Summary Genesis 14:1-16:
At this time, wars were going on. Basically, the Babylonians attacked a group of peoples living in the Siddim Valley who had been under their control but had rebelled. The Babylonians defeated or re-conquered them and took even more territory. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah went out to fight the Babylonians to defend their territory, but they lost. The Babylonians sacked Sodom and Gomorrah, which included Lot and his possessions since he was living in Sodom. One escaped and told Abram that his nephew had been captured. Abram, who was allied with his neighbors, called out all 318 trained men to go with him to rescue Lot. Abram launched a night attack near the city of Dan, routed them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. Abram recovered all the stolen goods, women, and others, and rescued Lot and his possessions, whom he brought back with him.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 9, Day 4: Genesis 14:1-16
11) It was a rebellion since for 12 years, these kings had been subject to the other kings. They fought.
12) Abram had allies to call upon and that he easily defeated a superior army and rescued his relative, Lot.
Abram is allied with his neighbors so he has diplomacy skills. He spares no expense, requiring all his trained men to fight for Lot; he has some military training (or guidance from God) for Abram divided his men and attacked.
This shows the extent of God’s blessings to Abram in terms of his wealth. Abram had his own trained army to fight for him. This is NOT cheap, especially in ancient times. Metals and weapons (shields, swords, and armor) were expensive–way more expensive than I would say 90% of the population at the time could afford in their LIFETIME.
13a) Abram was decisive. It’s hard here cause no details are truly given. He has diplomatic skills. He has fighting skills and a trained army. Unsure about the king of Sodom. Abram also knew God was with him and nothing would harm him because of God’s promises. This shows he was probably fearless.
b) Personal Question. My answer: determined, upright, do what’s right for others, lay down self for others’ needs.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 9, Day 4: Genesis 14:1-16
This is typical history at this time. People fought all the time over squabbles, land, and other things. People were subjected and rebelled. Thre is nothing different here in terms of warring peoples; it just so happens Lot was involved, so it ended up in the Bible.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 9, Day 4: Genesis 14:1-16
Lot was in the wrong place at the wrong time; luckily, he had powerful relatives who fought for him.
Fun Fact: This is the first use of the word “Hebrew” in the Bible. It means “passed over.” Thus, Abram “passed over” the Euphrates into the land of Canaan.
Abram was rich, indeed. An army of over 300 fighting men, all trained, would be an astronomical cost. It’s interesting that Abram has an army despite God’s promises of protection. I’d say this is what God wants; just because we have faith God will do something in our lives doesn’t mean we can just lie back and take no action towards that goal. Abram knew he’d have to fight to get Canaan. This is why he had an army.
The pursuit lasted a bit. Abram wanted to make sure the kings did not come back.