Genesis 14 Commentary
Please choose a passage:
Genesis 14:1-3
The Kings of the plains went to war with the kings from the east. It was four allied kings from the east against five allied kings on the plains (including Sodom and Gomorrah).
Genesis 14:4-6
Chedorlaomer had ruled the five cities of the plains of the Jordan Valley for 13 years. He defeats four of the five kings of the plains.
Genesis 14:7-9
After conquering four cities, King Chedorlaomer and his three allies defeated two more in route to the Jordan plains. Then they engaged the five allied kings of the Jordan Valley.
Genesis 14:10-12
Lot was captured as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled to the hill country.
Genesis 14:13-16
When Abram learned of Lot’s capture, he set out in pursuit with his allies. They pursued them a considerable distance, then defeated the kings and rescued Lot and the other captives as well as his possessions.
Genesis 14:17-20
After all the battles and wars, the king priest Melchizedek blessed Abram, and Abram gave to Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils of the wars.
Genesis 14:21-24
Abram strongly refuses the King of Sodom’s offer. He takes nothing for himself, except for those with him to get their shares.
Additional Resources
Genesis is a book about many beginnings. The beginnings of the world, the human race, sin and redemption, and the nation of Israel to name a few. In fact, the word Genesis from the Greek means “origin,” and in Hebrew it means “beginning.” The book of Genesis contains the events of the flood, tower of Babel, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the lives of the Patriarchs.
In the beginning, God created everything by simply speaking, “God said…and it was so” (Genesis 1:6-7, 9, 11, 14-15). This is not a scientific technical account of creation, but it shows a loving God creating a universe and mankind to rule it and fellowship with God. Man was formed especially from the ground and given the breath of life from God. The woman was made from the man’s rib (Genesis 2:7).
After man fell into sin, things began to spin out of control quickly. Cain murdered his brother Abel and the human race became so violent that God decided to destroy them all with a flood. God saved one righteous man (Noah) and his family in an ark filled with animals to deliver the human race from extinction. God chose Abraham and blessed a special group of people named “Israel.” God began to unfold a plan of salvation from a coming famine by sending Joseph to rule in Egypt. The failure of man in every circumstance is met by the salvation of God. We fail, but the good news is God saves us.
Chapter fourteen opens with a conflict between two warring coalitions of kings. The outcome of this war is the defeat of Sodom involving the capture of Lot. Abram rescues Lot and defeats a four-king alliance. With only 318 men of his own and a midnight surprise attack, Abram defeats the Kings, demonstrating courage and leadership. Then, he is blessed by the Priest-king Melchizedek when he returns. Melchizedek is presented in the New Testament as a type of Jesus, who is also a Priest and King that is superior to Abraham and his descendants. Abram refuses to compromise with the King of Sodom.
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