.'” (Genesis 14:18-19)
Melchizedek, who is regarded as a figure pointing to Jesus Christ, blesses Abram and acknowledges God as the ultimate source of blessing and victory.
Lessons From Genesis 14
1. Faith and obedience bring victory: Abram’s act of faith and obedience in responding to God’s call led to his triumph over the enemies. In our own lives, when we trust and obey God, He equips us to overcome challenges and experience His blessings.
2. Acknowledge God as the source: Abram’s encounter with Melchizedek reminds us to recognize God as the ultimate provider and bless Him with our tithes and offerings. When we honor God with our resources, He blesses us abundantly.
3. Live with integrity: Abram’s refusal to accept any possessions from the king of Sodom shows his commitment to living a righteous and honest life before God and others. As Christians, we should strive to maintain our integrity and resist the temptation to compromise our principles for worldly gain.
Final Thoughts
Genesis 14 portrays Abram as a man of great faith, courage, and integrity. His victory in battle and encounter with Melchizedek highlight the importance of trusting and obeying God, recognizing Him as our ultimate source of blessing, and living with integrity. As we reflect on these verses, let us be inspired to follow Abram’s example and seek to align ourselves with God’s purposes in our own lives.