During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer's army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. During the nightThe phrase "during the night" indicates a strategic and unexpected attack. In ancient warfare, night attacks were rare due to the lack of visibility and the high risk of confusion. Abram's decision to attack at night demonstrates his wisdom and reliance on God's guidance. The Hebrew word for "night" (לַיְלָה, laylah) often symbolizes a time of divine intervention or significant change, suggesting that God was actively involved in Abram's victory. Abram divided his forces
Abram's division of his forces shows his tactical acumen. The Hebrew root for "divided" (חָלַק, chalaq) implies a careful and deliberate distribution of resources. This action reflects Abram's leadership and trust in God's promise to protect and bless him. It also highlights the importance of preparation and strategy in fulfilling God's purposes. and routed them
The term "routed" indicates a decisive victory. The Hebrew word used here (נָכָה, nakah) can mean to strike or defeat. This victory was not just a military success but a fulfillment of God's promise to bless those who bless Abram and curse those who curse him (Genesis 12:3). It underscores the theme of divine justice and protection for God's chosen people. pursuing them as far as Hobah
The pursuit "as far as Hobah" shows Abram's determination to completely defeat the enemy. Hobah, identified in historical records as a location north of Damascus, signifies the extent of Abram's commitment to rescuing Lot and defeating the kings. This relentless pursuit reflects the biblical principle of perseverance in the face of adversity, trusting in God's strength to achieve victory. north of Damascus
The mention of "north of Damascus" provides a geographical context that situates the event in a real historical setting. Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, was a significant location in the ancient Near East. This reference not only authenticates the historical accuracy of the narrative but also emphasizes the far-reaching impact of Abram's actions. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use His people to influence the world. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbramLater known as Abraham, he is the central figure in this passage, demonstrating leadership and faith in rescuing his nephew Lot. 2. LotAbram's nephew, who was taken captive by the coalition of kings, prompting Abram's rescue mission. 3. HobahA location north of Damascus, marking the extent of Abram's pursuit of the enemy kings. 4. DamascusAn ancient city, significant as a geographical marker in Abram's military campaign. 5. Coalition of KingsA group of kings who captured Lot and others, leading to Abram's intervention. Teaching Points Faith in ActionAbram's pursuit of the enemy demonstrates that faith often requires decisive action. Believers are called to trust God and act courageously in challenging situations. God's Protection and GuidanceAbram's success in rescuing Lot illustrates God's protection over His people. We can trust that God will guide and protect us when we step out in faith. Leadership and ResponsibilityAbram took responsibility for his family and acted as a leader. Christians are called to lead with integrity and take responsibility for those under their care. Strategic PlanningAbram's division of forces shows the importance of strategic planning and wisdom in executing plans. Believers should seek God's wisdom in their endeavors. Pursuit of JusticeAbram's actions were motivated by a desire to rescue and restore. Christians are called to pursue justice and righteousness in their communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abram's response to Lot's capture demonstrate his faith and trust in God's promises? 2. In what ways can we apply Abram's example of leadership and responsibility in our own lives? 3. How does the concept of God's protection, as seen in Abram's victory, encourage you in your current challenges? 4. What strategic steps can you take in your life to align with God's purposes, as Abram did in his pursuit? 5. How can we pursue justice and righteousness in our communities, following Abram's example of rescuing Lot? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:1-3God's promise to Abram, which underpins his actions and faith in God's protection and provision. Hebrews 11:8-10Highlights Abram's faith, which is evident in his decisive and courageous actions in Genesis 14. Psalm 91:11-13Speaks of God's protection over His faithful, which can be seen in Abram's successful rescue mission. Isaiah 41:10Encourages believers not to fear, as God is with them, a principle Abram exemplified in his pursuit of the enemy. Romans 8:31"If God is for us, who can be against us?" This New Testament truth is reflected in Abram's confidence and victory. 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 Abram, Attack, Damascus, Defeated, Divided, Divideth, Flight, Forces, Hobah, North, Overcame, Pursued, Pursueth, Pursuing, Putting, Routed, Separating, Servants, Smiteth, Smote, StruckDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 14:15 5290 defeat Genesis 14:1-24 4224 cities of the plain Genesis 14:8-16 5076 Abraham, life of Genesis 14:13-21 5077 Abraham, character Genesis 14:14-15 5608 warfare, strategies Genesis 14:14-16 5214 attack
5776 achievement
6634 deliverance 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 14:15 NIVGenesis 14:15 NLTGenesis 14:15 ESVGenesis 14:15 NASBGenesis 14:15 KJV
Genesis 14:15 Commentaries
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