Hebrew. So called from 'Eber (Genesis 11:14 . Compare Genesis 10:21 ; Genesis 39:14 ; Genesis 41:12 .Numbers 24:24; Numbers 24:24 ), from 'abar, "to pass on" = "he who passed over from beyond" (Greek. hyper), i.e. beyond the Euphrates (Joshua 24:2 ). he: emph. in contrast with Lot. these: emph. = these also having a covenant with Abrarn. See Genesis 13:17 . read more
ABRAM RESCUES LOT"And there came one that escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew: now he dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, the brother of Eschol, and the brother of Aner; and these were confederate with Abram. And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan.""These were confederate with Abram ..." Nothing is said of the numbers of soldiers Abram's three confederates were able to... read more
Genesis 14:13. Abram, the Hebrew— It is disputed whether Abram was called the Hebrew from his father Eber, or as coming from beyond the river Euphrates. Those who are inclined to the first, urge, that it was usual to denominate nations and people from some great progenitor; and as Eber was the father of this branch, it was natural to denominate Abram, and so his faithful descendants, from him: that if Abram had been so called only from passing the Euphrates, the name would not have descended to... read more
13. there came one that had escaped—Abram might have excused himself from taking any active concern in his "brother," that is, nephew, who little deserved that he should incur trouble or danger on his account. But Abram, far from rendering evil for evil, resolved to take immediate measures for the rescue of Lot. read more
Abram’s war with four kings 14:1-16 A major significance of this literary unit is that it describes two more challenges to God’s faithfulness and Abram’s faith. So far Abram had to contend with several barriers to God fulfilling His promises to him. His wife was barren, he had to leave the land, his life was in danger, and his anticipated heir showed no interest in the Promised Land. Now he became involved in a war and consequently became the target of retaliation by four powerful kings. read more
Abram could have lost his possessions and his life by getting involved in war with the Mesopotamian kings. He also set himself up as the target for retaliation. Almost everyone in the ancient Near East practiced retaliation, and it is still a major factor in the continuing political turmoil that characterizes the Middle East to this day. The "ancient Near East" is a term that applies to the whole eastern Mediterranean world in ancient times. The "Middle East" is a term that refers to the area... read more
The Battle of the Kings, and the Capture and Rescue of LotChedorlaomer, king of Elam, had subdued the Canaanites of the Jordan valley some years before the events narrated in this chapter. The latter had rebelled, and a campaign for their fresh subjugation was undertaken, which included a general punitive expedition from Syria to the Gulf of Akaba.Within the last few years Assyrian tablets of great antiquity have been found, throwing considerable, if indirect, light on this narrative, and... read more
(13) One that had escaped.—Heb., the escaped; not any one in particular, but the fugitives generally. As Sodom lay at the north-western end of the Dead Sea, the region where Abram was dwelling would be their natural place of refuge.Abram the Hebrew.—That is, the immigrant (from beyond the Euphrates), but also his patronymic from Eber, who in like manner had crossed the Tigris. It was, no doubt, the usual title of Abram among the Canaanites, and has been preserved from the original document,... read more
Melchisedek the Uncanonical Genesis 14:18 A deeply veiled figure. The force of the figure lies in its background; its mystery in its mean surroundings. Melchisedek was a Canaanite. His birthplace was uncanonical. He ruled with wonderfully despotic power. What gave this man such a marvellous power? His personal sanctity. Abraham represents earth; Melchisedek is the High Priest of heaven. I. Where did Melchisedek get that priesthood which he was certainly credited with possessing. Melchisedek... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 14:1-24
Click image for full-size versionAbram meets Melchizedek (14:1-24)Lot’s selfish choice brought him unexpected trouble. In the Dead Sea region where Lot lived, a group of city-states rebelled against their Mesopotamian overlords and brought war upon themselves. Lot was captured and his possessions plundered (14:1-12). Abram was in no danger but he was concerned for Lot. With a fighting force of over three hundred from his large household, along with others from neighbouring households, he... read more