Genesis 14

Genesis 14:1

IN the dayes] This was in the yeare of the world, 2092. foure hundred thirty sixe yeares after the flood, in the eighty fourth yeare of Abrams age: this is the first warre mentioned in any story, as some say, yet Josephus writes (and it may be true) that there was a precedent warre before this, whereby Chedorlaomer brought these people of the five Cities under subjection, from which they revolted into rebellion.

Amraphel] This is thought to be Nimrod King of Elam, or Persia, or Babylon.

Shinar] Or, Sennaar. (as Josephus cals it, Antiq. lib. 1. cap. 5.) A spatious plaine in the Region of Babylon, put here for Babylon where Nimrod laid the foundation of his Monarchy. Some hold that this Amraphel was King of Assyria, the seat of whose Kingdome was not Babylon, but Nineveh; but because in the beginning one man (who some say was Ninus) had the dominion both of the Babylonians and Assyrians, the same King is often indifferently called King of Babylon and of Assyria.

nations] The word Gojim in the Originall some take for a City, or Countrey so called: but it signifieth Nations, and it may be this King had severall Nations under his command, or was Captaine of a company of severall Nations; or Ruler of some Citie of great Merchandize, frequented by the people of divers Countreyes; as for the same reason Galilee was called Galilee of the Nations, or Gentiles, Isaiah 9:1. Matthew 4:15. frequented by Arabians, Egyptians and other neighbour Nations, being of a fruitfull soyle, and commodious with Ports and Havens. Strabo: lib. 16.

Genesis 14:2

King] By King here is meant the chiefe Governour of a Citie.

Zoar] Or, Zoghnar. So called upon Lots request, and refuge thither, for his safetie, Genesis 19:20; Genesis 19:22. but before it was named Bela, of the Land of Canaan; these five Cities, situate in the Plaine of Jordan, were (all but Zoar) about five yeares afterward consumed by fire and brimstone, Genesis 19:20, &c. Deuteronomy 29:23.

Genesis 14:3

Siddim] Hath its name of a plainnesse coming by beating of the clods, to lay the ground levell: and so was this vale fitter for the conflict of the adverse armies: but after the destruction of the Citie of Sodome, and her sinfull sisters, it was turned into the Lake Asphaltites, or salt Sea. Josephus saith, it was neere the Land of Sodome, and Gomorrah.

salt sea] Called also the Lake Asphaltites, neere Sodome and Gomorrah, which was not a salt sea, or lake at the time of the battell, for that had beene no fit place for such a purpose, but (as some write) it had formerly beene a pleasant valley furnished with trees, untill by Gods judgement for the sins of the Sodomites it was turned into that Lake of the accursed water powred out upon it, which is so filthy and grosse, that no fishes can live in it, nor (as some write) birds flie over it without taking deadly infection from the exhalations, which arise out of it, wherefore it is called also the dead sea, of which many strange things are reported by Plinie Nat. Hist. lib. 5. cap. 16. Justine the Histor. lib. 36. cap. 3. Josephus of the warres of the Jews, lib. 5. cap. 5. Adrichom. Delph. in his Theater of the Holy Land, pag. 52. in the Tribe of Judah.

Genesis 14:4

Chedorlaomer] Though Amraphel who is supposed to be the sonne of Ninus King of Assyria be named first, vers. 1. and others before Chedorlaomer might be more ancient Kings, or Kings of places of more honour and account; yet in this expedition he was chiefe, as appeareth by this, and the next verse; for the cause of the warre was a defection from, or a rebellion against the government of Chedorlaomer, to whose assistance the other Kings joyned themselves as for recovery of his right, with expectation, and it may be also with capitulation for the like aid, if it should be their lot to be so deserted or resisted by their subjects.

rebelled] After twelve yeares subjection, especially if they submitted to Chedorlaomer upon covenant, and oath, their rebellion was unlawfull, for they should have continued their obedience in lawfull things. See Ezekiel 17:15.

Genesis 14:5

Rephaims] The word Rephaim, Deuteronomy 2:11. is used for Giants, but here, as Chap. 15. vers. 20. it seemes to be taken for a strong and fierce people dwelling in Canaan; as the Hittites, and Perizzites; the people mentioned in this and the two following verses, were set upon by the foure Kings, perhaps as confederates with the Sodomites and the rest, or that they might not aid them, they were first assaulted. Of the Rephaims, see Annot. on Chap 6. vers 4.

Emims] See Annot. on Dut. 2. 10.

Genesis 14:6

Horites] See Annot. on Genesis 36:20. & on Deuteronomy 2:12.

Elparan] Heb. the plaine, or, oake of Paran. Of Paran, see Annot. on Numb. Chap. 10. vers. 12. & on Deuteronomy 33:2.

Genesis 14:7

which is Kadesh] So called in Moses his time; (though more anciently it had the name of Enmishpat) it was situate in the desert of Zin, Numb. Chap. 20. vers. 1. 14. 16. 22. Of this Kadesh, see Annot. on Numb. 20. vers. 16.

