Thursday Night Bible Study

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Genesis 14-Genesis 15:2 

"Abram And The Three Kings" • 2.11.10 • Thursday Night Bible Study

Intro

- In chapter 14, Moses introduces us to some unknown characters, caught in a conflict. The first three verses provide a synopsis of the situation.

• Genesis 14:1-4 : "And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled."

- For the sake of time, we'll refer to the Chedorlaomer's crew as "Team 1." Team 1 represents 4 armies, all from the north. Team 2 represents Bera's crew, including Sodom and Gomorrah.

- Their fight came about when team 2 decided that serving team 1 was no longer necessary!

- This led to a military campaign that led to a rush of action.

• Genesis 14:5-7 : "In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him came and attacked the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, and the Horites in their mountain of Seir, as far as El Paran, which is by the wilderness. Then they turned back and came to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and attacked all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelt in Hazezon Tamar."

- Team 1 was fairly impressive, as they took out these various groups with relative ease, including the Amalekites, who were later greatly feared.

- Most scholars note that the northern team, team 1, followed a circuitous route, instead of a straight line to conflict.

- This was done to secure what was known at that time as the Way of The Kings, which was and remains a valuable trade route, as well as subduing possible attacks from behind.

• Genesis 14:8-11 : "And the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined together in battle in the Valley of Siddim against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. Now the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled; some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way." : Team 2 makes it's decision to meet team 1 head on.

- It's 5 on 4, but in this case, the numbers did not play out. Team 1 routed team 2.

- Verse 10 tells us that the valley of Siddim was full of asphalt pits. It seems that Cheodorlaomer's army ran them into these tar pits and immobilized their armies in the tar.

- Last year, our family visited the La Brea Tar pits. There was a display in the museum that showed you a glass case with tar in it and a bar sticking out of the case.

- The display allowed you to attempt to move the bar. Suffice it to say, Lela was unable to make it move!

- Consequently, many of the kings met an untimely death in that valley, while the Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah made their escape to the mountains.

• Genesis 14:12,13 : "They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies with Abram." : The first 11 verses seem to be meaningless, secular history until we come to verse 12. Lot was captured.

- Notice that Lot has gone from having a nice tent outside of Sodom, to dwelling within the city? It's never long before one compromise leads to a complete departure from all sense.
- Lot, who had chosen a lush view and a well watered land, was now a captive, caught in the middle of a war. He goes from being a rich man to being a slave overnight!

- Just one chapter ago, it seemed that Lot was the one with the enviable position. Here, in just a short amount of time, Lot lost all that he had gained, as well as all he had hoped to gain.

- If it were not for one escapee, Lot's fate might never have been known. He came and found Abram the "Hebrew." This is the first time that term is used in the Word.

- The word means "the passenger," which was an apt description.

- We had left Abram all alone and here we see that he has added a few allies. These were friends with Abram, though the Amorites as a nation would one day be under the judgement of God.

- Abram hears this news and immediately responds.

• Genesis 14:14-17 : "Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people. And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him." : Immediately, Abram ran out and organized his personal militia. 318 trained men, who were born in his house. These would be men who were especially loyal to Abram.

- I admit that I really admire Jack Bauer Abram here. He hears of this issue and immediately does something about it. It's daring and difficult in the same way that it's impetuous and thoughtless.

- He felt a responsibility and he took the assignment personally. After traveling to Dan in the north of Israel, he spread out his forces to make them more effective in darkness.

- I like the fact that the picture is of a man of resource, who avails himself to act redemptively toward his brother, his family. The truth is that only those who are redeemed have the power to act.

- Abram acted. Unfortunately, his action would not produce a long term effect, as Lot went right back to Sodom!

- That being said, his plan worked and Lot was entirely rescued. At this point, Abram is treated to three kingly receptions which will round out our teaching for the evening.

I. The King Of Salem (14:18-20)

II. The King Of Sodom (14:21-24)

III. The King Of Kings (15:1,2)

Text

I. The King Of Salem (14:18-20)

• Genesis 14:18-20 : "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: 'Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.' And he gave him a tithe of all.” : Melchizedek. A name no stranger than any others, but a character who is more mysterious than all the others combined.

- His name means "king of righteousness" and he governs a place called "peace." Salem is likely the original location of Jerusalem.

- This meeting coincides with the meeting in the valley of the Kings, Melchizedek is the first in line, even though the King of Sodom has apparently come first.

- Melchizedek came out to greet Abram and brought bread and wine. These were tokens of appreciation, hospitality and friendship in their time.

- At the same time, they were a recognition of fellowship in God. Melchizedek was a priest of the same God that Abram followed and served, the Most High God.

- In Hebrew it is "El Elyon" meaning, the supreme God.

- Melchizedek is such a great man, that he blesses Abram! He describes God as the "Possessor of heaven and earth." Other translations use the word "maker" or "creator."

- His words are interesting and timely to say to Abram in this moment after his victory.

- The God that He serves does own everything. It's all His. It belongs to Him in spite of the way that we often feel. Abram is of this God. Abram belongs to Him as well.

