Abram rescues Lot

These kings( of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela) joined their forces and mobilized their army in Siddim valley(that is the valley of the dead sea).For 12 years they were under the rule of king Kedorlaomer. But now in 13th year, they rebelled. 

In the Fourteenth year king Kadorlaomer and his allies went and defeated Rephaites in Ashteroah Karnaiam, the Zuzites in Ham, Emites in Shaveh Kiriathaim and Horites in mountain Seir, as far as El Paran near the desert. Then they turned back and went to En Mishpat(another name for Kedash). It means spring of judgement. It is called Meribah Kedash which means "quarreling at Kedash". They conquered the whole terrotery of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who were living in Hazazon Tamar.

 

Then king of Sodom, Gamorah, Admah, Zeboiim and Bela unsuccessfully attacked king Kadorlaomer and his allies in the Siddim valley. Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar, pits. The king of Sodom and Gamorah fled, some of the men fell into them and rest fled into hills. The four kings siezed all their goods and food  went away. They also took Lot and his possession with them as he was living in Sodom.Here we can see that Lot choice depend on his eye sight he never tried to find about the sin of those  people.

One of the person who had escaped came and reported to Abram. At that time Abram was living near the oaks belonging to Mamre the Amorite(brother of Eshcol and Aner, Abrams allies). When Abram came to know that Lot was captured he summoned all the men born into his househoulds.With them he chased their army as far as Dan. Here we can see generous natture of Abram He not only gave first choice to Lot but also he rescued him. He divided them and attacked the army from several directions. He also persued the fleeing  to Hobah, north of Damascus. He brought back all the loot that was been taken. He also rescued Lot and everything he owned.  318 trained men born in his household. It's a clear indication of Abram's great wealth. We don't know how large the army of the four kings were but Abram fought with only 318 house-hold servents. Still he brought back everything as God was with him.

As Abram came back after defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings with him. The king of Sodom came out to meet him. Then Melchizedek(king of righteousness) the king of Salem (Jerusalem), brought Abram bread and wine. He was the priest of God. So he blessed Abram by saying: "The blessing of the supreme God, Creator of heaven and the earth, be upon you, Abram. And blessed be God, who has given your enemies over to you".

So Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the loot Abram understood the principle of tithe . The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself". But Abram said to the king "I made a solemn promise to the Lord, the supreme God, creator of heavens and the earth. I will not take. So much as a single thread from you. Then you might say,' Abram is rich for what I gave him! '. All I'll accept is what these young men of mine have eaten. But give a share of the loot to Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, my allies."

- First of all Abram gave Lot the chance to select the place he wanted to reside and second of all Abram saved Lot from the captivity of the four kings. He always played the role of the elder.

-Abram had 318 household servents who were able to fight . This shows how good of a leader Abram is as he is been able to handle the army with skillfulness.

- Abram didn't took any part from the loot as the credit of Abram's richness would go to the king of Sodom. Abram will take the credit of his richness only from God.