Genesis - Chapter 14

Genesis 14.1 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; Genesis 14.2 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. Genesis 14.3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea. Genesis 14.4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Genesis 14.5 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 Emins in Shaveh Kiriathaim, Genesis 14.6 And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness. Genesis 14.7 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 Hazezontamar. Genesis 14.8 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; Genesis 14.9 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. Genesis 14.10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain. Genesis 14.11 And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way. Genesis 14.12 And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. Genesis 14.13 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. Genesis 14.14 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. Genesis 14.15 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. Genesis 14.16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. Genesis 14.17 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. Genesis 14.18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. Genesis 14.19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: Genesis 14.20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Genesis 14.21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. 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, 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: Genesis 14.24 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.

Genesis : Chapter 14

The Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek in Genesis 14

Genesis chapter 14 is a powerful narrative that evokes both the first biblical war and the significant encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek. This passage illustrates how Abraham demonstrates courage and integrity in the face of conflict and tension.

The Rescue of Lot

This dynamic text describes Abraham's rescue of Lot, as well as his interactions with the king of Sodom and the mysterious priest-king of Salem. Through these events, the chapter explores profound themes such as family loyalty, generosity, and worship. A Theological Foreshadowing Genesis 14 also foreshadows important theological concepts that are essential to our faith. We invite you to examine five biblical passages that relate to the rich themes of this fascinating chapter.

Related Bible Passages

Hebrews 7:1-2: "This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. He met Abraham as he returned from the victory over the kings and blessed him. Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. At first, his name means 'king of righteousness'; later, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace'." This passage offers us insightful commentary on Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek and its spiritual significance.

1 Timothy 6:11: "But you, O man of God, flee from these things; pursue rather righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness." This exhortation reflects Abraham's attitude in Genesis 14, who refused to enrich himself with the spoils of war, choosing instead the path of righteousness.

Psalm 110:4: "The Lord has sworn and will not repent: 'You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.'" This verse refers to Melchizedek in Genesis 14, prophetically linking him to the Messiah, thus emphasizing the importance of this figure in the divine plan.

James 2:23: "So the Scripture was fulfilled which says: 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness,' and he was called the friend of God." Although this verse does not directly quote Genesis 14, it illustrates Abraham's faith, as demonstrated in this chapter.

Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with everyone." This passage echoes Abraham's peaceful attitude during his interaction with the king of Sodom, revealing his desire for peace and reconciliation.

Conclusion

Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek in Genesis 14 offers us a profound reflection on faith, justice, and peace. Inspired by these biblical stories, we are called to live with courage and integrity, following Abraham's example in our own spiritual lives.