Verse 23
23. That I will not take Literally, If from a thread even to a shoe-latchet, and if I take from all that is thine; and thou shalt not say I have enriched Abram. Observe the emotionality of Abram’s language. In the face of temptation, and in possible danger of being misunderstood by those who could scarcely appreciate his lofty standpoint, he declares his holy vow not to take to himself any of the spoils. The particle if appears prominently in the ancient formulas of swearing. The full form appears in
1 Samuel 3:17: “God do so to thee, and more also, if, etc . ” “There is a marked difference between Abram’s conduct to Melchizedek and his conduct to the king of Sodom . From Melchizedek he receives refreshment and treats him with honour and respect . Toward the king of Sodom he is distant and reserved . Probably the vicious lives of the inhabitants of Sodom made him careful not to lay himself under any obligation to the king, lest he should become too much associated with him and them . ” Speaker’s Commentary .
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