After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). After Abram returnedThis phrase marks a significant transition in the narrative, highlighting Abram's successful military campaign. The Hebrew root for "returned" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which often implies a turning back or restoration. Abram's return signifies not only a physical journey back but also a spiritual and moral victory, as he has acted as a protector and deliverer. This sets a precedent for his role as a patriarch and a man of faith, emphasizing the divine favor and guidance he receives. from defeating Kedorlaomer
The defeat of Kedorlaomer, a powerful king, underscores Abram's unexpected military prowess. Historically, Kedorlaomer is identified as a king of Elam, a region east of Mesopotamia. The Hebrew word for "defeating" is "נָכָה" (nakah), meaning to strike or smite. This victory is not just a physical conquest but a testament to God's providence and Abram's faith. It illustrates the theme of divine intervention where God empowers the seemingly weak to overcome the mighty. and the kings allied with him
This phrase indicates a coalition of kings, suggesting a formidable alliance against which Abram was victorious. The Hebrew term for "allied" is "חָבַר" (chabar), meaning to join or unite. This coalition represents worldly power and opposition, yet it is overcome by Abram, who is supported by divine promise rather than human strength. This victory foreshadows the triumph of God's people over worldly powers throughout biblical history. the king of Sodom came out to meet him
The king of Sodom's approach to Abram is significant, as it sets the stage for the subsequent interaction with Melchizedek. The Hebrew word for "meet" is "קָרָא" (qara), which can imply a calling or encounter. This meeting in the narrative highlights the contrast between the king of Sodom, representing worldly wealth and corruption, and Abram, who is about to be blessed by Melchizedek, a priest of the Most High God. It serves as a reminder of the choices between worldly allure and divine blessing. in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley)
The Valley of Shaveh, identified as the King’s Valley, is a location of significant historical and symbolic importance. The Hebrew "שָׁוֵה" (shaveh) means level or plain, suggesting a place of equality or judgment. This valley becomes a meeting place for kings and a site of divine encounter, as Melchizedek will soon bless Abram here. The King’s Valley symbolizes a place where divine and earthly realms intersect, foreshadowing the coming of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who bridges heaven and earth. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbramLater known as Abraham, he is a central figure in Genesis, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this passage, he returns victorious from battle. 2. KedorlaomerA king who led a coalition of four kings against the cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah. Abram defeats him and his allies. 3. King of SodomThe ruler of Sodom, who comes to meet Abram after his victory. His interaction with Abram is significant in the following verses. 4. Valley of Shaveh (King’s Valley)A location near Jerusalem where the meeting between Abram and the king of Sodom takes place. It is a place of royal significance. 5. The BattleThe event where Abram, with 318 trained men, defeats the coalition of kings led by Kedorlaomer to rescue his nephew Lot. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in VictoryAbram's victory over a formidable coalition of kings demonstrates God's power and faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty in their battles. Faith and ObedienceAbram's actions reflect his faith and obedience to God. Christians are called to act in faith, trusting God for the outcome. Spiritual WarfareThe physical battle Abram fought can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual warfare. Believers are encouraged to be prepared and rely on God's strength. Generosity and IntegrityAbram's later refusal to take spoils from the king of Sodom (in subsequent verses) teaches the importance of integrity and reliance on God for provision. Community and SupportAbram's victory was not achieved alone; he had allies and trained men. This highlights the importance of community and support in the Christian life. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abram's victory over Kedorlaomer and his allies demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? 2. In what ways can Abram's preparation and response to the battle inform our approach to spiritual challenges today? 3. How does the meeting in the Valley of Shaveh set the stage for the introduction of Melchizedek, and what significance does this have for understanding Christ's priesthood? 