- It's important to consider that we are not our own. We belong to the Lord who has spent His own life to redeem us from a useless life. We are His agents in this world of His.

- Blessed be Abram and blessed be God Most High, the one who affected this victory for you. The possessor of heaven and earth, is the same one who is the power behind your campaign.

- Don't miss the significance to the first audience. They too were going to go into the land against a large enemy! God would be with them in the same way that He was with Abram.

- To you and I, the same is true: What victory we gain is a result of His hand upon us, His blessing toward us, His Spirit in us! Believer, don't get a big head!

- Your God is on Your side and through Him all victory is possible.

- Melchizedek, aside from his fellowship with Abram, brought him a timely word and proper perspective: God had been wtih Him and He succeeded.

- Abram in response to this blessing, responds with an offering of a tithe or a tenth of all. Of "all" what!? Turn with me to Hebrews 7. The New Testament sheds light on this for us.

• Hebrews 7:4 : "Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils."

- Young's tranlsation says, "The best of the spoils." My favorite is the NASB translation that says, "the choicest."

- Why did Abram do this? Because this man brought blessing into his life and reminded him of God's presence with him.

- Abram gave not to Melchizedek, but to the God of Melchizedek, showing him the honor that was due His name. Abram will explain himself in a few verses.

II. The King Of Sodom (14:21-24)

• Genesis 14:21-24 : "Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, 'Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.' But Abram said to the king of Sodom, 'I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’— except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.'" : From the King of peace to the King of burning!

- It's interesting to compare the two. Melchizedek is a King and a priest. The King of Sodom is a King and a politician.

- Melchizedek is interested in the things of God while the King of Sodom is interested in the things of this world. Melchizedek has brought a blessing; The King of Sodom has brought a bargain.

- "Give me the persons and take the goods for yourself." These are strange words coming from a man who owes his entire existence to Abram! Without Abram, this guy would have lost it all.

- Abram here has to be tempted. The King is offering him quite a bit, but Abram stays true to his oath and to his Lord.

- This is part of why he has tithed. He has committed himself to the Lord, to trust Him with his provision. In doing this Abram was saying, "You are the source of all that I have on earth."

- As for this King of Sodom, Abram refused to allow any of his riches to come from him, but we have to admit, that this is the temptation.

- What can the world offer us? The world offers immediate gratification and immediate riches. The cost however, is often some form of compromise and there are always strings attached.

- What does God offer us? Eternal satisfaction, eternal riches without compromise. God asks for total surrender. It's the classic "now" versus "later." It's "here" versus "there."

- Abram passes the test. I will take nothing. Why? Because this wicked King would not get the glory for Abram's position.

- There is an interesting consideration here. The King of Sodom perhaps believed that Abram valued that which Lot valued. Abram says, "Don't lump me in with Him."

- Abram remained separated from the world in his decision. He did not however, force his convictions onto the men that were with him.

- They were not committed to God, their reward would come from the king of Sodom. It would not however, be appropriate for the man of God, who here teaches us the value of embracing treasure that cannot be seen. This brings us to chapter 15.

III. The King Of Kings (15:1,2)

• Genesis 15:1,2 : "After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.'" : The dust has settled and Abram has had some time to consider what has happened.

- Perhaps he has come to realize the dangerous position that he was now in. He has shown great military exploits and having shown his hand, perhaps now feels a little vulnerable.

- Add to this, the fact that he has turned down an incredible offer from the King of Sodom. The fear and the feeling of having missed out on a large treasure are weighing on Abram now.

- It's at this time that the word of the Lord came to Abram. God's promise first speaks toward his protection. God was his shield.

- Why does he need a shield? He is afraid! God does not use his words lightly. Abram is afraid for his life! God comes and reassures Abram of his protective hand.

- And for all that he has given up, God promises to be His reward. Not just any reward, but an exceedingly great reward. It's a reward beyond measure.

- Truly, to have God alone, to be in fellowship with Him, to have just a portion of His courts, is more than any other treasure that can be measured. It's a treasure without measure!

- God's response to Abram is all blessing. He wants Abram to know that whatever he might have otherwise gained from the world, was nothing compared to what was laid up for him.

- Turn over to Matthew 6. Jesus makes a statement that Abram illustrates for us.

• Matthew 6:19-21 : "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

- God wants our treasure to be in heaven. Why? Does He want us to be paupers? Does He want us to forsake riches? Only when they come from some union, some entanglement with the world!

- Turn with me to Mark 10. The Rich Young Ruler has just walked away from the offer of eternal life. His riches had been an anchor to his soul. Jesus has commented that it's difficult for the rich to come to salvation.

- The disciples were shocked and Peter spoke for them when he says, "We have left all to follow you?" Jesus responds in verse 29.

• Mark 10:29,30 : "Jesus answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life."

Conclusion

- Abram shows us that faith refuses the treasure of the world to gain the treasure that is the God who is the possessor of heaven and earth.

- This week, where are your treasure lying? What are you busy storing up? Let us be mindful of Abram's example and God's promise.