WHO IS THE “VICTOR”?

Genesis 14:13-24
Bob Bonner
December 12, 2004

Two weeks ago, we launched out on a new adventure in our study of Genesis. We have begun a more acute study of Abraham’s life of faith. In particular, we have begun to understand that Abraham did not wake up one day as a man of might faith, but that his faith evolved as he walked with God. The more he walked with God and got to know God, the more blessed and peaceful Abraham’s life became. Hence, the priority of our study of the rest of Genesis up through Genesis 25, will be to return to this focus of “What has Abraham learned lately about God, and what difference did it make in his life?” Ultimately, we want to realize the difference that it can make in our lives when we stop and take stock in Who God is, in light of our everyday lives.

By way of review, last time we established a Biblical principle to be applied to all of us who live under the normal pressures and stresses of human life. Based on Psalm 46:10, which says, “Cease striving or be still and know that I am God” we came up with this principle: Know God and know peace; or Know the problem and know inner turmoil. If you know Jesus Christ as your savior and Lord, than you have a relationship with the God over all creation. But are you taking advantage of that relationship? Are you enjoying and depending upon Him as He desires you to? While living amidst the daily grind, do you try to do it alone, getting pulverized in the process? Or, do you invite God to be apart of the process and enjoy peace?

Last time I taught you the illustration of how to build a refuge in God in the times of trouble: how we build an invisible wall around us when problems threaten our lives, and how that wall is made up of the truths about Who God is, What His promises and truths are, and what he has done in the passed. I used another illustration of this glass fishing ball. The ball represents a problem we were not intended to bear alone and the ropes represent acknowledging Who God is in light of this problem. Each rope, like each bolder in the wall, represents a different attribute and truth about God that we wrap around our problem. As we do, the turmoil ceases, the confusion begins to fade, and worry is replaced by supernatural peace. The problem may still be there, but God now has your attention and shows you what your limits are and where you have to trust Him. Once you have done your part, the rest is up to the One who loves and cares for you more than anyone in this world.

This morning, we want to continue our investigation of Abraham’s life in Scripture. We are going to begin where we left off, in the middle of Genesis 14.

The historical situation is that Lot has been captured in a battle between a coalition of four powerful kings who have come from the east to do battle with five weaker kings of the west. One of those weaker kings was the ruler over the community of Sodom and Gomorrah, in which Lot lived. The four eastern kings quickly defeated the western kings, taking captives and all the wealthy of the conquered. With the spoils of war, they are on their way home. That’s where we pick up the event.

Beginning with 14:13, we read these words, “Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram. When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people.”

Apparently, after the coalition of kings from the east had conquered the five kings and taken their possessions and made some their slaves, one of Lot’s servants, one who knew Abraham and where he was to be found, fled to this patriarch in the hopes that he would rescue his master.

It is important to note, in verse 14 that Abraham was “living by the oaks of Mamre.” Mamre was a person who owned the property by these oaks. The term, “living” is a Hebrew word that describes temporarily living in one place. Abraham had not made this place a permanent home, as Lot has made Sodom his home. But in order to settle even temporarily in this region, Abraham had to make a treaty with Mamre, the Amorite and his two relatives who were the heads of their respective tribes. In this case, this treaty worked to Abraham’s favor, because these three relative-chiefs go with Abraham and his 318 household servants to rescue his nephew Lot and Mamre’s relatives from the coalition of four kings who had conquered them. Abraham was the leader of this retrieving force.

Something else to consider is the importance of the mentioning of 318 servants who went with Abraham. That is a large number of servants, and they only include those who were able to fight. This does not include the wives and children of these servants. Obviously, Abraham was a very wealthy man to be able to provide for this many people.

However, these 318 men from Abraham’s household were not battle proven soldiers. These men were cattle ranchers, shepherds and farmers. Furthermore, this is the only military action that we know of, that Abraham was ever involved in. Abraham, for the most part, was a peaceful nomadic shepherd. For him to challenge the well oiled fighting machine from the east in order to rescue his nephew Lot, took a lot of courage.

According to the text, Abraham, plans a surprise attack on the coalition of four kings. He and his three allies forces travel about 120 miles, about a three to four day rugged journey with the supplies needed to feed his men all along the way. When they get into position to attack, they discover that they have caught their enemy off guard. They were probably celebrating their recent victory and had let down their guard, having no idea that anybody would even think about coming after them. To their knowledge, there was no formidable threat to them any where in the land.

