Genesis 14:17-24

Abram Meets Melchizedek

17 After his return from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings who [were] with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that [is], the Valley of the King).

18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem, brought out bread and wine. (He was the priest of God Most High).

19 And he blessed him and said, "Blessed [be] Abram by God Most High, Maker of heaven and earth.

20 And blessed [be] God Most High who delivered your enemies into your hand." And he gave to him a tenth of everything.

21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people, but the possessions take for yourself."

22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, Maker of heaven and earth,

23 {that neither a thread nor} a thong of a sandal would I take from all that [belongs] to you, that you might not say, 'I made Abram rich.'

24 {Nothing besides what} the servants have eaten and the share of the men who went out with me [will I take.] Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share."

Genesis 14:17-24 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "that not from a thread and up to"
• [b]. Literally "besides me only which"