Genesis 14:14-24

14 When Avram heard that his relative was taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan.

15 He divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and struck them, and pursued them to Hovah, which is on the left hand of Dammesek.

16 He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative, Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

17 The king of Sedom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Kedorla`omer and the kings who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh (the same is the King's Valley).

18 Malki-Tzedek king of Shalem brought forth bread and wine: and he was Kohen of El `Elyon.

19 He blessed him, and said, "Blessed be Avram of El `Elyon, possessor of heaven and eretz:

20 and blessed be El `Elyon, who has delivered your enemies into your hand." Avram gave him a tenth of all.

21 The king of Sedom said to Avram, "Give me the people, and take the goods to yourself."

22 Avram said to the king of Sedom, "I have lifted up my hand to the LORD, El `Elyon, possessor of heaven and eretz,

23 that I will not take a thread nor a shoe-latchet nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Avram rich.'

24 Except only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me, `Aner, Eshkol, and Mamre: let them take their portion."

Genesis 14:14-24 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 14

This chapter gives an account of a war that was waged, and a battle fought between four kings on one side, and five on the other, and of the occasion and issue of it, who were the first kings, and this the first battle the Scriptures speak of, Ge 14:1-11; Lot and his goods being taken and carried off, with those of Sodom, by the conquerors, Abram hearing of it armed his men, and pursued after them, and overtook and overcame them, and rescued Lot and his goods, with others, and returned, Ge 14:12-16; when he was met by the kings of Sodom and Salem, who congratulated him on his victory, Ge 14:17-19; and what passed between him, and those great personages, is related, Ge 14:20-24.