Abraham’s contrasting responses to the 2 Kings (Gen 14:17-24)

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 Background:

A battle took place in the earlier episode whereby 4 kings waged war against 5 kings (v1-16).

The 4 kings waged war because of the 5 kings rebelled against the rule of Cherdorlaomer (one of the 4 kings and assuming the key leader in the area). The incident continued with the king of Sodom, one of the 5 kings (v10 defeated). The enemy then took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and also Lot (who lived in Sodom). 

Part of God’s divine arrangement of making Abraham great (Gen 12), this incident had Abraham implicated because his nephew Lot was captured. Abraham went to his rescue and this rescue operation made Abraham known (v17-24).

When Abraham returned after his successful operation, 2 kings came to meet him. They were the king of Sodom (one of the 5 kings who were defeated by the 4) and the king of Melchizedek.

It is interesting that v17-24 had a chiastic structure:

A  The King of Sodom came to Abraham (v17)

B  The King of Salem, Melchizedek, came to Abraham (v18)

 

B¹ The King of Salem, Melchizedek blessed Abraham (v18-20a)

B² Abraham’s response to the King of Melchizedek (v20b)

A¹ The King of Sodom offered a deal (v21)

A² Abraham’s response to the King of Sodom (v22-24)

 

Reflection and Thoughts:

1. Despite his great successful operation, Abraham remained humble to receive the One (Melchizedek) whom he recognized as superior than him.

- What about us? After good success or a successful run or project, are we able to stay humble and acknowledge there are always people greater than us? Do we acknowledge God as the One in charge?

2. Despite his great successful operation, and a chance to strike deal with anyone (because Abraham is much known now), he declined the king of Sodom and choose to rely on God. He chose not to have the king of Sodom made him ‘look rich or great’ (v23) but instead have God as the centre.

- Are we in ‘danger’ or being ‘tempted to’ capitalize on our success (which was given by God) to our benefit? Can we discern which ‘deal’ is God-honoring and which ‘deal’ is not? It takes wisdom and discernment to do that. And we can ask or enquire of the Lord regarding this.