Read Genesis 14:1-16
Questions for Littles: Which kings, of which nations, were on Chedorlaomer’s side (Genesis 14:1)? Which kings, of which nations, were on Sodom’s side (Genesis 14:2)? Where did the Sodom coalition join together (Genesis 14:3)? For how many years had they been enslaved (Genesis 14:4)? What did they do in the thirteenth year? What happened in the 14th year (Genesis 14:5)—which people, and where, did the Chedorlaomer coalition attack (Genesis 14:5-7)? Which coalition initiated the battle in Genesis 14:8? What point does Genesis 14:9 make about the numbers? What did the Sodom coalition end up doing in Genesis 14:10? What did the Chedorlaomer coalition do in Genesis 14:11? Whom does Genesis 14:12 mention in connection with this? Where had he been living? What had the “reporter” in Genesis 14:13 providentially been able to do? To whom did he report? Where was Abram staying? What allies did he have? How many men did Abram arm in Genesis 14:14? What else had been done for them? How far did they pursue? What did Abram do with his forces at the beginning of Genesis 14:15? At what time of day? What did they do? How far did they pursue them? What did Abram bring back (Genesis 14:16)? Whom, specifically, did Abram bring back? Whom else did Abram bring back?It’s easy to write someone off for his poor choices. Certainly Abram could have done that. Lot had chosen to separate. Lot had chosen to pitch his tent toward Sodom. Lot had ended up living in Sodom. Why would Abram risk himself and all that he had to bail Lot out now?
The first reason is that Lot was Abram’s dead brother’s son (Genesis 14:12). There is a principle that runs throughout the Bible of an increased duty toward our near relatives. 1 Timothy 5 even tells the church not to help widows whose families can do it instead. It’s not a recent phenomenon for family to be neglectful of one another, but churches and governments are encouraging this neglect by stepping in uncarefully and letting them off easy. Abram helps Lot because he’s family.
A second reason for Abram to help Lot is that Abram is a Hebrew. In Canaan, he sticks out like a sore thumb. Others know that he is different. And he builds these altars everywhere that he goes. What God’s people do will reflect directly upon their God. Abram helps Lot because his life is a testimony.
A third reason for Abram to take such a risk is that he is immortal until his work is done. This is true for all of us, but especially for Abram. In Abram, all the families of the earth will be blessed. The Lord must preserve him, because the Lord will surely keep His promise. Of course, this cannot excuse recklessness, but Abram is not reckless. Not only does he have 318 men who have been brought up in his house, but he has ensured ahead of time that they are armed and trained. He devises clever and effective tactics. He has prepared for such eventualities. Abram helps Lot, because He trusts in God and has prepared to serve Him in ways like this.
Furthermore, Abram helps Lot because the Lord has brought him into this situation precisely to glorify Himself as the God who is mighty among His people. After the Chedorlaomer coalition has defeated many individual kingdoms, and then the entire Sodom coalition, they are still no match for Abram. Why? Because the Lord is with him. God’s people never need fear doing what is right. The Lord is both good and great, and is pleased to display this in their lives.
Finally, Abram helps Lot, and even saves the Sodom coalition, because he is a type (forerunner/ foreshadowing) of Christ. Christ, the seed of Abram, will be the ultimate One who saves those who deserve exactly the opposite. Praise be to God!
In what situation would doing right come at great cost and risk to you?Suggested Songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage?” or TPH2B “Why Do Heathen Nations Rage?”
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