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Genesis Chapter
Fourteen
I.
Content of the Chapter
The
A. The alliance of the four
kings such as Chedorlaomer came to subjugate the five kings
who rebelled against them (v.1-8);
B. The five kings such as the kings of
Abram Saved
A. Abram led his trained servants to pursue the
four kings immediately when he heard the message, and then retook
B. Abram was met by the king of
C. Abram was blessed by Melchizedek and he gave
tithe to God (v.18-20);
D. Abram refused the possession of
II.
Verse by Verse Commentary
Gen. 14:1 “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,”
YLT: “And
it cometh to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of
Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goyim,”
Meaning
of Words: “Amraphel”: he who guards
false gods; “
Spiritual
Meaning: “Chedorlaomer”, it typifies the power of darkness (the
territories of the four kings are around
Gen. 14:2 “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).”
YLT:
“they
have made war with Bera king of
Meaning
of Words: “
Spiritual
Meaning: “king of
Gen. 14:3 “All these joined together
in the
YLT: “All
these have been joined together unto the
Meaning
of Words: “Siddim”: the valley of trap;
The Background:
“the
Literal
Meaning: “the Valley of Siddim, that is, the
Gen. 14:4 “Twelve years they served
Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.”
YLT:
“twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and the thirteenth year they rebelled.”
Spiritual
Meaning: “served Chedorlaomer”, it showed that the sinful world was under
the power of darkness.
“Rebelled”, it indicates that not everyone of the principalities and
powers under Satan (Eph. 6:12) is submissive ---- they are not only disobedient
to God but also rebellious against one another.
Gen. 14:5 “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,”
YLT: “And
in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings who with him, and they
smite the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in
Shaveh Kiriathaim,”
Meaning
of Words: “Ashteroth Karnaim”: double-horn goddess
Spiritual
Meaning: these who were
killed by Chedorlaomer from verse five to seven typify those who
are of the flesh. The whole world lies under the wicked one (1John 5:19) and
the flesh cannot resist against the power of darkness.
Gen. 14:6 “and the Horites in their
YLT:
“and
the Horites in their
Meaning
of Words: “Horites”: cave-dweller, my
white, my nobler; “Seir”: shaggy, rough; “El Paran”: the god of Paran;
Gen. 14:7 “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.”
YLT: “and
they turn back and come in unto En-Mishpat, which Kadesh, and smite the whole
field of the Amalekite, and also the Amorite who is dwelling in Hazezon-Tamar.”
Meaning
of Words: “En Mishpat”:
spring of judgment, spring of righteousness; “Kadesh”: holy, separated; “Amalekites”: dwellers in the valley, militant men; “Hazezon Tamar”: prune the palm-tree; “Amorites”: dwellers in the mountain, remarkable;
Spiritual
Meaning: these who were
attacked by Chedorlaomer from verse five to seven were represented
by the Amalekites in the Bible. The people of
Gen. 14:8 “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”
YLT:
“And
the king of
Gen. 14:9 “against Chedorlaomer king
of
YLT:
“with Chedorlaomer king of
Gen. 14:10 “Now the
YLT:
“And
the
Literal
Meaning: the five kings “joined together in the
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) What man relies upon turns out to be his trap.
2) No
matter people or things in the world, nothing is trustworthy. Only God is the
best protector of men.
Gen. 14:11 “Then they took all the
goods of
YLT:
“And
they take the whole substance of
Literal
Meaning: besides possessions
and food, the four kings also took “souls” (see v.21).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The glory of all the nations is of Satan (Matt.
4:8-9).
2)
Many souls in the world are taken by the devil presumptuously (2Tim. 2:26).
Gen. 14:12 “They also took Lot,
Abram's brother's son who dwelt in
YLT: “and
they take Lot, Abram's brother's son (seeing he is dwelling in
Spiritual
Meaning: “
“Lot, Abram's brother's son
who dwelt in
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) We believers shall not walk with or abide with
the wicked ones (Ps. 1:1), or else we will suffer with them together.
2)
3) If
we believers are enticed to seek the earthy reputation and position and wealth,
we must expect to participate in earth’s convulsions and vicissitudes sooner or
later.
4)
Gen. 14:13 “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.”
YLT: “And
one who is escaping cometh and declareth to Abram the Hebrew, and he is
dwelling among the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of
Aner, and they Abram's allies.”
Meaning
of Words: “Hebrew”: across the river,
on the opposite side, of Eber; “Amorite”: inhabitants of
the mountain, excellence; “Mamre”: power, strong, fertile; “Eshcol”: a bunch of grapes; “Aner”: young, bud, waterfall;
The Background: Abram was inhabited in the east of the river
Euphrates originally, and then was called by God to go across the river and
transplanted in the
Spiritual
Meaning: God looks upon him
who is of him (
“Hebrew” typifies “those who have really been across the river”, namely,
those who have been dead and have risen with Christ (
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Without the rest in God through fellowship,
believers cannot stand firm in spiritual battles.
