Genesis 14:17
Genesis 14:17 in Multiple Translations
After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
¶ And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale.
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, at the vale of Shaveh (the same is the King’s Vale).
And when he was coming back after putting to flight Chedorlaomer and the other kings, he had a meeting with the king of Sodom in the valley of Shaveh, that is, the King's Valley.
When Abram returned after defeating Chedorlaomer and his allies, the king of Sodom came out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (or Valley of the King).
After that he returned from the slaughter of Chedor-laomer, and of the Kings that were with him, came the King of Sodom foorth to meete him in the valley of Shaueh, which is the Kings dale.
And the king of Sodom goeth out to meet him (after his turning back from the smiting of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings who [are] with him), unto the valley of Shaveh, which [is] the king's valley.
The king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after he returned from the slaughter of Chodorlahomor, and of the kings that were with him in the vale of Save, which is the king’s vale.
As Abram was returning home after he and his men had defeated the armies of King Chedorlaomer and the other kings who had fought alongside him, the king of Sodom went north to meet him in Shaveh Valley, which people call the King’s Valley.
After Abram’s mob beat Kedorlayomer and his mob, and while they were going back south on their way home, the leader of Sodom went out to meet Abram in the valley called Shaveh. Another name for that place is the valley that belongs to the leader.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 14:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 14:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א
מֶֽלֶךְ
סְדֹם֮
לִ/קְרָאת/וֹ֒
אַחֲרֵ֣י
שׁוּב֗/וֹ
מֵֽ/הַכּוֹת֙
אֶת
כְּדָרלָעֹ֔מֶר
וְ/אֶת
הַ/מְּלָכִ֖ים
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אִתּ֑/וֹ
אֶל
עֵ֣מֶק
שָׁוֵ֔ה
ה֖וּא
עֵ֥מֶק
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
סְדֹם֮
Çᵉdôm
H5467
Sodom
N-proper
לִ/קְרָאת/וֹ֒
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
שׁוּב֗/וֹ
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מֵֽ/הַכּוֹת֙
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כְּדָרלָעֹ֔מֶר
Kᵉdorlâʻômer
H3540
Chedorlaomer
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/מְּלָכִ֖ים
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אִתּ֑/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עֵ֣מֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
valley
N-ms
שָׁוֵ֔ה
Shâvêh
H7740
Shaveh
N-proper
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
עֵ֥מֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
valley
N-ms
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 14:17
וַ/יֵּצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
סְדֹם֮
Çᵉdôm
H5467
"Sodom"
N-proper
Sodom was a city near the Dead Sea, known for its wickedness and corruption. According to the book of Genesis, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah as a judgment for their sins. The city has become a symbol of evil and immorality.
Definition: Sodom = "burning" a Canaanite city, usually paired with Gomorrah, located in the area of the Dead Sea and the Jordan river; both cities destroyed by God in judgment Also named: Sodoma (Σόδομα "Sodom" G4670)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Sodom. See also: Genesis 10:19; Genesis 19:28; Isaiah 1:9.
לִ/קְרָאת/וֹ֒
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
שׁוּב֗/וֹ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
מֵֽ/הַכּוֹת֙
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כְּדָרלָעֹ֔מֶר
Kᵉdorlâʻômer
H3540
"Chedorlaomer"
N-proper
Chedorlaomer was an early king of Elam who was defeated by Abraham, as told in Genesis 14. His name means handful of sheaves.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.14.1 § Chedorlaomer = "handful of sheaves" the king of Elam defeated by Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Chedorlaomer. See also: Genesis 14:1; Genesis 14:5; Genesis 14:17.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מְּלָכִ֖ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אִתּ֑/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עֵ֣מֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
"valley"
N-ms
Describes a valley or lowland area, like the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.
Definition: valley, vale, lowland, open country
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: dale, vale, valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also H1025 (בֵּית הָעֵמֶק). See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 60:8.
שָׁוֵ֔ה
Shâvêh
H7740
"Shaveh"
N-proper
Shaveh was a place in Palestine, a plain or level plain where the king of Sodom met Abram after a battle, as described in the book of Genesis. The name Shaveh means 'plain' or 'level plain'. It was an important meeting place in biblical times.
Definition: § Shaveh = "plain" or "level plain" the valley where the king of Sodom met Abram after a battle
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Shaveh. See also: Genesis 14:5; Genesis 14:17.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
עֵ֥מֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
"valley"
N-ms
Describes a valley or lowland area, like the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.
Definition: valley, vale, lowland, open country
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: dale, vale, valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also H1025 (בֵּית הָעֵמֶק). See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 60:8.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — Genesis 14:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 14:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 14:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 14:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 14:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 14:17
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 14:17
- Sermons on Genesis 14:17
Context — Melchizedek Blesses Abram
15During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer’s army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.
16He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people.
17After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
18Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High — 19and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 18:18 | During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument. |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:4 | Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. |
| 3 | Hebrews 7:1 | This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 18:6 | As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. |
| 5 | Proverbs 14:20 | The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich. |
| 6 | Judges 11:34 | And when Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, there was his daughter coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing! She was his only child; he had no son or daughter besides her. |
Genesis 14:17 Summary
This verse tells us that after Abram defeated his enemies, the king of Sodom came to meet him in a special place called the Valley of Shaveh. The king of Sodom likely wanted to thank Abram and possibly form an alliance with him, as Abram had just shown himself to be a powerful and victorious leader. This meeting was an important event, as it led to Abram's encounter with Melchizedek, a priest of God, in Genesis 14:18-19. We can learn from Abram's example by trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, just like Abram did when he went into battle against Chedorlaomer, as seen in Genesis 14:15-16, and by being a blessing to others, as encouraged in Matthew 5:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king of Sodom go out to meet Abram in the Valley of Shaveh?
