Genesis 14:21-24 KJV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 14:21-24

We have here an account of what passed between Abram and the king of Sodom, who succeeded him that fell in the battle (Gen. 14:10), and thought himself obliged to do this honour to Abram, in return for the good services he had done him. Here is, I. The king of Sodom's grateful offer to Abram (Gen. 14:21): Give me the soul, and take thou the substance; so the Hebrew reads it. Here he fairly begs the persons, but as freely bestows the goods on Abram. Note, 1. Where a right is dubious and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 14:21

And the king of Sodom said unto Abram ,.... After the conversation between him and Melchizedek was over: give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself ; meaning by "persons" or "souls", as in the original, his own subjects that had been taken and carried away by the four kings, and were now brought back by Abram; and by "the goods", those of his own and his subjects, which their conquerors had spoiled them of, but were now recovered, and which he was very willing Abram should have... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 14:22

And Abram said to the king of Sodom ,.... In reply to his request: I have lifted up mine hand unto the Lord ; which was both a gesture of praying and of swearing, and both may be intended here; when he set out on his expedition, it is very probable he prayed to God for success, and swore that if he prospered him, that he would receive no profit or advantage from it to himself; or now in the presence of Melchizedek he lift up his hands and swore that he would take none of the goods he had... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 14:23

That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet ,.... That is, from a thread used in sewing garments to, a shoelatchet, or the string which fastens the shoes to the foot, the least belonging to that; or from the hair lace of the head, to the shoelatchet of the foot; that is, he would take nothing of his from head to foot: the meaning is, that he would not take that which was of the least value and importance that could be conceived of, and which is more clearly expressed by what... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 14:24

Save only that which the young men have eaten ,.... His three hundred and eighteen trained servants, and those of his confederates, who having recovered the victuals taken away from the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, had eaten of it for their refreshment, as it was but just and right they should: and the portion of the men which went with me ; the part in the spoil which belonged unto them by the laws of war; wherefore, though he abridged himself of rights and privileges that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 14:22

I have lift up mine hand - The primitive mode of appealing to God, and calling him to witness a particular transaction; this no doubt generally obtained among the faithful till circumcision, the sign of the covenant, was established. After this, in swearing, the hand was often placed on the circumcised part; see Genesis 24:2 , Genesis 24:9 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 14:23

From a thread even to a shoelatchet - This was certainly a proverbial mode of expression, the full meaning of which is perhaps not known. Among the rabbinical writers חוט chut , or חוטי chuti , signifies a fillet worn by young women to tie up their hair; taken in this sense it will give a good meaning here. As Abram had rescued both the men and women carried off by the confederate kings, and the king of Sodom had offered him all the goods, claiming only the persons, he answers by... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 14:24

Save only that which the young men have eaten - His own servants had partaken of the victuals which the confederate kings had carried away; see Genesis 14:11 . This was unavoidable, and this is all he claims; but as he had no right to prescribe the same liberal conduct to his assistants, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, he left them to claim the share that by right of conquest belonged to them of the recaptured booty. Whether they were as generous as Abram we are not told. The great variety of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 14:21

Verse 21 21.And the king of Sodom said. Moses having, by the way, interrupted the course of his narrative concerning the king of Sodom, by the mention of the king of Salem, now returns to it again; and says that the king of Sodom came to meet Abram, not only for the sake of congratulating him, but of giving him a due reward. He therefore makes over to him the whole prey, except the men; as if he would says ‘It is a great thing that I recover the men; let all the rest be given to thee as a... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 14:22

Verse 22 22.And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand, etc (368) This ancient ceremony was very appropriate to give expression to the force and nature of an oath. For by raising the hand towards heaven, we show that we appeal to God as a witness, and also as an avenger, if we fail to keep our oath. Formerly, indeed, they raised their hands in giving votes; whence the Greeks derive the word ( χειροτονεῖν,) (369) which signifies to decree: but in the rite of swearing, the... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 14:21-24

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 14:21

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 14:22

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 14:23

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 14:24

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 14:22

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 14:23

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 14:24

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 14:21

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 14:22

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