2) We
who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak (Rom. 15:1).
Gen. 14:14 “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.”
YLT: “And
Abram heareth that his brother hath been taken captive, and he draweth out his
trained domestics, three hundred and eighteen, and pursueth unto Dan.”
Meaning
of Words: “Dan”: judge;
Literal
Meaning: Abram took hundreds
of trained servants to pursue the alliance of the four kings, which proved his
love to man and faith in God, knowing that God would fight for him (Ex. 14:14).
Spiritual
Meaning: “three hundred and eighteen”, some Bible expositors have related this
number to the steward, Eliezer of Damascus (see v.15; 15:2). The sum of the
letters of the name “Eliezer” in the original language is exactly three hundred
and eighteen, and the name literally means “God is my help”, revealing that
Abram went to pursue the enemies by the help of God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Abram dared to attack a stronger force with a
weak one, which was a manifest token that there was no fear in love (1John
4:18).
2) A
brother is born for adversity (Pro. 17:17). A believer who has true love will
be in no wise indifferent to another one who is in adversity (1John 3:17-18).
3)
Though the achievements of a believer in terms of faith
are individual, his feeling towards other members is not indifferent (1Cor.
12:26). It is not the right attitude for a normal Christian of enjoy spiritual
glory alone.
4)
Though
5) Do
not constantly remember the fault of others. A fretful heart cannot pray for or
battle for others.
6) Let
believers appropriate the power of God by faith to be strong through His mighty
strength (Eph. 6:10).
7) Let
believers often equip themselves and their family members with the word of God
(“trained
servants who were born in his own house”) so that they will combat the good combat if
necessary.
Gen. 14:15 “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
YLT: “And
he divideth himself against them by night, he and his servants, and smiteth
them, and pursueth them unto Hobah, which at the left of
Meaning
of Words: “
Literal
Meaning: “by night”, it showed that he was so wise that he
knew how to give a sudden attach under the covering of night.
“He…”,
it indicated Abram was so bold and courageous that he confronted the enemies
himself.
“Divided his forces”, it revealed that he had order
and strategy. .
“And pursued”, it unveiled that he was persistent
and strong that he did not stop until the goal was achieved.
Gen. 14:16 “So he brought back all
the goods, and also brought back his brother
YLT: “and
he bringeth back the whole of the substance, and also
Literal
Meaning: this verse told us
that his combat had purpose and result.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) In the spiritual battle, we shall not run, as
uncertainly, nor combat, as beating the air (1Cor. 9:26).
2) If
a believer can separate himself, he will be enabled to help the weak brothers
to escape from difficulty.
Gen. 14:17 “And the king of
YLT: “And
the king of
Meaning
of Words: “defeat”: smite; “Shaveh”: valley, plain;
Spiritual
Meaning: both “Chedorlaomer” and “king of
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Many believers can overcome the conspicuous
works of the devil, but cannot discern the treacherous trap of the devil.
2) Let
believers resist the wicked one by keeping steadfast in faith, and he will flee
from us (1Pet. 5:9; James 4:7).
3) If
Satan cannot defeat us by threat, he will deceive men as a serpent,
transforming himself into an angel of light and a minister of righteousness
(2Cor. 11:3, 13-15).
4)
When we get spiritual victory (after
his return from the defeat of …), let us watch,
for the devil may scheme to stir up our pride of this life (meet him at the
Gen. 14:18 “Then Melchizedek king of
YLT:
“And
Melchizedek king of
Meaning
of Words: “
Literal
Meaning: “brought out bread and wine”, he brought gifts to the one who returned
in victory.
“He was the priest of God
Most High”, he served the
only true God.
Spiritual
Meaning: “Melchizedek” typifies Jesus Christ, who has passed
through the heavens and is our everlasting and perfect and righteous and
“honorable High Priest” (Heb. 4:14; 7:11; Ps. 110:4).
“Bread
and wine”, both of them typify spiritual provision of life. The latter
nourishes and feeds and strengthens us and the latter refreshes and revives and
encourages us.
Note:
Melchizedek did not come forth when Abram was in pursuit of Chedorlaomer, but when the king of
1) The Lord’s service of intercession has both
hidden and open aspects.
2) The real spiritual crisis of believers does
not lie in the sharp confrontation with the devil, but in the alluring
deception of the devil.
3) Believers may become slack in spirit after
the victory of combat. If they are not seasonably restored, they may be taken
advantage of by the devil.
Enlightenment
in the Word: it is a good chance
of being renewed in strength for believers to participate in the bread-breaking
gathering in remembrance of the Lord.
Gen. 14:19 “And he blessed him and
said: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;”
YLT: “and
he blesseth him, and saith, `Blessed Abram to God Most High, possessing heaven
and earth;”
Spiritual
Meaning: Melchizedek blessed
Abram, which brought Abram into deeper knowledge of God: 1) “Possessor of heaven and
earth”, it particularly
means that he governs all possessions; 2) “God Most High”, it unveils that God
is higher above all.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The “Possessor of heaven and earth” is the source of all blessings of heaven and
earth.
