_A.M. 2091. B.C. 1913._ We have in this chapter, (1,) _ A war with the king of Sodom and his allies, Genesis 14:1._ (2,) _ Abram's rescue of Lot from captivity, Genesis 14:13._ (3,) _ Abram's return from that expedition, Genesis 14:17, with an account of what passed, 1, Between him and the king... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 14:4. _Twelve years they served him_ The Sodomites were the posterity of Canaan, whom Noah had pronounced a servant to Shem, from whom Elam descended. Thus soon did that prophecy begin to be fulfilled. _In the thirteenth year_ (beginning to be weary of their subjection) _they rebelled_ Denie... [ Continue Reading ]
_In the fourteenth year_ After some pause and preparation, Chedorlaomer, in conjunction with his allies, set himself to reduce the revolters. The four kings laid the neighbouring countries waste, and enriched themselves with the spoil of them, Genesis 14:5. Upon the alarm of which, the king of Sodom... [ Continue Reading ]
We have here an account of the only military action we ever find Abram engaged in, and to this he was not prompted by avarice or ambition, but purely by a principle of charity. Considering the impropriety of Lot's conduct, he might have found a very plausible pretence for declining to expose himself... [ Continue Reading ]
_He armed his trained servants_ To the number of three hundred and eighteen: a great family, but a small army; about as many as Gideon's that routed the Midianites, Judges 7:7. He _drew-out_ his _trained servants_, or his _catechised_ servants; not only instructed in “the art of war,” but instructed... [ Continue Reading ]
It has been a great question among expositors, who Melchizedek was. The Jewish rabbins say that he was Shem, the son of Noah, who was _king_ and _priest_ to those that were descended from him, according to the patriarchal model. And it must be allowed to be probable that Shem was alive at this time,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Blessed be Abram of the most high God_ Observe the titles he here gives to God, which are very glorious. 1st, _The most high God_, which speaks his absolute perfection in himself, and his sovereign dominion over all the creatures. 2d, _Possessor of heaven and earth_ That is, rightful owner and sove... [ Continue Reading ]
_And blessed be the most high God_ Observe, 1st, In all our prayers we must praise God, and join _hallelujahs_ with all our hosannas. These are the spiritual sacrifices we must offer up daily, and upon particular occasions. 2d, God, as the most high God, must have the glory of all our victories. In... [ Continue Reading ]
_Give me the souls, and take thou the substance_ So the Hebrew reads it. Here he fairly begs the persons, but as freely bestows the goods on Abram. Gratitude teaches us to recompense to the utmost of our power those that have undergone fatigues, or been at expense for our service.... [ Continue Reading ]
Here observe, 1st, Abram gives to God the same titles that Melchizedek had just now used. It is good to learn of others how to order our speech concerning God, and to imitate those who speak well in divine things. 2d, The ceremony used in this oath; _I have lift up my hand_ In religious swearing, we... [ Continue Reading ]