Genesis 14:15

divided himself against them by night Abram divides his forces into three bands, and from three different quarters delivers a simultaneous night attack. The same manoeuvre was adopted by Gideon (Judges 7:20-22), when a small force similarly routed a large army. Cf. 1 Samuel 11:11. The surprise was complete. Chedorlaomer's panic-stricken troops are chased for over 100 miles, and all the prisoners and booty recovered.

There is no mention of Abram's confederates (see Genesis 14:13; Genesis 14:24). The credit of the victories lies with Abram and his household force.

unto Hobah Probably a place about 50 miles north of Damascus. Skinner rightly points out that "it is idle to pretend that Abram's victory was merely a surprise attack on the rearguard, and the recovery of part of the booty. A pursuit carried so far implies the rout of the main body of the enemy" (p. 267).

which is on the left hand of Damascus For "left hand," R.V. marg. has north. An Israelite always spoke as if he were facing eastward; and the north is, therefore, on his left hand; cf. Genesis 2:24.

Damascus, the capital of Syria (Heb. Damméseḳ= Assyr. Dimashḳi, = Dimashk esh-Shâm, i.e. "Damascus of Syria"), a famous city, mentioned in Egyptian inscriptions as early as the 16th century. On the fable of Abram's capture of it, see note on Genesis 12:5.