2) If
believers focus their eyes upon the “Possessor of heaven and earth”, the gift of the king of
3)
Many believers only honor God who is the Lord of “heaven”, but they have not
lived for God “on the earth”. Therefore, the will of God has not been done as
in heaven as upon the earth (Matt. 6:10).
4) If
believers can really stand firm for God, not only the heaven but also the earth
will be theirs.
Gen. 14:20 “And blessed be God Most
High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And he gave him a
tithe of all.”
YLT: “and
blessed God Most High, who hath delivered thine adversaries into thy hand;' and
he giveth to him a tenth of all.”
Literal
Meaning: “God Most High, Who has
delivered your enemies into your hand”,
it indicated that Abram did not conquer through himself, but God.
“All”
refers to all the spoils of the war.
Spiritual
Meaning: Abram offered the
tithe to the priest of God
Most High, showing that he
confessed that he
ascribed his victory to the intercession of
the High Priest and the reward of God.
Enlightenment
in the Word: believers shall
also, by offering, express their gratitude to the Lord’s love and God’s
graciousness (2Cor. 5:14-15; 8:1-2)
Gen. 14:21 “Now the king of
YLT:
“And
the king of
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The devil often uses wealth as bait to gain
man’s soul. However, for what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world
and loses his own soul (Matt. 16:26).
2) The
love of money is root of every evil. Many times, the superfluous money is the
source of believers’ temptation and failure (1Tim. 6:10).
3)
Wealth often entices believers to trust in the uncertain riches instead of God
who gives us all things richly to enjoy (1Tim. 6:17).
Gen. 14:22 “But Abram said to the
king of
YLT:
“and
Abram saith unto the king of
Literal
Meaning: Abram here mentioned
“the LORD, God
Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth” in the light of the word of Melchizedek when he
blessed him (see v.19), which showed that the word of Melchizedek was
efficacious in him.
“Raised my hand”, it unveiled that his was faithful and
loyal to God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The words that I speak to you are spirit and
they are life (John. 6:63). The word of the Lord can enable us to overcome the
temptations of the enemy (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10).
2) If
believers can really know He is “the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and
earth” and turn their
eyes upon Him, the glory of this age will lose its charm.
3) Let
believers “life up their” holy “hands” and pray everywhere (1Tim. 2:8).
Gen. 14:23 “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'--”
YLT:
“from
a thread even unto a shoe-latchet I take not of anything which thou hast, that
thou say not, I -- I have made Abram rich;”
Literal
Meaning: “from a thread to a sandal strap”, here it refers to worthless and trivial
things. Abram refused to receive any material wealth from the sinful power,
which showed not only his trust in God but also his principle of the acceptance
or rejection of earthly riches.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Let believers not expect to receive anything
from the world except for what is given by God.
2) He
who has real faith in God will be assured that God Himself is his own
possession.
3)
There is no limit to man’s pursuit towards wealth. He who is rich is eager to
be richer. It is a real manifest token of a man’s fear of God of knowing “how
to reject what should be rejected and accept what should be accepted”.
4) The men of
5) “Satan” is the one who accuses
brothers day and night (Rev. 12:10). Therefore, let us not leave him any thing
to accuse (“lest you should say”).
Gen. 14:24 “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."”
YLT:
“save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who
have gone with me -- Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre -- they take their portion.'”
Literal
Meaning: this verse showed
that Abram dealt with things in a decent way without meddling in the personal
choices of others.
Spiritual
Meaning: each believer
receives his own measure of faith and grace from God (
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Let believers not impose difficult tasks on
others, nor force others to be like them.
2)
Devotion of everyone to the Lord is the affair between each believer himself
and the Lord. Every believer shall only care for his own devotion to the Lord
rather than meddle in that of others to the Lord.
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
Spiritual
A.
1. If believers live in the sinful environment
(
2. If believers cannot overcome trivial sins,
they will be captivated severe sins sooner or later.
B. Abram saved
1. We who are strong ought to bear with the
scruples of the weak (Rom. 15:1).
2. He overcame the conspicuous enemies (the
four kings).
C. Melchizedek blessed Abram (v.18-20):
1. The victory in the combat is ascribed to the
intercession and provision of the High Priest (Christ).
2. Give the glory of victory to God (give
tithe).
D. Abram refused the possessions of
1. He overcame the pretended enemies (the
earthly possessions).
2. He overcame the pride of heart (do not make
any decision for others).
Examples of Abram
A. Who fought for the brother by love
(v.13-14);
B. Who overcame the king of this world by faith
(v.15-16);
C. Who gave tithe to God by a grateful heart
(v.18-20);
D. Who refused to be defiled by the worldly
corruption in the fear of God (v.21-23);
E. Who honored the right of others by a
sensible heart (v.24);
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Mary Zhou