We have here an account of the first war that ever we read of in scripture, in which we may observe. [1.] The parties engaged in it. The invaders were four kings; two of them no less than kings of Shinar and Elam — That is, Chaldea and Persia; yet probably not the sovereign princes of those great ki... [ Continue Reading ]
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 — Denied their tribute,... [ Continue Reading ]
In the fourteenth year — After some pause and preparation, Chedorlaomer, in conjunction with his allies, set himself to reduce the revolters. [3.] The progress of the war. The four kings laid the neighbouring countries waste, and enriched themselves with the spoil of them, Genesis 14:5. Upon the al... [ Continue Reading ]
We have here an account of the only military action we ever find Abram engaged in; and this he was not prompted to by avarice or ambition, but purely by a principle of charity.... [ Continue Reading ]
He armed his trained servants, born in his house — 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 catechized servants; not only instructed in the art of war, but... [ Continue Reading ]
His brother Lot — That is, his kinsman.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Rabbins say, that Melchizedek was Shem the son of Noah, who was king and priest to those that descended from him, according to the patriarchal model. Many Christian writers have thought that this was an appearance of the Son of God himself, our Lord Jesus, known to Abram at this time by this nam... [ Continue Reading ]
Blessed be Abram, of the most high God — Observe the titles he here gives to God, which are very glorious. The most high God, which speaks his absolute perfections in himself, and his sovereign dominion over all the creatures. Possessor of heaven and earth — That is, rightful owner and sovereign Lor... [ Continue Reading ]
And blessed be the most high God — Note, 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. God as the most high God must have the glory of all our victories. In them he shews hi... [ 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 expence for our service.... [ Continue Reading ]
I have lift up mine hand to the Lord that I will not take anything — Here Observe, The titles he gives to God, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth — The same that Melchizedek had just now used. It is good to learn of others how to order our speech concerning God, and to imitate thos... [ Continue Reading ]
From a thread to a shoe — latchet — Not the least thing that had ever belonged to the king of Sodom.... [ Continue Reading ]