Bible Glide

Genesis 14

Genesis 14 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Genesis 14 tells of a regional war that draws Abram into action after Lot is taken captive. Abram pursues the invading kings, recovers the people and goods, and then meets Melchizedek, who blesses him. The chapter also shows Abram refusing the king of Sodom's offer of wealth.

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What happens in Genesis 14?

Several kings from the east wage war against the rulers of the cities of the plain. After years of tribute and rebellion, the invading coalition defeats nearby peoples, then overwhelms Sodom and Gomorrah in the Valley of Siddim. Lot is carried away with the spoils, prompting Abram to arm his trained men and pursue the captors. He attacks by night, wins the battle, and brings back Lot, the goods, and the people. On his return, Melchizedek blesses Abram in the name of God Most High. Abram honors him with a tenth, then declines the king of Sodom's offer so that no one can claim credit for Abram's gain.

Genesis 14 sits within the stories of Abram's life after his separation from Lot in the previous chapter. It is the first battle account in Genesis and shows Abram acting as both protector and worshiper. The chapter also introduces Melchizedek, a significant priest-king figure, before the covenant promise is expanded in the next chapter.

Themes to notice

  • Faithful RescueAbram acts quickly to recover Lot and the captives without seeking personal gain.
  • God Most HighMelchizedek's blessing points to God's rule over victory, blessing, and human affairs.
  • IntegrityAbram refuses the king of Sodom's wealth so his success will not be credited to anyone but God.

Questions for Genesis 14

  • What does Abram's response to Lot's capture show about his sense of responsibility?
  • Why is Melchizedek's blessing important in the middle of this battle story?
  • What does Abram's refusal of the king of Sodom's offer reveal about his trust in God?

Read the full text of Genesis 14 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Genesis 14

The War of the Kings

1In those days Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim2went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar).3The latter five came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea).4For twelve years they had been subject to Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.5In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim,6and the Horites in the area of Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is near the desert.7Then they turned back to invade En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar.8Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and arrayed themselves for battle in the Valley of Siddim9against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five.

Abram Rescues Lot

10Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some men fell into the pits, but the survivors fled to the hill country.11The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food, and they went on their way.12They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since Lot was living in Sodom.

13Then an escapee came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were bound by treaty to Abram.14And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan.15During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer’s army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.16He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people.

Melchizedek Blesses Abram

17After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).18Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High —

19and he blessed Abram and said:

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,

Creator of heaven and earth,

20and blessed be God Most High,

who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”

Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

21The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.”

22But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,23that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’24I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share for the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.”

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