After a period, Abram received word that Lot had been taken captive by King Kedorlaomer from Mesopotamia. Four eastern kings were executing joint attacks against several regional cities including Sodom. Cities in this ancient region were walled fortresses and maintained national independence from other city-nations. Abram had made a covenant with an Amorite named Mamre and his two brothers. Given the amicable arrangement with these neighbors, he had stationed his camp near Hebron. Abram had 318 men born into his household who were trained for battle. He and his covenanted neighbors immediately pursued Kedorlaomer all the way past Damascus (Syria), approximately 200 miles north of Hebron. Under Abram’s leadership, they routed the opposition. They recovered the hostages, possessions and livestock. As they headed back to Sodom, it was like an extended victory parade.
These eastern kings had subjugated several cities in this region fourteen years prior. They had been receiving a steady stream of income until about a year ago when these cities rebelled against the vassal arraignment. The eastern kings were there to collect – with a vengeance. God had promised to make Abram famous. This impressive victory was news that would spread throughout the ancient world. Abram was now a force to be reckoned with among the nations. Of course, the Lord provided the victory in accordance with his promise, working through Abram and his allies.
Sodom, a city famous for homosexuality and other perverted wickedness, had been entirely and completely looted. The King of Sodom was preparing to meet Abram as he was returning with everything. Before that meeting, Melchizedek, King of Salem, arrived with bread and wine.
He [Melchizedek] was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Genesis 14:19-20
Abram was refreshed, enlightened and encouraged by the presence of Melchizedek. He accepted the blessing, offered a tithe of all the loot, and promptly told Bera, King of Sodom that he would not accept anything from him as payment. The diametrical character of these two Kings could not have been greater. Abram masterfully communicated that truth to the residents of Sodom who were in tow, including Lot. Abram was careful to credit God with the victory, as well as his rise to fame and wealth.
Next Section: Greater Revelation
Table of Contents: Faith, Hope and Love
Text for this post has been borrowed from my Kindle eBook Faith, Hope and Love (Book 2 of the Grace and Knowledge Series), by Brother Woody Brohm. Copyright 2013.
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All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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