Village Schools of the Bible

Genesis: A Devotional Study
by Max Frazier, Jr

In our study of Abraham we now approach Genesis 14. I marvel at the attitude displayed by Abraham toward his nephew Lot, especially after how Lot had treated him in the preceding chapter. Again, the character of Abraham comes through loud and clear. So, let's open the Word to Genesis 14 and jump in.

Genesis 14

Key Words: "tithe"; "Abram the Hebrew"

Key Verse: Verse 13 includes the first time use of the phrase, "Abram the Hebrew."

Purpose Statement: This chapter demonstrates (1) the consequences of making a decision without God's wisdom; (2) the great sacrifice love will make even when wronged; and (3) a spirit of selflessness and generosity.

Outline: Abram Rescues a Captured Lot

I. The capture of Lot (vs. 1-12)
A. Background of the struggle (vs. 1-7)
B. Sodom seized (vs. 8-12)
II. Abram rescues Lot (vs. 13-16)
III. Abram is confronted by Melchizedek and the king of Sodom (vs. 17-24)

Questions to Probe: Why was Melchizedek there when Abram returned? How did he happen to be a believer in God? What do we know about him? What made Abram give one tenth of what he had? Is there a significance in the tithe?

Thoughts to Ponder: When you associate with the wrong crowd there is a great possibility that you will be subjected to the same fate as they are. That is what happened to Lot. He never took part in the civil war that was going on in the area. But when Sodom was attacked and defeated, Lot and his family were led captives just like all the other residents of Sodom. There is a profound lesson to be learned. I might attend a school event where alcohol is being served illegally and I may not even be drinking, but if the school authorities enter the premises, I will be just as guilty as those who were drinking. Oh how careful we must be in the selection of those we call friends. What a lesson to be learned from Lot.

Two kings greeted Abram after his rescue of Lot. To the king of Sodom, Abram bestowed a blessing by returning the booty taken in his victory. Although it rightfully belonged to him, yet he returned it to the previous owners because he did not want to be beholden to the Sodomites. From another king, Melchizedek, king of Salem, Abram received a blessing. This king, about whom we know so very little (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:6, 10; Hebrews 6:20-7:28), was a servant of God, and he honored Abram for being a servant of God as well. Because Abram was blessed by God, he could become a blessing to others. That really is what Jesus meant when He stated that we are salt and light; we are to bring God's blessings to others.

Note: The geographical distances mentioned in this chapter stagger the mind. Sodom was located at the southern-most part of the Dead Sea. When Abram and his small force finally overtook the captors of Lot, they had traveled to the far north of Canaan and the continued pursuit took them even north of Damascus. That was a distance of nearly 200 miles. That's a lot of marching. Wow! It was tough being a soldier in those days. How we forget the role of geography in Bible accounts.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions, and the nearer we get to Him the more intensely missionary we must become. (Henry Martyn)

Genesis 13 Return to Table of Contents Genesis 15