Genesis 14:1-24

Lot suffered great material loss and was taken captive in this conflict between Eastern and local powers - further consequences of his decision to live in Sodom and Gomorrah. Because Abram was dwelling near Hebron at the time, he was spared any trouble.

14:1 | Shinar is Babylon (10:10).

14:10 | The Valley of Siddim had many asphalt pits, sometimes called slime pits. These became traps for some of the soldiers as they fled for the hills.

14:14-16 | When Abram heard that his nephew (also called brother here) was captured, he risked his own life to bring Lot and the family’s goods back to Sodom. Still, Lot would not leave Sodom.

Something to think about: People are often inclined to return to their old sins and habits, even if God has given them a means of escape.

14:18-20 | Melchizedek was a true priest (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 7:1). As such, Abram gave him a tithe of all he owned, even before tithing was instituted in God’s law.

14:21-22 | Abraham resisted the offer to keep the goods of the king of Sodom, unwilling to be in his debt. I have raised my hand was a dramatic gesture, reinforcing Abraham’s oath to refuse any item from King Bera - from a thread to a sandal strap.