Amalekites] That was their name when Moses wrote this, but not at the time of the warre; for Amalek was the grandchild of Esau, Genesis 36:12. the sonne of Isaac, the sonne of Abram, but Abram at this time had no child, neither by Sarai nor by Hagar; here then is an anticipation in respect of the story, (for the Amalekites were not yet a people) though not in respect of the time of Moses his writing of it, for in his time, and before, they were a people, and possessed a particular Countrey.

Genesis 14:10

vale of Siddim] Which afterwards was overwhelmed with water, and so called the salt sea; See Annot. on vers. 3.

slime pits] Heb. pits pits. The doubling of the word importeth pluralitie, because there were many pits there: so in the second of Kings, 3. 16. the words in English is make this valley full of ditches; but in the Hebrew, make this valley ditches ditches.

fell there] Flying from their enemies they fell into the pits, (whereof there were many in that place) and there they found at once both their death and buriall: the five Kings chose that place of purpose for the battell, because those pits were not so well knowne to their enemies as to themselves. Here the Kings of Sodome and Gomorrah are said to fall, but that is to be understood rather of the ruine of their armies then of their persons; for the King of Sodome met Abram coming from the victory afterwards, vers. 17. Some thinke those that fell there, fell not into the pits casually, but that purposely they cast themselves into the pits as choosing rather to be drowned, then to be mangled with the sword of their enemie, or to fall into their hands as captives and slaves.

Genesis 14:12

tooke Lot] The godly are plagued many times with the wicked, therefore their company is dangerous, Numbers 16:26. Revelation 18:4.

Genesis 14:13

the Hebrew] Who was so called not from Eber, (as some thinke) because there were five progenitors of Abram which came betweene him and Eber; but rather from the Hebrew word Ghneber, signifying passage, because he passed over the River Euphrates, coming out of Chaldea into Canaan: yet others suppose Abram had his name of Eber, and he rather then any of his Ancestors of the posteritie of Eber was called an Ebrew, because those who descended from him kept the ancient Language, and true Religion of Eber.

consederate] Heb. lords, or masters of the covenant. The word Baal, though most frequently used for an Idol, or false god, in the scripture, (in which acception it occurreth about fiftie seven times) yet in the generall and grammaticall sense it signifieth a Lord, or Master; and many times also it imports emphatically a great affection or disposition to a thing, or a faculty, skill, or fitnesse for a thing; so Joseph, who in our English version is called a dreamer, Genesis 37:19. in the Hebrew is called Lord, or master of dreames; and cunning and skilfull Archers are called masters of arrowes. See Annot. on Chap. 49. 23. and so Elijah addicted to the wearing of an hairy garment, or nourishing the haire of his head and beard, wearing it long, was called an hairy man, so in our English Bibles, 2 Kings 1:8. but according to the Hebrew it is Lord, or master of haire.

consederate] God moved them to joyne with Abram, and preserved him from their Idolatry and Superstition; the prosperitie of Gods people makes those that observe it desirous to be in league with them: upon that ground did Abimelech and Phichol desire to enter covenant with Abraham, Genesis 21. vers. 22, 23. and the like motion for the same reason was tendred to Isaac his sonne, Genesis 26:27-29. and though afterward it were forbidden to make a covenant with the Canaanite, Exodus 34:15. Deuteronomy 7:2. and Jehosaphat was reproved and threatned for his association in assistance of the wicked King of Israel, 2 Chronicles 19:2. yet without the case of especiall prohibition it is not unlawfull to make leagues of peace or warre, or commerce with Infidels in case of necessitie, with due care taken that there be no content in any thing that is sinfull, or prejudiciall to the truth of Religion, nor any appearance of approbation of what is unlawfull, as either against the true faith, or good manners.

Genesis 14:14

brother] Here and vers. 16. Lot is called Abrams brother (for so are they sometimes called in Scripture, who are of neere kindred, or affinitie) though the proper or particular relation of Abram and Lot, was of an Uncle and Nephew, for Lot was Abrams brothers sonne, vers. 12. See Annot. on Chap. 13. vers. 8. and compare 2 Kings 10:13. with 2 Chron. 22. 8. where is the like use and meaning of the word brother.

trained] That is, bred and brought up, and disciplined in his family, and it may be also trained in a Military sense; that is, exercised in arms; for he knew he might meet with many and great enemies, and therefore his wisdome would dictate unto him the best way of due defence for himselfe and his friends.

three hundred and eighteene] As he was a man of great estate, Chap. 13. vers. 2. so he had a great family, and in respect of both the children of Heth called him a mighty Prince, Chap. 23. 6. An excellent patterne for such as are so rich and great as he was to be good and gratious like him.

Dan] A place on the Northerne part of Canaan, anciently called Leshem, untill it was wonne by the Danites, whereupon they called it Dan, Joshua 19:47.

