‌Abram and Lot

After receiving this promise Abram moved to Hebron in the south of the land of Canaan.

Abram delivers Lot from captivity (Genesis 14:1–16)

The events of this chapter lead up to a most interesting meeting between Abram and Melchizedek. A northern confederacy of powers had placed Sodom and other cities of the far south under tribute. After thirteen years they rebelled and the kings of the north, led by Chedorlaomer, swept down to suppress this revolt.

The ensuing battle took place “in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea” (Genesis 14:3). This area was a very fertile valley in those days (Genesis 13:10) but we are also informed that it is called “the salt sea” because of the catastrophe that occurred there later when Sodom was destroyed (Genesis 19:24–25). The kings of the north were victorious in the battle and led off captives, including Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who by this time was actually living in Sodom (Genesis 14:12).

One who escaped came and told “Abram the Hebrew” what had happened to Lot (v13). This is the first time that the word “Hebrew” occurs in the Bible. It means “one who has crossed over”. It was a title given to Abram because he had crossed over the Euphrates, having left his country and kindred in obedience to God (Genesis 12:1–3). Abram now, with a small company of his own servants, pursued and overtook this great army of the northern confederacy and overthrew them at night (Genesis 14:15). When he returned, bringing with him Lot and all the people and their goods, he was met by two kings.

The king of Sodom went out to meet Abram “at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale” (Genesis 14:17). Now we know that the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked (Genesis 13:13), and here this king of a city notorious for its immorality came to meet the God-fearing man Abram.

Abram Meets Melchizedek

Abram meets Melchizedek, the king priest (Genesis 14:17–24)

At precisely the same place, Melchizedek the king of Salem also came out to meet Abram. This king was a striking contrast to the king of Sodom and all that he stood for. Melchizedek was not only a king but was also “the priest of the most high God” (Genesis 14:18). Abram acknowledged Melchizedek, who had come to meet him with bread and wine, praising God for delivering Abram from his enemies. As priest he would mediate for Abram as he worshipped God (Genesis 14:18–20).

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews draws important lessons about the work of the Lord Jesus Christ from this incident. We see that this King-Priest Melchizedek foreshadowed Christ’s role as King and High Priest of God. In Hebrews 5 to Hebrews 7 he speaks of this as follows:

• God had foretold that one was coming who would be “a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4). The writer shows that this prophecy was speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 5:5–6; 6:20; 7:17,21).

• He shows that the name Melchizedek is very significant. It is made up of two Hebrew words, melchi meaning “king” and zedek meaning “righteousness”. Thus Melchizedek is a title—“King of Righteousness” (Hebrews 7:1–2).

• He also shows that the word Salem, which means “peace”, is significant too.

  Putting these two titles together we learn that this man was not only “King of Righteousness” but also “King of Peace” (Hebrews 7:1–2). He foreshadows the Lord Jesus Christ whose reign will be renowned for righteousness and peace (Psalm 72:7).

• The Lord Jesus Christ is now at the right hand of God in heaven, mediating as High Priest for those who draw near to God through him (Hebrews 7:3; 10:21–22).

This priesthood of Christ, which is of the order of Melchizedek, is superior to the priesthood that was given to Israel under the Law of Moses (Hebrews 7:7–10). The priesthood of the order of Aaron came to an end. The priesthood of Jesus Christ will never end, because he is immortal.

From this incident in the life of Abram we see that a greater High Priest was foreshadowed. Through this greater High Priest, Jesus Christ, those who develop a faith like Abram and are baptised into Christ have access to God in heaven.

Abram Refuses the King of Sodom’s Goods

After Abram had concluded his worship with Melchizedek, the king of Sodom came forward with this proposition: “Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself” (Genesis 14:21). Abram’s simple reply reveals his great faith in the living God: “I have lift up my hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take from a thread even to a shoe latchet, and that I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich” (Genesis 14:22–23).

Abram did not want in his household anything that came from one of the most ungodly societies the world has ever known. Such was his abhorrence of that way of life, that he had vowed not to take any reward from this man. His God had given him the victory and he was content to trust in Him. Since God was “the possessor of heaven and earth”, as Abram acknowledged, then the King of Sodom could give him nothing that was not already God’s.

Although Lot witnessed all this and heard these discussions, he went back to his home in Sodom. He should have realised that to remain with Abram would have given him and his family security and peace and kept them in God’s way.

Adapted from “The Exploring the Bible Course” by David Evans