Genesis 14 Commentary

The Kings of the plains went to war with the kings from the east. It was four allied kings from the east against five allied kings on the plains (including Sodom and Gomorrah).

Chedorlaomer had ruled the five cities of the plains of the Jordan Valley for 13 years. He defeats four of the five kings of the plains.

After conquering four cities, King Chedorlaomer and his three allies defeated two more in route to the Jordan plains. Then they engaged the five allied kings of the Jordan Valley.

Lot was captured as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled to the hill country.

When Abram learned of Lot’s capture, he set out in pursuit with his allies. They pursued them a considerable distance, then defeated the kings and rescued Lot and the other captives as well as his possessions.

After all the battles and wars, the king priest Melchizedek blessed Abram, and Abram gave to Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils of the wars.

Abram strongly refuses the King of Sodom’s offer. He takes nothing for himself, except for those with him to get their shares.