Genesis 14.  

Before we begin chapter 14, let’s review a spiritual truth revealed in the previous chapter 13.  Remember that Abram had allowed Lot to choose where he and his flocks and household would reside and Abram would take what was left. In doing so – Abram was trusting God to choose for him.  

God then reassures Abram of what He is giving to Abram and his descendants. Abram is told to look to the North, South, East and West. All that you see is yours and your descendants. God then instructs Abram to walk in it – “for I am giving it to you.”  This is your possession, God is saying- you must lay claim to it by going and walking in it. The next action we see Abram take is moving his tents- moving out by faith to take hold of that which God has promised him.  

Now Paul reminds us in Galatians as believers, we are spiritual descendants of Abraham.  Canaan is a picture of the Spirit-filled life- the abundant life that Jesus came to give us. Canaan is called the Promised Land- because the God promised this land to Abram and his descendants. And God who is a Promise Keeper and cannot lie gave the physical land to Abram and his descendants. Today they inhabit only a small portion of what God has given them- but in the Millenium they will occupy its entirety.  

Spiritually- what God is saying to us as the spiritual descendants of Abram is look at the promises and blessings He has given us. Lay claim to them by faith and walk in them. God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ.( Ephesians 1). Paul then prays ‘  the eyes of our heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious INHERITANCE in the saints and His incomparable great power for us who believe.( did you see that word ‘inheritance’.?) 

When you and I were born- God in His genius deposited in us the ability to walk, talk, write, ride a bike, drive a car, do math, throw a ball, etc. We could not do all of those things right away- for we had to grow up- to mature and in some cases learn how to do those things. But the abilities to do so- were built in us from the beginning. The same is true when we were born again- God gave us all of these spiritual blessings available to us as we grew up and matured as Christians and laid hold of those blessings- those things we had inherited – by faith. As earthly parents we all want our children to grow up and enjoy and utilize the wonders God has built into us- how much more our Heavenly Father wants us to grow up  and not stay a  ‘babe in Christ’, to mature and reach the potential that God has for us.  

What a shame to leave untold spiritual gifts unopened- unused and forfeited. We can live our whole life wandering in the wilderness where God provides us with the necessities, the basics food and water but never experiencing the abundant life in the promised land. It happened to the Israelites because they did not believe God’s word and His promises to them and it happens to us also. On many occasions there would be those who needed to be healed who came to Jesus and Jesus would ask them what would they have Him do?  They asked to be healed- Jesus told them to go and be healed – your faith had made you whole. Faith combined with obedience is the key that unlocks the storeroom of blessings. This is a Key Truth. 

The carnal man and the unbeliever desire and work and scheme diligently to obtain all that the world has to offer.  As Christians we should earnestly desire to obtain all that heaven has for us and that our Heavenly Father has promised us in His Son.  
 

Now as we begin chapter 14- remember a truth regarding first occurrences. When we encounter a first occurrence in Bible- we are being shown by God what this word and this occurrence mean and stand for and will always stand for in the Bible.  

We saw the first occurrence of the shedding of blood had to do with providing cover or atonement for sin. For without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.  

In chapter 14 we will see the following first occurrences:  the first mention of the numbers 12 &13; the first mention of war; kings; priest; bread & wine; and tithes.  

14: 1-4:  

In these verse we read of a list of 4 kings and 5 kings.  It is often called the War of the 4 kings against the 5 kings.  Evidently the five kings had been subject to King Kedorlaomer for 12 years.  Paying taxes and living under his rule. In the 13^th year the five kings rebelled against the four kings and the government which had exerted control over them.  This was a caravan trade route and as most wars are- it was more than likely fought over money, land, resources and power.  

The first occurrence of the numbers 12 and 13 let us know how these numbers will be used in Scripture.  The number 12 = the number of government.  The number 13 = the number of rebellion.   

We read of this battle in verse 5-10 and discover the 4 kings defeat the 5 kings- which included the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah.  We read that some of the armies of the 5 kings were trapped in the tar pits, although later in the passage we discover the King of Sodom escaped. ( Tar speaks of the presence of oil reserves.)   

At this point, if one is not familiar with the story- we are wondering what this has to do with the story of Abram. But in verses 11&12- we discover the reason for this account.

“ The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away. They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions since he was living in Sodom.”   

Now we know why this event is recorded for us- so let us carefully consider what has happened.  

