창세기 Chapter 14

Translation: ESV

1

In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim,

Key Message

God's people live in the midst of the historical realities of the world, and the conflicts of the world become the stage on which God's providence unfolds.

▸Genesis 14 is set against the backdrop of an international political stage — the war of four kings versus five kings.

Genesis 14 is set against the backdrop of an international political stage — the war of four kings versus five kings. This scene shows that Abraham was not merely a nomadic patriarch but a figure connected to the international affairs of his time. Chedorlaomer king of Elam is the center of this coalition, showing that five kings of the Dead Sea region had been subject to him for twelve years. This background sets the stage for the story of Abraham rescuing Lot.

Related Verses

He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
12

They also took Lot, the son of Abram's brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way.

Key Message

The consequences of wrong choices inevitably appear, but God accomplishes redemption and restoration through that crisis.

▸Lot is taken captive.

14

When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.

Key Message

Love manifests as action that risks danger; Abraham expressed his faith through the action of rescuing family at the risk of his own life.

▸Abraham's immediate action stands out.

18

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.)

Key Message

Melchizedek, as king and priest, foreshadows the eternal priesthood of Christ, and the bread and wine he brought to Abraham are a type of the Lord's Supper.

▸Melchizedek is one of the most mysterious figures in the Bible.

19

And he blessed him and said, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;'

Key Message

True blessing flows from God's authority; the God whom even the world's kings acknowledge — 'God Most High' — is Abraham's God.

▸Melchizedek blesses Abraham.

20

and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand! And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Key Message

Before any legal requirement, tithing is a voluntary expression of acknowledging God's sovereignty and gratitude; this is the original spirit of the tithe.

▸Abraham gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

22

But Abram said to the king of Sodom, 'I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth,'

Key Message

Relinquishing material gain for God's glory is true faith; we must testify through our lives that God is the source of our abundance.

▸When the king of Sodom attempts to give the spoils to Abraham, Abraham firmly refuses.