The king of Sodom went out to meet Abram to show appreciation and possibly to form an alliance, as Abram had just defeated their common enemy, Chedorlaomer, as seen in Genesis 14:15-16. This meeting was a significant event, as it led to the encounter with Melchizedek in Genesis 14:18-19.
What is the significance of the Valley of Shaveh, also known as the King’s Valley?
The Valley of Shaveh, or the King’s Valley, was a strategic location, possibly a place where kings would meet to discuss important matters, as seen in Genesis 14:17. This valley is also near Jerusalem, which would later become a significant city in the history of God's people, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:7.
How did Abram's military victory over Chedorlaomer affect his relationship with the king of Sodom?
Abram's victory over Chedorlaomer likely earned him respect and admiration from the king of Sodom, who may have seen Abram as a powerful ally, as implied in Genesis 14:17. However, it is also possible that the king of Sodom was seeking to use Abram for his own gain, as Abram had just retrieved all the goods and people that had been taken by Chedorlaomer, as seen in Genesis 14:16.
What can we learn from Abram's actions in this verse?
Abram's actions demonstrate his faith and trust in God, as well as his willingness to take risks and face challenges head-on, as seen in Genesis 14:15-17. We can learn from his example by trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate faith and trust in God, like Abram did in this verse?
- How can I balance my desire for recognition and appreciation from others with my desire to please and honor God, as Abram may have experienced in his meeting with the king of Sodom?
- What are some 'valleys' in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and how can I apply the lessons from this verse to those situations?
- In what ways can I be a blessing to others, like Abram was to his relative Lot and the people of Sodom, as seen in Genesis 14:16 and Genesis 14:17?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:17
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him,.... While Abram was in pursuit of the four kings, the king of Sodom came down from the mountain whither he and those that escaped with him fled, and came
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 14:17
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 14:17
So called either upon this occasion of the meeting of divers kings here; or because king Melchizedek either had his habitation, or was much delighted with it, and conversant in it. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:17
Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that [were] with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which [is] the king’ s dale. Ver. 17. The king’ s dale.] So called here by way of anticipation.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 14:17
(17) The slaughter.—Heb., the smiting, that is, the defeat of Chedorlaomer. The valley of Shaven.—That is, the valley of the plain (see on Genesis 14:5). It was the place where Absalom erected his pillar (2 Samuel 18:18), and lay on the northern side of Jerusalem, probably where the Kedron valley widens out. Its other name, “the king’s dale,” may have been given it from this meeting of the kings of Salem and Sodom with the victorious Abram; but Onkelos, with far greater probability, considers that it was so called because upon this level ground the kings of Judah in subsequent times assembled and exercised their forces.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 14:17
Verse 17. The king of Sodom went out to meet him] This could not have been Bera, mentioned Genesis 14:2, for it seems pretty evident, from Genesis 14:10, that both he and Birsha, king of Gomorrah, were slain at the bitumen-pits in the vale of Siddim; but another person in the meantime might have succeeded to the government.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:17
17. the king of Sodom] See note on Genesis 14:10. The writer evidently assumes that this is the same king who had fallen in “the slime pits”; for only the king who had lost property and wealth, but saved his life, could suggest to Abram that the latter should keep the booty. from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer] Lit. “from the smiting of.” We need not suppose that Chedorlaomer and his vassal kings were personally involved in the overthrow. the vale of Shaveh (the same is the King’s Vale)] “The King’s Vale” is mentioned in 2 Samuel 18:18 as the site of the monument raised by Absalom, and was supposed in the days of Josephus to be two “stadia” from Jerusalem (Ant. vii. 10, 3). The word Shaveh means “a plain,” cf. Genesis 14:5. The meeting of the king of Sodom with Abram is here strangely interrupted by the story of the appearance of Melchizedek, and is resumed at Genesis 14:21.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 14:17
ABRAM AND , Genesis 14:17-20. 17. The king of Sodom — Hence it appears that this king survived the defeat, probably by flight to the hills. Genesis 14:10 does not necessarily mean that the kings there named were killed.
Sermons on Genesis 14:17
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Genesis 14:1-24 by John Calvin | John Calvin expounds on the historical account of Abram's victory over the kings, emphasizing the divine intervention and protection granted to him as a chosen servant of God. The |
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Name and Fame by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delves into the human desire for name and fame, highlighting the ambitious heart's yearning for earthly immortality and recognition among fellow men. He contrasts the |
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George Isbell by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot reflects on the enduring memorials of a servant of God, emphasizing that the most lasting legacy is found in the works of a minister, whether through the lives touched |
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(Genesis) Genesis 14:1-4 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on chapter 14 of Genesis, which contains the first war and the introduction of the first priest, Melchizedek. The chapter may seem out of place |
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(Genesis) Genesis 14:18-24 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. Abraham refuses to accept any material poss |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17 Intro by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the seven tests that God gave to Abraham. The first test was when God called Abraham out of his home in Ur of the Chaldees, and although Abrah |
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Man's Chief End to Glorify God by Aeron Morgan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that despite man's ability to harness the power of the sun and wind, he is spiritually fallen and in need of God. The preacher references Pa |