In previous chapters, God made a promise that he would bless Abram and multiply the people and from his people would one day come a Savior. In chapter 14 we see an example of God blessing Abram. Four great Kings could not be defeated and they captured the possessions of five other Kings and the king's people: including Abrams nephew, Lot. So here's a picture of greatness and when Abram finds out he takes only 318 trained men and goes and rescues all the people who are captured by the Four Kings. As a reward, the king of Sodom wants to bless Abram with many Goods. But Abram refuses because he doesn't want anyone to ever say they helped Abram be rich. He wants God to be glorified completely and not himself or anybody else.
I love Abrams heart attitude. A huge temptation before him to be rich or at least to start the process of being rich, he refused. In a world where finances seem hard to come by for most people, it would be easy to accept it and then justify it. But Abram wanted God to be glorified in his timing and in his way. My prayer would be, God help me to bring glory to your name in everything that I say and everything that I do. May I never be arrogant and boast about any success in my life but always to give glory to you. God if you do choose to bless me through other means or people, may I never boast about them but still to give glory to you.
We are introduced to Melchizedek in this chapter. He’s always seemed like such a mysterious character to me and he’s described as priest of God Most High. Here’s what we learn about him from Hebrews 7:1-4. “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils!” I don’t know about you, but there are so many fascinating things in the Bible, that it makes me want to pick it up and read more!
Here’s the link to Pick It Up.
https://youtu.be/D1pucI90Rk0
Amen to Pastor Blair and Jim A’s comments. This is the first time in the Bible that war and tithing are mentioned. Abram’s part in the war is not about gaining territory, riches or fame but about liberating family. Many Biblical scholars see Melchizedek as an appearance of Christ in the Old Testament. Two thousand years before Christ came to die for our sin, Melchizedek brings a symbol of His death – bread and wine, the elements of Communion. Abram took part in anticipation of Jesus; we take part in remembrance of Him. The Hebrew translation of the word “persons or people” in verse 21 is literally translated as “souls”. So the King of Sodom – a picture of Satan – says “help yourself to the toys & trinkets. I want the souls.” The introduction of tithing in the book of beginnings – Genesis – is another great lesson. Tithing is not His way of raising money – it’s His way of raising us kids. He is a giver and He wants us to be the same way. Every time we give to Him – not knowing how or where He will use it, we give away a part of our greediness. It helps keeps our eye on heavenly treasures – not those here on earth and it shows what we really value. Like Jim says, every time I read the Word that God made sure we still have access to today, the more lessons He shares and the more thankful I am for all He does for a sinner like me – still under construction.
I love how strong Abram’s connection is with the Lord. A connection so strong that as soon as he heard Lot had been captured he did not hesitate to face the captures to free Lot and the other captured people. He also stands firmly in his convictions to not accept anything. He knows he has favor with the Lord and it is enough. He doesn’t give in to the temptations of the world because he knows his destiny is greater in Heaven! Praise be to God and His faithful servants like Abram who give us such an example to live by!