But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, But Abram repliedAbram, later known as Abraham, is a central figure in the Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites. His response here is significant, as it demonstrates his unwavering faith and commitment to God. The Hebrew root for "replied" (עָנָה, 'anah) implies a thoughtful and deliberate response, indicating Abram's careful consideration and firm resolve in his dealings with the king of Sodom. to the king of Sodom
The king of Sodom represents the worldly and often corrupt powers that Abram encounters. Sodom, known for its eventual destruction due to wickedness, symbolizes the moral decay that Abram chooses to distance himself from. This interaction highlights the contrast between Abram's divine allegiance and the earthly temptations represented by Sodom. I have raised my hand
This phrase signifies an oath or a solemn vow. In ancient Near Eastern culture, raising one's hand was a gesture of swearing an oath, often invoking a deity as a witness. Abram's action underscores his serious commitment to God, emphasizing the gravity of his promise and his dedication to uphold it. to the LORD
The term "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is the personal name of God, denoting His covenantal relationship with His people. Abram's invocation of this name reflects his personal and intimate relationship with God, acknowledging Him as the supreme authority in his life. God Most High
The Hebrew term "El Elyon" (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן) is used here, emphasizing God's supreme sovereignty and authority over all creation. By using this title, Abram acknowledges God's ultimate power and dominion, setting Him above all other gods and earthly rulers. Creator of heaven and earth
This phrase affirms God's role as the ultimate Creator, highlighting His omnipotence and the foundational truth of His creation. It serves as a reminder of God's authority over the entire universe, reinforcing Abram's trust in God's provision and protection. This acknowledgment of God as Creator also serves to distance Abram from the king of Sodom's materialistic worldview, aligning him instead with the divine order established by God. Persons / Places / Events 1. Abram (Abraham)The central figure in this passage, Abram is a man of faith who has been called by God to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him. In this context, he is returning from a victorious battle to rescue his nephew Lot. 2. King of SodomThe ruler of the city of Sodom, who approaches Abram after his victory. The king represents worldly wealth and temptation, offering Abram material rewards. 3. The LORD, God Most High (El Elyon)This is the name Abram uses to refer to God, emphasizing His supreme authority and sovereignty over all creation. The Hebrew term "El Elyon" signifies God as the highest, above all other gods and powers. 4. The Battle of the KingsThis event involves a coalition of kings, including the king of Sodom, who were defeated by a group of invading kings. Abram intervenes to rescue Lot, leading to his encounter with the king of Sodom. 5. The OathAbram's declaration of having "raised my hand" signifies an oath or vow made to God, indicating his commitment and allegiance to God over any earthly king or reward. Teaching Points Faithfulness to God Over Worldly TemptationsAbram's refusal to accept the king of Sodom's offer demonstrates his commitment to God. Believers are encouraged to prioritize their relationship with God over material wealth or worldly recognition. Acknowledging God's SovereigntyBy referring to God as "God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth," Abram acknowledges God's ultimate authority. Christians are reminded to recognize and submit to God's sovereignty in all aspects of life. The Importance of Oaths and VowsAbram's raised hand signifies a solemn vow to God. This teaches the importance of keeping our commitments to God and being mindful of the promises we make. Trusting in God's ProvisionAbram's decision to rely on God rather than the king of Sodom's wealth illustrates trust in God's provision. Believers are encouraged to trust that God will meet their needs without compromising their values. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Abram's response to the king of Sodom reveal about his character and priorities? 2. How does Abram's acknowledgment of God as "Creator of heaven and earth" influence his decision-making? 3. In what ways can we apply Abram's example of faithfulness to God in our own lives when faced with worldly temptations? 4. How does the concept of God as "God Most High" provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between a worldly offer and your commitment to God. What did you learn from that experience? Connections to Other Scriptures Hebrews 7This chapter discusses Melchizedek, who is introduced earlier in Genesis 14. Melchizedek blesses Abram, and Abram gives him a tenth of everything, highlighting the theme of recognizing God's sovereignty and priesthood. Psalm 24This psalm speaks of the earth belonging to the LORD, reinforcing the idea of God as the Creator of heaven and earth, as Abram acknowledges in his declaration. Matthew 6:24Jesus teaches about serving two masters, which connects to Abram's refusal to accept wealth from the king of Sodom, choosing instead to serve God alone. 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, Creator, Heaven, Heavens, Lift, Lifted, Maker, Oath, Possessing, Possessor, Raised, Sodom, SwornDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 14:22 1205 God, titles of
5100 Melchizedek
5156 hand Genesis 14:1-24 4224 cities of the plain Genesis 14:18-23 4055 heaven and earth Genesis 14:22-23 5414 money, stewardship
5430 oaths, human
8650 hands, lifting up Genesis 14:22-24 5077 Abraham, character
5468 promises, human 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 14:22 NIVGenesis 14:22 NLTGenesis 14:22 ESVGenesis 14:22 NASBGenesis 14:22 KJV
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