TWO GODLY MEN

Genesis 14 is the recording of an ancient battle between an alliance of four kings against the joined forces of five other kings. After very significant victories against numerous enemies, the four kings turned their attention to the five kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela.  A battle ensued in the valley of Siddim. 

Once again the coalition of four kings was victorious and the victors “…captured all of the spoils of battle from the retreating forces of Sodom and Gomorrah—their provisions, weapons, and other supplies. Then they left. But before they left they took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother who lived in Sodom, prisoner along with all of his goods. [vs.11-12  All scripture references will be from The Voice Bible]

Now we understand why this report has been included in our Old Testament! 

“…one of the men who had escaped the battle went and found Abram…He told Abram what had happened…As soon as Abram heard that his nephew had been taken prisoner, he secured his own camp and then took 318 “…of his most reliable and best-trained men (all born in his household) and pursued the enemy.” [vs.13-14]       

 

“When he caught up with them, Abram divided up his men, surrounded the enemy, and attacked them during the night. He and his soldiers crushed the invaders and pursued any survivors… After the battle Abram recovered all the spoils the enemy had taken and brought them back with him. He rescued his nephew Lot and brought him back, along with his goods; there were other captives, too, including some women whom he rescued.” [vs.15-16]

 Then something interesting and mysterious happened. 

The priest-king of Jerusalem, Melchizedek, came out to meet him as well and brought out bread and wine for them. Melchizedek was a priest of the One whom he called the “the Most High God.” Priest-king Melchizedek offered a special blessing to Abram. 

King Melchizedek: May Abram be blessed by the Most High God, Creator of the heavens and earth.  Blessing and honor to the Most High God, who has clearly delivered your enemies into your hands!

Abram gave the priest-king a tenth of all of the captured goods he was bringing back with him. [vs.18-20]

Then Melchizadek asked Abram for the people he had rescued, but offered all the spoils to Abram! However, Abram had pledged before God not to take anything except the food that his men had eaten –

“That way you could never take credit for any wealth of mine.” [v.23]  He did, however, advocate for three groups of men who had joined him in this battle: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.  Abram asked that they be given an appropriate share of the spoils. 

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Here we have the intersection of two godly men! 

Abram is drawn into a battle because of the poor choices his nephew, Lot, had made.  He – apparently without delay – came to Lot’s rescue.  There is no reference to Abram scolding Lot.  Lot was family!  There was no choice to be made!  Abram’s response was immediate and decisive! 

Abram maintained integrity throughout.  He rescued those who were not part of his family; and then turned them over to Melchizadek!  In keeping a promise he had made to God, Abram refused to participate in the dividing of the spoils of the war.  Abram lived for God, and God alone!  His complete dependence was on God.  He didn’t want or need the wealth of the considerable spoils.  God was already meeting all of his needs!

Melchizadek is a mysterious character [mentioned also in Psalm 110 and Hebrews 7].  He was a priest of “the Most High God.” [v.18]  He was also the king of Salem [which would later become Jerusalem]! 

This is a remarkable report that is one of many instances indicating that God was working in many places – in addition to the calling of the people of Israel!  Many questions remain unanswered:

o   Who was this Melchizadek?

o   Where did he come from?

o   Who made him a priest?

o   Why did Abram treat him with such respect – giving him “…a tenth of all the captured goods” [v.20]?

We can only marvel that God was at work using different threads in different places to introduce Himself to the people spread across the land! 

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QUESTIONS TO PONDER PERSONALLY:

·         Are we men and women of sole commitment to God as Abram and Melchizadek?

·         Are we dependent on God – and God alone – to provide for all our needs?

·         Do we make commitments to God, and then honor those commitments no matter what happens?

·         Do we come to the rescue of family members who have fallen into harsh situations or who have made poor decisions?