Genesis Chapter 14
Abram received word that his nephew Lot had been taken captive by some enemy armies. Abram was of course going to send his own men to rescue Lot, he was family. Lot was in trouble since enemy kingdoms had come up against his countrymen and kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. The two kings made an alliance with three other kings to try to defeat an alliance made of four kings under the leadership of King Chedorlaomer but were no match for them. The Bible says that the men of Sodom and Gomorrah fled in defeat. Some died a horrible death falling into pits of bitumen (a tar like substance) in the valley of Siddim. Others fled to the mountains.
Archaeologist Nelson Glueck documented the destruction left by these kings: “I found that every village in their path had been plundered and left in ruins, and the countryside was laid waste. The population had been wiped out or led away into captivity. For hundreds of years thereafter, the entire area was like an abandoned cemetery, hideously unkempt, with all its monuments shattered and strewn in pieces on the ground.” [cited in Morris]
When they plundered the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, they found Lot and his family and took them captive. God had spared the life of Lot, but he was taken captive and would have probably been treated very badly had it not been for his uncle who came to his rescue.
Let's Reflect
1. King Chedorlaomer was the king with the most power and the other kingdoms had served him and his power. How long did they all do as King Chedorlaomer commanded?
2. Someone decided to rebel against this king and alliances were made with five kingdoms coming up against four kingdoms. Which alliance was the winning force?
3. When Abram found out about the plight of his nephew he immediately took action to rescue Lot. We read that Abram who had settled near some Terebinth trees in the wilderness to live a peaceful life, had trained men ready for war. How many men did he send to rescue Lot?
4. Abram had his men split into two forces and surprised the enemy by attacking under the cover of night. Abram’s men chased them all the way to what northern town? This would later become a territory of Israel in the northern part.
5. How successful was Abram in rescuing his nephew?
6. We read that the King of Salem (later to be called the city of Jerusalem) heard of the great victory of Abram. This king of Salem was also a High Priest of God. What did King Melchizedek of Salem want to do for Abram?
7. What did Abram want to do for King Melchizedek?
8. King Melchizedek thought very highly of Abram. What did he declare about Abram in his speech about Abram’s great victory in battle?
