Reading: Genesis 14
From this chapter we see how dangerous Abram’s new land is. There is war, 12 years of oppression and another war. Abram’s nephew Lot and people from Sodom and Gomorrah and all their goods are taken captive by a strong enemy. When people leave the way of the Lord there is violence and greed. Abram gathers his servants, defeats the enemy and brings Lot back.
A king named Melchizedek, who is also a priest, is sent to encourage and bless Abram. To Abram he says something very important: “Blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand” (vs 20). It was not Abram and his men who defeated the enemies, but God. This blessing is given in the hearing of the people that Abram had rescued; the people, especially the sinful men of Sodom and Gomorrah, were reminded to serve and obey the one true God. Through this blessing we recognise that God is the focus of this chapter. He protects Abram and Lot, and even elevates them in the eyes of all. He calls people to repentance. Abram in turn praises God as “the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth” (vs 22).
Key text: Gen 14:22 “But Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth’ ”.
Question: Why do both Melchizedek and Abram say during this time and before the people that God is the “Possessor of heaven and earth”?