Genesis 14:13 - Meaning and Application

Here we have the only military action Abram, later called Abraham, is ever shown taking. He was moved to it, not by greed or ambition, but by love. He did not go out to enrich himself, but to help his friend. No military campaign was ever begun, carried on, and completed more honorably than Abram’s.

First, he received news of his relative’s trouble. God had arranged for him to be living nearby, so he could be a very present help. Abram is called “Abram the Hebrew,” that is, the son and follower of Heber, in whose family the true faith was still kept alive in that corrupt time. In this, Abram acted like a true Hebrew, in a way worthy of a religious believer.

The news was brought by a man who had escaped with his life. He was probably a man of Sodom, and as bad as the worst of them. Yet he knew Abram’s relation to Lot, and he counted on that concern. So he begged for help, hoping to benefit because of Lot. The worst people, when trouble comes, will be glad to claim friendship with wise and good people, hoping to gain something from them. The rich man in hell called Abram “Father,” and the foolish virgins sought the wise for some of their oil.

Next, Abram made his preparations for the rescue. The cause was clearly good, and his call to act was plain. So he quickly armed his trained servants, those born in his house, 318 in all. It was a large household, but a small army, about the same number as Gideon’s force that defeated the Midianites (Judges 7:7). These were trained servants, or instructed servants, taught not only in warfare, which was then far less developed than it later became, but also in the principles of religion. Abram had commanded his household to keep the way of the Lord.

This shows Abram as a great man, with many servants depending on him and working under him. That was part of his strength and honor, and it also gave him a wide chance to do good, which is the only truly valuable thing about wealth and position. It also shows him as a good man, because he not only served God himself, but taught everyone around him to serve God too. Those with large households must remember that they are responsible for many souls, not just their own. Those who would follow Abram must see that their servants are taught the faith.

It also shows Abram as a wise man. Though he was a man of peace, he had disciplined his servants for war, because he did not know when such service might be needed. Even though our holy religion teaches peace, it does not forbid preparation for war.

Then Abram had allies. He persuaded his neighbors, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, with whom he kept friendly relations, to join him. This was wise, because it strengthened his own men with outside help. It is likely they also saw that their own safety was at stake, since such a strong power might soon turn against them too. It is wise and right to treat others respectfully and kindly, so that when need comes, they are ready to help us. And even those who trust God should still use human help when God provides it, or else they are putting God to the test.

Abram’s courage and skill were remarkable. There was great bravery in the venture itself, when you think about the odds against him. What could one family of farmers and shepherds do against the armies of four kings, who had just come fresh from battle and victory? He was not chasing a defeated army, but one that had already won. He was not forced into this by necessity, but driven by generosity. Taken all together, it may be as great an example of true courage as any for which Alexander or Caesar was praised. Religion does not make people timid, but truly brave. The righteous are bold as a lion. The true Christian is the true hero.

There was also great wisdom in how Abram carried it out. He was no stranger to the tactics of war. He divided his men, as Gideon divided his small army (Judges 7:16), so he could strike from several sides at once and make his few seem many. He attacked by night, so he could surprise the enemy. Wise planning is a good servant of both safety and usefulness. A Christian may use shrewdness, as long as it is clean and harmless, like a dove, and not like the old serpent (Matthew 10:16).

His success was very great (Genesis 14:15, Genesis 14:16). He defeated his enemies and rescued his friends, and we are not told that he lost anything himself. Those who take risks for a good cause, with a good heart, are under the special care of a good God, and they have reason to expect a good outcome. It is all the same to the Lord to save by many or by few (1 Samuel 14:6).

He rescued his kinsman. Twice Lot is called his brother here. The memory of the bond between them, both by nature and by grace, made Abram forget the small quarrel they had once had, even though Lot had not treated him well. Abram could have rebuked Lot for his folly in quarreling and moving away from him. He could have said Lot got what he deserved. But in the generous heart of godly Abram, it was all forgiven and forgotten. He took this chance to show by action that he had truly been reconciled.

We should be ready, whenever we can, to help those in trouble, especially our relatives and friends. A brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17). A friend in need is a true friend. And even if others have failed us, we must not fail them. Some say they can forgive enemies more easily than friends. But we will find we must forgive both, if we remember that God reconciled us when we were his enemies, and that he passes over the sins of his people (Micah 7:18).

Abram also rescued the rest of the captives, for Lot’s sake, though they were strangers to him and not people he was under any duty to help. They were Sodomites, sinners greatly guilty before the Lord, and he may have been able to recover Lot alone by paying ransom. Yet he brought back all the women and the people and their goods (Genesis 14:16). As far as we have opportunity, we must do good to all people. Our kindness should be broad, as opportunity gives us room. Wherever God gives life, we must not refuse the help we can give to sustain it. God shows kindness to the righteous and the unrighteous, and so must we (Matthew 5:45).

This victory that Abram won over the kings is likely what the prophet refers to in Isaiah 41:2: “Who raised up the righteous man from the east, and made him rule over kings?” Some have thought that, just as Abram already had a right to this land by God’s gift, he now also gained it by conquest.