Genesis 14:15

divided] A Military policy to make shew of a great Army dispersed divers wayes, and to prevent the escape of the enemy.

Genesis 14:16

And he brought backe, &c.] Religion is no impediment to Militarie courage, and prudence. Abram had a better cause of quarrell then the rebell Kings, for (not being subject to Chadorlaomer, but in right, and by Gods promise King of Canaan) his charitie, and piety to his Nephew unjustly spoyled, and taken captive was better warrant for the warre, then they had; and no doubt he had Divine direction for what he attempted, as well as Divine assistance for what he effected, vers. 20.

Genesis 14:17

Kings dale] That is, King Melchizedeks, (as some take it) or it might be so called for the pleasantnesse which might delight a King; as Chap. 49. 20. It was not so called when this story was in action, but afterwards: it is like it was the valley named, 2 Samuel 18:18. where Absolom set up a pillar, in stead of a sonne to keepe his name in remembrance.

Genesis 14:18

Melchizedek] Most of the Jewish Rabins and many learned Christians take this Melchizedek to be Shem; and for the time of their living it is probable enough, for Melchizedek lived seventie five yeares after Abrahams coming into Canaan: but other learned, both Jewish and Christian Writers, conceive he was a Prince, and Priest of another kindred from that of Abraham, Hebrews 7:6. extraordinarily raised up by God of the Canaanites, and brought in without mention of parents, Originall, or end, without any predecessour, or successour in the Priesthood, as a Type of the Royall, and eternall Priesthood of Christ, Heb. 7. vers. 17. 21. which cannot be said of Shem whose Genealogie is set downe in Scripture.

King] Here, and Hebrews 7. vers. 1. he is called, and was also both a King, and a Priest; two callings rarely, and by extraordinary instances concurring in one person.

of Salem] Called also Jebus, and after Hicrusalem, and since that sometimes Salem, Psalms 76:2. Some take it for that Salem mentioned, John 3:23. Of which (though there be no certainty for either) the first is more probable.

brought forth] For Abrahams and his souldiers refection, and as a present of gratulation, and not to offer sacrifice: See Deuteronomy 23:4. Judg. 8. 5. 6. 16.

of the most high God] Though the posteritie of Abram were Gods visible Church, there were some without it who were not without the knowledge and worship of the true God.

Genesis 14:19

blessed him] In that Melchizedek was bountifull to Abraham, and his Army, he declared himselfe to represent a King: in that he blessed him, the high-Priest, Hebrews 7:6. and in both he was a type, or figure of Christ.

Genesis 14:20

And blessed be the, &c.] This was a gratulatory sacrifice of praise; but no expiatory sacrifice did he offer at all, for that requireth bloud-shed, Hebrews 9:22.

which hath delivered] Man makes the adventure, but God gives the victory in battell.

he gave him tithes of all] Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, Hebrews 7:2. The payment of tithes is ancienter then the Leviticall Law: See Chap. 28. 22. and being paid to Melchizedek a type of Christ, they are not abolished by the Gospel, but may be continued as an Evangelicall revenue for the maintenance of those, who exhibit Sacramentall bread, and wine (the materials of Melchizedeks beneficence) to the people, and blesse them in the Name of God, as Melchizedek did Abraham.

Genesis 14:21

the persons] In Hebrew it is the soules; for the soule is both here, and in many other places, put for the whole man; to teach us to give the soule the prehenunence above the body, both in estimation of it, and care for it.

Genesis 14:22

I have lifted up my band] An outward gesture used at the taking of an oath, Deuteronomy 32:40. Ezekiel 20:15. Daniel 12:7. Revelation 10:56. Signifying that God above knoweth the truth of what we sweare, and invoking his justice, if we sweare untruly. Abram it seemeth had made a vow to God, before he set forth, that he would have no part of the spoyle.

Genesis 14:23

That I wil not take] In Hebrew it is If I take from, &c. A suspensive, and passionate speech, importing a strong denyall above the utterance of words; as Psalms 95:11. compared with Hebrews, Chap. 3. 5: 11. 18. and withall intimating a curse, but forbearing the expression of the words either out of feare or unwillingnesse to mention it in particular, or as yeelding to any curse in generall if they doe otherwise then they professe.

from a thread] A thread, and shoe latchet are things of smallest value, importing (in a proverbiall speech) a resolute, and universall refusall of gaine, or advantage by the present businesse. See Annot. in Genesis 31. vers. 34.

lest] Abraham withholdeth his hands from the spoyle, as the Jews, Esther 9. vers. 15. 16. that it might appeare that his charitie, not covetousnesse drew him to the warre; and that having his riches from the especiall blessing of God, he would not have it thought he was inriched by man, especially by any so wicked as the Sodomites were.

Genesis 14:24

young men] That is, the souldiers, who for the most part were of the younger sort.

portion of the men] He would not that his libertie should be hurtfull to others.