Study From the Book of Genesis,14

Study From the Book of Genesis,14

Today we study chapter 14 of the Book of Genesis. I choose one biblical principle and its lesson which is useful in Biblical Counselling.

Lot was not only captured, but he was living in the city of Sodom an exceedingly wicked and sinful city. Here is the first use of the word Hebrew in the Bible. It comes from the name Eber. The word is related to a verb meaning cross over or pass through. Abram had moved to Hebron. The fact that Abram could field 318 fighting men from his servants is an indication of the great wealth and honour that the Lord had given him.

Abram raid was a complete success. He regained all goods stolen by the raiding party and rescued his nephew Lot. When Abram returned from his successful attack, he was met by two kings, one from Sodom and one from Salem. Abram turns at first to the king of Salem.

Melchizedek was a contemporary of Abram who worshipped the living God. Salem is an older, shorter name for Jerusalem. The word is based on the root from which we get the word shalom or peace. Bread and wine were given to Abram to celebrate God’s deliverance of Abram and his troops.

The great surprise about Melchizedek is that he appears from nowhere, without mention of parents or background. This mysterious quality of him allows the writer of Hebrews to compare him with another priest and king, the Lord Jesus Christ as in Heb.5-9, and Ps,110:4.

Melchizedek is the first to bless Abram; thus, he comes under the special provision of God’s promise of blessings. The phrase “God Most High” is used in both lines of the blessing for special emphasis. Abram’s gift of the Tithe indicates that he considered Melchizedek a true priest of the living God. In giving this gift, Abram was giving to the Lord.

Abram seems to have ignored the king of Sodom, until he had worshiped with the king of Salem. Now he hears the demands of this king, who asked for his people but not for his goods. Abram identified Yahweh, translated here as the Lord. With the God Most High, he strongly rebuked Sodom and its king and took nothing except for his men.

Structure

Verses: 1-17: Lot’s captivity and rescue.

Verses:18-24: Abram and Melchizedek.

Principle 23: verse 14:20---“And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies’ into your hand.”

Lesson 23: The mysterious priest Melchizedek reminded Abram that God had delivered Abram’s enemies into his hand, even though it was Abram’s men that did the fighting. God is the author of all blessings.6/12/2025.