Genesis 14

Genesis 14:1-24

Genesis 14:1-24 The Second Episode-The Battle of the Kings (Genesis 14:1-24) It is not long since that destructive higher criticism sought to do away with the historicity of the events narrated in this chapter, but archeologists, in their excavations, have brought to light hieroglyphic writings which clearly establish their historical basis. This incident shows Abraham as a soldier, fighting God’ s battles, as a man of generosity, looking after the needs of others rather than his own (Genesis 14:24), as unworldly, in his refusing to accept the spoil of the battle, which action declared that he was not in the work of God for the money, consequently the spoils were of no interest to him. This stand he had taken in prayer and dedication to God (Genesis 14:22; cf. Malachi 1:10). This incident also manifested Abraham’ s faith in God and zeal for His glory. He wanted no man to say that he, rather than God, had made Abraham rich. He refused the gifts of the king of Sodom because they were material, but received the blessings of Melchizedek, king of Salem, because they were spiritual. He believed that God would honor him according to His word, and therefore he would acknowledge indebtedness to God only. Melchizedek. The introduction of this mysterious person (Melchizedek) into the narrative is interesting. It shows that even away back in that dim age there were traces of monotheism. A study of Rom 1:1-32 would indicate that the race began monotheistic, and by reason of sin, became polytheistic. Not evolution, but devolution, characterizes the religious history of the race. Melchizedek is mentioned three times in the Scriptures: in history (Genesis 14:1-24); in prophecy (Psalms 110:1-7); in fulfillment (Hebrews 5:1-14; Hebrews 6:1-20; Hebrews 7:1-28). There is great need today of the study of the types of Scripture. Read the rebuke of the writer to the Hebrews (Hebrews 5:10-14). The reference here to tithing is important. Tithing is an acknowledgment of God’ s ownership in what we give, and a challenge to His faithfulness in what we keep. Tithing was evidently in existence before the law of Moses. This is the first mention of it, and it is not Jewish, or legal. The “ first mention” of things in the Bible is important to notice, because, as a rule, the characteristic features mentioned in connection therewith are usually true of every other mention of the same thing throughout the Scriptures, although more fully developed. The God of Abraham. It is interesting to notice, as a deduction from this chapter, Abraham’ s conception of God as revealed in this book: “ He is the Possessor of the heavens and the earth (Genesis 14:22; Genesis 24:3); the Sovereign Judge of the nations (Genesis 15:14), and of all the earth (Genesis 18:25); the Disposer of all the powers of nature (Genesis 18:14; Genesis 19:24; Genesis 20:17 ff.); the exalted (Genesis 14:22) and eternal One (Genesis 21:33); the only God, a personal God in closeness of fellowship with His people (Genesis 24:40; Genesis 24:48). He is just (Genesis 18:25), righteous (Genesis 18:19), faithful (Genesis 24:27), wise (Genesis 20:6), good (Genesis 19:19), and merciful (Genesis 20:6).