4. What lessons can we learn from Abram's interaction with the king of Sodom about integrity and reliance on God? 5. How can the concept of community and support, as seen in Abram's alliances, be applied to our spiritual journey and church life today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 14:18-20Melchizedek, king of Salem, blesses Abram, highlighting the spiritual significance of Abram's victory and foreshadowing Christ's priesthood. Hebrews 7Discusses Melchizedek as a type of Christ, emphasizing the eternal priesthood and the blessing Abram received, which points to the greater blessing in Christ. Psalm 110:4References Melchizedek, connecting the priesthood of Christ to this ancient figure, showing the continuity of God's plan. People Abram, Amalekites, Amorites, Amraphel, Aner, Arioch, Bela, Bera, Birsha, Chedorlaomer, Dan, Elam, Emites, Eshcol, Ham, Horites, Lot, Mamre, Melchisedec, Melchizedek, Rephaites, Seir, Shemeber, Shinab, Tamar, Tidal, Zoar, Zuzims, ZuzitesPlaces Admah, Ashteroth-karnaim, Bela, Damascus, Dan, Elam, Ellasar, El-paran, En-mishpat, Gomorrah, Ham, Hazazon-tamar, Kadesh-barnea, King's Valley, Oaks of Mamre, Salem, Salt Sea, Seir, Shaveh-kiriathaim, Shinar, Sodom, Valley of Shaveh, Valley of Siddim, Zeboiim, ZoarTopics Allied, Chedorlaomer, Ched-or-lao'mer, Dale, Defeat, Defeating, Flight, Kedorlaomer, Kings, King's, Meet, Meeting, Putting, Return, Returned, Shaveh, Slaughter, Smiting, Sodom, Turning, Vale, ValleyDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 14:1-24 4224 cities of the plain Genesis 14:13-21 5077 Abraham, character Genesis 14:17-18 4544 wine Genesis 14:17-20 1680 types
5328 greeting Library An Example of Faith
'Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureJerusalem
The first name of this city was Shalem, Genesis 14:18, Psalm 76:2, and it is still retained in the writing, however it is read Jerushalaim. "The name of that place is Jehovah-jireh. Abraham called the place Jireh; Shem called it Shalem. Saith God, If I shall call it Jireh, it will displease Shem the Just; if I shall call it Shalem, it will displease Abraham the Just. I will therefore put that name upon it which was put upon it by both, Jireh, Shalem,--Jerusalem."--"We do not, therefore, put Jod between …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Tithing
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Mal. 3:10). Down deep in the heart of every Christian there is undoubtedly the conviction that he ought to tithe. There is an uneasy feeling that this is a duty which has been neglected, or, if you prefer it, a privilege that has not been …
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing Bethphage
There is very frequent mention of this place in the Talmudists: and, certainly, a more careful comparison of the maps with those things which are said by them of the situation of this place is worthy to be made; when they place it in mount Olivet, these make it contiguous to the buildings of Jerusalem. I. In the place cited in the margin, the case "of a stubborn judge" (or elder) is handling. For when, by the prescript of the law, difficult matters, and such things as concerning which the lower councils …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
SYRIA AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EGYPTIAN CONQUEST NINEVEH AND THE FIRST COSSAEAN KINGS-THE PEOPLES OF SYRIA, THEIR TOWNS, THEIR CIVILIZATION, THEIR RELIGION-PHOENICIA. The dynasty of Uruazagga-The Cossseans: their country, their gods, their conquest of Chaldaea-The first sovereigns of Assyria, and the first Cossaean Icings: Agumhakrime. The Egyptian names for Syria: Khara, Zahi, Lotanu, Kefatiu-The military highway from the Nile to the Euphrates: first section from Zalu to Gaza-The Canaanites: …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals.
ABRAHAM, THE TRADITIONAL FATHER OF HIS RACE.--Gen. 12:1-8; 13:1-13; 16; 18, 19; 21:7; 22:1-19. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible I, 73-94. Prin of Pol., 160-175. Jehovah said to Abraham, Go forth from thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, to the land that I will show thee, that I may make of thee a great nation; and I will surely bless thee, and make thy name great, so that thou shalt be a blessing, I will also bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII The Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be …
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665 …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 14:17 NIVGenesis 14:17 NLTGenesis 14:17 ESVGenesis 14:17 NASBGenesis 14:17 KJV
Genesis 14:17 Commentaries
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