Notice first of all the information given us regarding Lot. He was living in Sodom. When we last read about Lot- he pitched his tent near Sodom. Remember the process- Lot looked toward Sodom; Lot pitched his tent near Sodom; finally he dwelt in Sodom. We must be careful what we look at and thus what we allow to tempt us or we will be drawn in by what started as a look. Then there is the inevitable moving closer to that which we looked at and then the trap springs and we are ensnared.  Notice also he was captured with all his possessions. Perhaps there was an opportunity for Lot to have escaped- if he was willing to leave behind his possessions. 

Word comes to Abram of Lot’s situation.  Abram now shows us what it means to be in the world but not of the world.  First of all Abram could have said- well, this is what Lot chose to do…it serves him right.  He chose to fellowship with those ungodly people and now he is reaping the consequences of his decision.  

Besides, I am a conscientious objector. I am separated from the world. I am a farmer not a fighter…there was an endless list of excuses Abram could have come up with for not taking any action. Just as easily as we can come up with excuses not to be involved with what is going on in the world.  

Or Abram could have taken another course of action- he knew what these men were interested in:  money. Their intentions were probably to sell these captives as slaves- that was what usually occurred. Abram was rich- he could negotiate the release of Lot and his family and pay a ransom to those who held him captive. It seems Abram knew you cannot negotiate with terrorists and kidnappers- you will only encourage them to do more of the same. You give the devil an inch and he will take a foot.  

Because Abram was a man who kept the communication lines open with God- he continues to make the right decisions as he is directed by the unseen hand of the Lord. That God approves of Abrams’ actions is confirmed in the words of the mysterious king-priest Melchizedek who states: “ And blessed be the God Most High who delivered your enemies into your hand.”   

The fellow who stands outside of churches including ours with signs against war- must not realize that God delivers your enemies into your hand in just wars.  And that we must not be afraid to enter just wars nor are we to stand on the sidelines of life and say we are Christians who desire nothing but peace. The Bible speaks of how God has shown His favor for His people in battles to which He directs them time after time in the OT and certainly the ultimate battle which He Himself will wage and destroy His enemies with the sword ( the Word of God) that proceeds from His mouth. So the first occurrence of war in the Bible- shows there is a time for war and a time for peace.  
 

So Abram upon hearing of the capture of Lot and his household moves into action. He takes his trained servants born in his own household three hundred and eighteen and pursued them to Dan.  318 trained servants born in his household! An indication of the size of Abram’s wealth. Notice these were born into his household- not counting men servants and maid servants he has acquired in Egypt- we can estimate that Abram may have up to 1000 people on his payroll. He was a wealthy man- yet he lived in a tent on the plains.  

Verse 15 offers a brief account of the rescue and battle. Abram divided his group and attacked by night and smote them, and pursued them into Hobah which is on the left hand of Damascus.   A military strategists would look at this and say this was a brilliant tactic to follow when facing superior numbers- attack from two different directions at night- so the enemy cannot see how few you are. The sudden attack in the dark of night shook the armies of the four kings- who had also probably begun to celebrate their victory.  But for the man who keeps the communication lines open with God- whose God goes before him in battle- Abram knows this incredible victory has been given to him by the Lord. God was with him all the way.  

As a result, in verse 16- we see Lot and his women and his people and his goods rescued by Uncle Abram. Evidently we will see other captives were also recovered.  

In verse 17 we are shown that the King of Sodom has survived and is on his way to meet Abram and make him an offer. However, God saw to it that Abram was prepared for the temptation by arranging for Abram to meet the mysterious King-Priest, Melchizedek before the King of Sodom came.  

In verse 18 we read Melchizedek is king of Salem- which is an early name for Jerusalem. This word is also the word from which comes shalom or peace. He is described as both a king and priest. We are being show here one of the great types of Christ in the Old Testament. Some have suggested this was actually the Lord Jesus in a pre-incarnate visit. Others speculate this could be Shem who was still alive at this time. We are not told who Melchizedek is- but we read more about him in Hebrews.  

Look at Hebrews 5 & 7 and we read of a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.  And in Hebrews 6: 20 & 7:1-3  listen to this description:  “ whither the forerunner, even Jesus, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abram returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him. To whom 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 forever.”  

So all of a sudden the appearance of this mysterious King-Priest- no mention of father, mother, descendants- nor record of birth- (pre-existent) no record of death( eternal) -  what a great picture of the Lord Jesus.  I am not saying this meeting did not take place- it is a historical fact- but clearly the scripture in Hebrews tells us it also highly typical of the Lord Jesus.   