Hence, under the cloak of darkness, Abraham divides his army into two groups, and with a surprise attack, catches the enemy a pincer movement. The enemy is routed, they flee for their lives, forcing them to leave their captives and booty behind. Abraham chased the enemy another thirty miles before giving up the chase to return home the victor.

When Abraham does return home, he is fabulously wealthy, he is the liberator of the land. The emancipator. His fame is upon every lip. He had done what no other five kings together could do.

Although it required a great deal of courage on Abraham’s part to take on this well-oiled enemy machine, this action to rescue his nephew also shows us that Abraham took seriously his role as patriarch, the one responsible for looking after family when they are in trouble. Since Lot had taken the best of the Canaanite real estate for himself, as we read in the last chapter, one might suspect Abraham to be a little bitter or resentful that he had to go help rescue Lot. But there is no sign of bitterness, just quick and decisive action.

It is obvious to us, the readers of this passage, that God had providentially rescued Abraham. This defeat of the coalition of the four eastern kings falls alongside the great and miraculous feat by Gideon’s 300 men against the Midianites, 135,000 soldiers. But what is obvious to us, who are standing outside the proverbial forest, we who can see the trees, was not so obvious to Abraham and the others who were in the forest. Hence, the purpose for the next section of scripture which deals with Abraham’s encounter with two kings at his victorious homecoming.

As we read these next verses, you will see the introduction of two kings: the King of Sodom and the King of Salem. As you read about these two kings, there is an interesting Hebrew literary style employed. First the King of Sodom is mentioned briefly in verse 17. Then, in verses 18-20, we are introduced to the second king. Then, in verse 21, back to the first king. The purpose of this style is to dramatize the contrast between these two kings. The heart of this passage, the picture, is focused on the King of Salem, Melchizedek. He is the key to the passage. But the framework around the picture, the framework that represents the culture of the day, the framework that highlights the righteousness of Melchizedek as well as Abraham is the King of Sodom.

We read in verse 17, “Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).”

What most believe to be the King’s Valley, is just outside of Jerusalem. It rests between the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives. As you can tell, it is not that big, and only can hold about 20,000 people. Hence, the armies of Abraham and his allies, and all of those who came to celebrate the victory force us to believe that Abraham’s army was rather small.

Verses 18-24, “And Melchizedek king of Salem [ Salem is probably an earlier name for the city of Jerusalem] brought out bread and wine; [ NOTE: This king comes out bearing gifts...really food that represents a royal banquet; when we read about the King of Sodom, he brings nothing, but demands “Gimme!” BLANK ] now he [Melchizedek]was a priest of God Most High. He blessed Abraham and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all. The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the Lord God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ “I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share.”

We know very little about Melchizedek, the king of Salem. We know that he was a priest or worshiper of Yahweh. But what we don’t know is how it is that Melchizedek, the king-priest of Salem came upon the scene. There is no Biblical genealogy listed, no Biblical record of parents or children, and no record of his birth or death. He appears as suddenly as he disappears. There is a Hebrew tradition that explains that Melchizedek and Shem (Noah’s son) are one and the same person. This is quite possible in that Shem was still alive at this time. If this is true, “Melchizedek” would be regarded more as a title, than it would be his name.

If you want, he is worth the effort to research what is known of him from Scripture, for he is a clearly a type of Christ, if not the pre-incarnate Christ, Himself. By the way, did you catch what kind of food Melchizedek brought to Abraham? Wine and bread, the very elements of communion! Here we have a type of Christ, a king-priest, bringing the elements of communion almost two thousand years before the “Last supper” when Jesus instituted communion as an ordinance.

Besides this food, Melchizedek gives Abraham two things. First, he gives him a revelation in verses 18-19 and then a reminder in verse 20. First, let's look at the revelation, that begins with the second half of verse 18, "...now he was a priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram of God most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;..." First, Melchizedek introduces Abraham to "el elyon" or the Hebrew name for the "God most high". It is the first time that Abraham had ever been formally introduced to the God Who had called him out of Ur to come to this foreign land. He had spoken to God before, but up to this point, he had never known this name for God. This is the first time this name for God is given in the Scriptures.

