Last time in Genesis, we saw how God blessed Abram, and told him He would multiply his descendants as the dust of the earth. Abram gave Lot the first choice of the land, for which Lot chose the plain of Jordan and pitched his tent toward Sodom. Lot chose earthly riches, and Abram chose the riches of the kingdom of God.
When we pick up in Genesis 14, the two kings in the area of Babylon, the king of the area of Persia, and a king of a confederate of nations are going to war with five kings in the plain of Jordan, which included the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. These were not kings of large nations or empires, but kings over city-states. The kings of the plain served the king of Persia 12 years, and in the 13th year they rebelled. In the Bible, the number 13 is associated with rebellion.
So, in the 14th year, the king of Persia and the other three kings came down to battle with them in the area of the Dead Sea, an area in southeastern Israel. They began their invasion in the area that is today the country of Jordan, starting in what used to be Moab, then moving south to Edom and Mount. Seir, and then westward towards the plains of Jordan to battle these five kings. On their way, they wiped out four tribes of peoples, as well as the Amalekites and Amorites that live there. Archeologists have since uncovered the ruins of these civilizations, and they were completely wiped out and plundered.
Well, the five kings, watching this take place, saw this as their opportunity to join the fray and be rid of the alliance of Persia and the other three kings. However, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah were beaten there and fled. At this time there were an abundance of tar pits in the area, and some of them fell into them. This is the same type of tar that was used in building the tower of Babel, as well as what Noah used to cover the ark. Apparently, when Rockefeller read this passage, he figured where there was tar there should be oil, and the rest is history. The remainder fled into the mountains to hide from these five kings.
Then the kings of Persia and those with him took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and they also took Lot and all his goods. If we remember from the previous chapter, Lot had pitched his tent toward Sodom, but by this time he was living in Sodom. This was a trouble Lot could have well avoided if he hadn’t chosen to live amongst wicked people.
Then someone that escaped the battle came and told Abram the Hebrew what had happened. This is the first time we see the word Hebrew mentioned in the Bible, and was either a reference to Abram’s ancestor Eber, or the fact he had crossed the Euphrates River to come into Canaan (the root of Hebrew means passed over or passenger). Abram was still living by the Terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, who had two brothers, Eshcol and Aner. These three were allies with Abram, probably a wise move in those times.
When Abram heard this, he took 318 of his own trained servants, along with the three brothers he was allied with and their men, and pursued after them. He left Hebron and pursued them over 120 miles to Dan in the northern part of Israel, and surprise attacked them at night. He then chased them another 45 miles or so into Syria near Damascus. This is no small feat that Abram took on: First, Abram would have to have had substantial wealth to keep on 318 servants trained for battle. Second, traveling close to 170 miles was quite the march. Third, he was probably severely outnumbered, thus the reason for the surprise attack. Abram and his men were able to defeat those four kings and recover Lot, all the spoil taken, and the women and the people. So, Abram, the man that had a lapse of faith a couple of chapters ago, now showed tremendous faith and courage in going to recover his nephew, Lot. Practically speaking, this would have taken great skill and planning as well. Being a person of faith does not mean we turn off our brains or neglect the gifts God has given us, but it is our faith that takes those gifts and skills to their highest potential.
Now we get to this interesting person Melchizedek. When Abram returned from the slaughter of the kings, Melchizedek king of Salem met him, and brought forth bread and wine. He blessed Abram and credited the Lord for Abram’s victory over the four kings. Abram then gave him tithes of all the spoil. We see here the first mention of the tithe. The tithe just means one tenth, so Abram gave him one tenth of all. A pattern we see throughout the Bible is that paying tithes to the Lord was a common practice. Abram did it, later we will see that Jacob did it, and it is later commanded under the law of Moses. Paying tithes specifically is not commanded in the New Testament, but I believe it is a good starting point for giving. Personally, when I find myself not wanting to give 10% of my income, it has meant I am holding onto my money too tightly. In the New Testament we are told to be liberal givers. The apostle Paul wrote, “But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) So we are to give abundantly with a cheerful heart, and the Lord promises to bless us when we do.
There has been a lot of debate who Melchizedek is, but what we learn from Genesis 14 is that he is the king of Salem, which is the king of peace (see Isaiah 9:6). Salem is also the early name for Jerusalem. It states that Melchizedek was also priest of God most high (El Elyon). In the Old Testament, kings and priests were not allowed to share their offices. He brought out bread and wine, which should remind us of something, the communion table. It is a sign of the new Covenant in Jesus Christ.
The author of Hebrews writes, “For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest Continually.” (Hebrews 7:1-3) So we see he was called the king of Righteousness, and in another place in the Bible a similar title is given to Jesus Christ. Jeremiah writes, “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness.” (Jeremiah 23:6)
According to the Scriptures, Melchizedek was without father or mother, he had no beginning of days nor end of life (i.e. he was not created), but was likened to the Son of God. The only one I know who was not created and that has and will exist for all eternity is God himself. John says of Jesus, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1-3) Since Jesus was in the beginning with God (the Father), is himself God, and has created all things, it would seem that this Melchizedek could be none other than a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. John records a conversation that Jesus had with the Jews. “’Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.’ Then the Jews said to Him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’” (John 8:56-58) It is quite possible this ‘day’ Abraham saw and was glad was this appearance of Melchizedek in Genesis 14. What I have covered may not answer all the questions held by those of the opposing view, but it does seem the greater part of the evidence lends itself to Melchizedek being an Old Testament appearance of Jesus Christ (a Christophany).
Lastly, the king of Sodom also came out to meet Abram, but he paid Melchizedek no tithe. He offered Abram all the spoil from the battle, but Abram had taken a vow not to keep anything except for the food of his trained men and the portion of the men who were confederate with him. Abram did not want anyone but the Lord receiving the glory for the battle that was won, and the material blessing that he had. He did not want the wicked king of Sodom taking any credit for the success the Lord had given him.
In application, are we willing to trust God and courageously fight for our families when necessary? Are we willing to use the gifts and abilities He has given us to aid us in this? We are in a battle like none other for the souls of our children and loved ones, maybe some of them like Lot, but we should not give up on them just like Abram didn’t. Abram had to take on substantial risk to rescue his nephew, and we may have to do the same in one way or another. The good news is God is with us in this battle, and He will ensure our ultimate victory.
In summary, we have seen the Lord’s deliverance and provision in chapter 14 as He defeated the armies of the four kings and saved Lot and all that He had by Abram’s hand. We also see the introduction of Melchizedek whose significance is not seen until much later in the Scriptures. In chapter 15 we will see the Lord confirm His covenant with Abram by an oath, and promise him a son of his own body.