We read for the first time- first occurrence of the bread and wine mentioned together. It is mentioned with this king’s position as priest of the Most High God- El Elyon- the possessor of heaven and earth. The bread and wine are symbols we recognize as the body and blood of the Lord Jesus offered on Calvary. Abram is moved by this significant symbol and is in doing so looking forward to the Calvary. It is the same Most High God who has delivered Abram’s enemies into his hand.   ( Read Psalms 91)  

Abram’s action and response was immediate and spiritual. He gave a tithe ( first mention) a 1/10^th of all that he had acquired  as an act of worship. You see- giving is a form of worship and thanksgiving- but it also a recognition that the Most High God is the possessor of heaven and earth.  

Now just as the king of Salem is a type of Christ- next comes the king of Sodom who is a type of satan.  

The king of Sodom’s offer is a very subtle temptation. He says to Abram- give me the people- the souls and I will give you the spoils- the goods, the material possessions.  Satan certainly knows which buttons to push- that is why Paul warns us regarding the love of money which is the root of all evil which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  

Abram lifts up his hand to heaven and proclaims to the king of Sodom- I will not take anything from you- lest you say later on I have made Abram rich. In other words – Abram knew there would be strings attached to this gift that would be pulled later on.  

I believe Abram was learning to trust God and he was also learning from his mistakes. He had learned  in Egypt what happens when the world enriches a man.  

Abram had just experienced victories over the world, the flesh and the devil. He was walking by faith and trusting the Lord with all his heart and leaning not to his own understanding.  

We will see in the next chapter God can now entrust Abram with more direction and more blessings as God begins to fill in the blanks.  Remember : “By faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out not knowing where he was going.”  

God is now about to show Abraham where he is going as God does not show us the next steps- until we have caught with Him in obedience to take the steps He has already ordered us to take. God will also not reveal certain truths to us until we have acted upon the truths He has already shown us.  

Summary:  

As we observe the decisions in the life of Abram, we see the growth of his faith. Remember faith accompanied by obedience is the key that unlocks the storehouse of blessings. Paul says through the eyes of faith we see the hope to which we are called, the glorious inheritance of the saints and the incomparable power that if for us who believe.  

Jesus said faith was the answer to our fears and troubles. The Lord Jesus said ‘ let not your hearts be troubled- you believe in God , believe also in me.  In those familiar verses in John 14 on the night of his arrest, Jesus was dealing with troubled disciples. You want to know how to deal with trouble?  Believe in Jesus- a faith that results in obedience that takes action. 

We are put our trust, our faith in the person of Jesus Christ and like His mother said to the servant- ‘whatever He tells you to do- do it.  

Jesus also told us that night He was preparing a place for us. Remember what Abraham was looking for- a city whose builder and architect was God. Jesus the carpenter is preparing a place for us to reside in eternity in heaven. It is a prepared place for prepared people. This is our home- and we are just passing through this world- living in these earthly tents.  

We put our trust, our faith in not only a person but a place- just as Abraham did.  

But our Lord went even further to assure us- He gave us His word that He was coming back. I have and you have the promise of the Lord Jesus’ sure return. It was by believing the Word of God- the promise of God that Abraham was counted righteous. We can be confident He can keep His Promise. Nothing is impossible for Him. 

We put our trust, our faith not only in a person and a place, but also in a promise.  

And last but not least- Jesus gave us a plan. He said I am the way, the truth and the life- no man comes to the Father but by me. That is the plan. The way is narrow but leads to eternal life.  

Like Abraham- we have put our faith- we have a believed in a person, who is preparing a place; who has promised to return and take us there and He is the way, the plan. Faith calls for action. It is to be accompanied- followed by obedience that results in actions. The story is told of an Indian tribe in Oklahoma where oil was discovered on their reservation. The oil company made a deal with the tribe and they were awarded a large amount of money. The chief of the tribe was sold a custom made Cadillac convertible by an enterprising car salesman. But not understanding how to properly use the 250 horsepower engine under the hood- the chief hitched a team of horses to his new car which pulled him around the reservation. Told of this development, the car salesman went out to the reservation and showed the chief how to turn on the engine and put the full force of horsepower into use by turning on the ignition and putting it in gear. Faith is the key and obedience turns the key that results in action. 
 

When Jesus told His disciples and us these truths in John 14,He added : “ If it were not so, I would have told you.”