The name, “el elyon” is a significant name, and it’s used four times in this chapter. The word, “el” comes from a Semitic language and means “strong.” The second word of God’s name, “elyon” is a semitic language superlative and it means, “the strongest.” In other words, this name for God declares to Abraham and all who hear it that there is no other top dog in the litter. Abraham’s God is the most high, strongest of the strong. Not only do no other gods exist, but even if they did, they were no match for “el elyon.” That’s the meaning of “el elyon.” He is the “strongest strong one.”

In verse 20, Melchizedek goes on to remind Abraham of something else. We read, "And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand." “Hey, Abraham”, Melchizedek is saying, “You did not win this battle because of your superior forces or because you had an effective war plan or because you are a great warrior and leader. No, pal, you won this battle because the One who said, back in chapter 12, "I will bless those who bless you...and curse those who curse you..." fulfilled His promise to take care of you. The one and only El Elyon, the powerful and personal God who has chosen to take an interest in your life pulled off this victory.” God blessed the three tribal chieftains who joined Abraham because they had blessed Abraham. God defeated the four kings of the east because they had cursed Abraham. Furthermore, “El elyon” wanted Abraham to know that since He is responsible for the victory, the spoils of war ultimately belongs to El Elyon.

Abram could not miss the message. Abram had been catapulted into a place of international reputation, not because of what he had done, but because of what El Elyon had done. People were praising Abraham as a superstar, a national hero. He was riding the crest of the wave of success, popularity and glory. He has wealth and prisoners. But suddenly, as he stood before God, stripped of any of the credit and pride for the victory, he learned a lesson he would never forget. Any honor, fame or victories Abraham would win in the future, they would come to him only because El Elyon had made it happen.

And Abraham’s immediate response was one of rightful worship of God, El Elyon. We read at the end of verse 20, “Abraham gave El Elyon a tenth of all.”

Just a quick observation. It is interesting that before there ever was a law of God that the Jews were suppose to tithe or give ten percent of their earnings before taxes, we see Abraham, as an act of worship, immediately tithing from that which was rightfully, according to the world’s ideas, his. In addition, according to Hebrews 7:4-10, Melchizedek is a type of Christ, and it was to Melchizedek or to Christ that Abraham was giving his tithes.

Hence, I believe that this passages suggests that believers today, who follow after Christ, are also to follow in Abraham’s footsteps in giving a tenth of what we make to the Lord. I do not see it as an option, but a rightful obligation. I see no reason to deny the essential appropriateness today that tithing is to be a part of our worship to God. It appears to me that Abraham’s giving a tenth of his earnings should be no different than our giving a tenth to God. It is God’s, El-elyon’s absolute right that was established long before any question arises in the Old or New Testament about free-will offerings and other grace-giving or spontaneous gifts to God. The giving spoken of in 1 and 2 Corinthians refer to gifts that come from a believer out of a grateful heart for what God has done for us, above and beyond the tithe. The tithe comes as an absolute right of God.

Furthermore, by giving God a tithe of the plunder, Abraham signals that he understands Who the real victor in the battle was, El Elyon; and it explains why later Abraham, the human victor, so quickly declines taking any of the plunder that was rightfully his.

Now, let’s turn our focus to the King of Sodom. Notice, the King of Sodom did not even join Abraham in the fight to rescue his own property or people. More than likely he ran for the hills to save his own skin and wasn’t about to come out until the coast was clear. According to the rules of engagement, the king of Sodom had no right whatsoever to any of the spoils of war that he was demanding. That’s why the King of Sodom’s actions in verse 21, seem to be absurd to me. We read, “The king of Sodom said to Abram, ‘Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.’”

King of Sodom	King of Salem
The Tempter	The King of Righteousness
not a worshiper of Yahweh	a worshiper of Yahweh
demands booty	brings gifts
overlooks honor and praise due Abe	pronounces a blessing over Abe
indicator of king’s cultural wickedness	indicator of the seed of Abraham’s righteousness

This would be a good time to note the contrast between these two kings. First, is the King of Sodom, who represents the tempter, trying to lead Abraham away from God. He is not a worshiper of Yahweh. Where as the King of Salem is a worshiper of Yahweh who represents what his name means, “The King of righteousness.” The King of Sodom disrespectfully comes empty handed, demanding his possessions, trying to assert his nonexistent authority. The King of Sodom totally overlooks the custom of honor and praise due the victory. This slight on the king of Sodom’s part reveals his lack of gratitude and preoccupation with the spoils of war provides an index of Sodom’s wickedness.

On the other hand, the King of Salem comes bringing the gift of a royal banquet and then pronounces a blessing over Abe. The King of Salem’s actions are those same actions that would belong to the righteous seed of Abraham, true believers.

The King of Sodom’s offer to Abraham of wealth, power and possessions, was a challenge that tested Abraham’s faith or ongoing trust in Yahweh, El-elyon to meet his needs. But having just had his doors blown off by this personal introduction to El-elyon, Abraham wanted nothing to do with the King of Sodom. He sees him for what he is. I even hear a tone of indignation in Abraham’s response. Verses 22-24, “Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the Lord God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ “I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share.”

Abraham now knew that he no longer needed to place his confidence in this world’s high and mighty people nor its systems. All he wanted and all he needed was El Elyon. If the Lord would have told him to take the offer from the King of Sodom, I’m sure Abraham would have done so. But he did not need this earthly rulers help, especially one who was so weak as to be conquered by the four eastern kings Abraham had just found victory over.

In addition, Abraham refused the King of Sodom’s offer because He didn’t want this wicked king to ever be able to say, “Oh, I know that Ol’ wealthy Hebrew, Abraham. In fact, if it wasn’t for me, he would not have what he does!” He didn’t ever want to feel beholden to the King of Sodom, like he owed the king something if the king ever got into trouble again. So he rightly and wisely rejected the king’s offer.

What a different Abraham we see here than we did back in Egypt. In Egypt, he was fearful and ready to sacrifice his wife in order to save his own skin. But now, growing in faith, he fearlessly puts his life on the line to rescue Lot. He wants to put no trust in evil men. He will rely on the provision of God, not dealings with evil kings. Why? What has changed for Abraham? He is beginning to better know Who God is and that God is worthy of his complete trust, even when times may get confusing.

One final footnote about Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who’s kidnaping, you remember, started all of this. We have already looked at an overview of Lot’s self centered and self indulged lifestyle that lead to his wasted life. But note that there is no mention of or any expression or feeling of gratitude on the part of Lot toward Abraham for his rescuing Lot mentioned here or anywhere else in scripture. Furthermore, there also was no hesitation on Lot’s part to move back into Sodom, the land of luxury. He could have moved out of that city right then and into another part of that fertile valley, but he didn’t. Instead, he chose to live with the community of the wicked. What a contrast between his depth of character and that of Abraham’s.

Just two points I want you to consider as you leave here this morning. The first has to do with our sense of gratitude. The way we live, do we take all of the credit for our skills, victories, the ability to acquire possessions, our education and spiritual gifts? Or, do we publically acknowledge that they belong to God and give Him credit when possible? When we know the truth of Who the real Victor is in our lives, when we grasp the truth about El Elyon, our only response can be to giving credit to whom credit is due.

Up until recently, I have had some difficulty with the way some sports figures praise God for their victories and skills. And I realize that there are tasteful and less tasteful ways some athletes choose to praise God for their lives. But after a period of time, I found myself almost wishing they would not praise God for whatever has happened, even if they were role models because it made me embarrassed. But then I paused to think about my embarrassment. Was I embarrassed by the way they did what they did, or embarrassed that they publically gave credit to God? I will be honest with you, I’m not sure.

As I thought about it more, I began to realize one possibility that was influencing my thinking; that being that I had become like the world. The world hates giving God credit and anyone else who does. I was watching a news program with Phil Donohue who proclaimed that anyone who claims to hear from God or has a relationship with God is crazy and certainly shouldn’t be in leadership.

With that I woke up to this question: do I hate hearing other’s give credit to God because it smacks of religion? Or, do I hate hearing others give credit to God because I have become a supporter for human arrogance?

So far, as we study what Abraham knew of God, in light of God’s character as seen through God’s actions, as well as God’s revealed names, Abraham has learned this about God.

Whatever we possess, whether it be talents, treasures or time, it ultimately belongs to Him. Further, He has placed these things into our lives, with which to be good stewards.

Are you in a state of confusion? Has someone hurt you deeply? Are you scared? Are you angry? Are you striving and churning inside, or are you at peace, because you know God?

Close your eyes for a moment, so as to block out all distractions. In an attitude of worship, take that thing that has grabbed the focus of your life that you might be struggling with, and think about it in light of what Abraham knew of God and answer for yourself, are you placing your faith in the God of Abraham or in yourself? In other words, does it make a difference to you to know that...(go over each attribute listed above and then pray for the congregation.)

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