Gênesis 14
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Gênesis 14
Wiersbe has an interesting insight into why 5 kings were defeated on their home turf by 4 invading kings - Ezekiel 16:49–50 suggests that the lifestyle of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah did not prepare them for conflict. (Cf. Ezek. 16:49–50 with 1 John 2:15–17.) Henry
Gênesis 14
Wiersbe has an interesting analysis on Lot's lot - Whatever purposes the kings may have had in this war, God had something special in mind for Lot: he became a prisoner of war. Lot had looked at Sodom and moved toward Sodom (Gen. 13:10–13), and now he was living in Sodom (14:12; see Ps. 1:1). You might not guess it from his conduct, but Lot was a righteous man (2 Peter 2:6–8). Where did he fail? While in Egypt with Abraham, Lot had gotten a taste of the world and enjoyed it. Scripture doesn’t record that Lot ever built an altar and sought the Lord, as did his uncle Abraham. Abraham was the friend of God (James 2:23), but Lot was the friend of the world (Jas 4:4). In time, Lot conformed to the world (Ro 12:2), and when Sodom lost the war, Lot was condemned with the world (1Co 11:32). If you identify with the world, then expect to suffer what the world suffers. Lot’s capture was God’s way of disciplining him and reminding him that he had no business living in Sodom. No doubt Abraham was praying faithfully for his nephew that he might separate himself from the world and start living like a true “stranger and pilgrim.’’ God disciplines His children because He loves them and wants the best for them (Pr 3:11–12; Heb. 12:1–11). If we don’t listen to His rebukes, then He has to get our attention some other way; and that way is usually very painful. Genesis 14:13 Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram. one: 1Sa 4:12 Job 1:15 the: Ge 39:14 40:15 41:12 43:32 Ex 2:6,11 Jon 1:9 2Co 11:22 Php 2:5 dwelt: Ge 13:18 Mamre: Ge 14:24 13:18 Amorite: Ge 10:16 Nu 21:21 and these: Ge 14:24 Genesis 14 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries Source: Abraham: Following God's Promise FUGITIVE ESCAPES TO ABRAM THE HEBREW Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew (ibri/ivri; Lxx = perates = migrant)- This man would bring Abram news that would stir him to action in Ge 14:14 to come to the aid of his kin. Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram - Abram must have surely known about the war but at this time chose not to get involved. One might question Abram's alliance with pagans but Wiersbe has some helpful thoughts - While believers must not compromise with the unsaved in matters of spiritual walk and ministry (2 Cor. 6:14—7:1), they may cooperate when it comes to caring for humanity and “promoting the general welfare.’’ When you see that people are in trouble, you don’t ask them for a testimony before helping them (Luke 10:25–37; Gal. 6:10). Sacrificial service is one way of showing the love of Christ to others (Matt. 5:16). If Christians don’t carry their share of the common burdens of life, how can they be the salt of the earth and the light of the world? For example, Joseph served in Egypt, and God used him to preserve his family and the Jewish nation. Nehemiah served a heathen king, yet God used the authority and resources of that king to enable Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem. Esther was a Jewess married to a Gentile ruler, and God used her to protect the Jewish people from almost certain annihilation. Daniel in Babylon never compromised his convictions, but he did assist several rulers and was greatly used by God. We may cooperate with different people at different times to achieve different purposes, but we should always be conscious of our obligation to glorify God. Hebrew (05680) (ibri/ivri) is a term used of Israel most often in a context that includes non-Israelites either as speakers (e.g., Ge 39:14; Exod 2:11; 1 Sam 13:19) or auditors (e.g., Gen 40:15; Exod 10:3; Jonah 1:9). The origin may be from ˒ēber, “beyond,” originally applied to Abraham as coming from beyond the Euphrates (Josh 24:2ff.). Or it may be a patronymic from Eber (Gen 10:21, 24), signifying the descendants of Eber. NET NOTE - The meaning of the word “Hebrew” has proved elusive. It may be related to the verb “to cross over,” perhaps meaning “immigrant.” Or it might be derived from the name of Abram’s ancestor Eber (see Ge 11:14–16+). Barnhouse thinks that “The word Hebrew comes from a root that means passed over. The Septuagint translates it the passenger.” In Ge 14:13 the Greek word is perates which means migrant or wanderer. Gilbrant - Used mostly in the Pentateuch and 1 Samuel, ʿivrî is a proper noun meaning "Hebrew." Potiphar's wife accused Joseph, "a Hebrew man," of forcing himself on her (Gen. 39:14; see v. 17 where she identifies him as a "Hebrew slave"). Moses tried to protect a Hebrew man from an Egyptian only to find two Hebrew men fighting each other (Exo. 2:11, 13). Exodus 21:2-11 gives rules regarding the proper treatment of Hebrew slaves (cf. Deut. 15:12; Jer. 34:8-20). Hebrews are often referred to as Hebrews by foreigners: the Egyptians in Gen. 37-50 and Exo. 1-15 and the Philistines in 1 Sam. 4, 13, 14. Thus, "Hebrew" is used to distinguish the nationality of a person or persons, male or female (cf. Exo. 1:15, a Hebrew midwife). Jonah 1:9 is the only text in which a person describes himself as a Hebrew.\ The etymology of the word is difficult to trace. It may be derived from an Akkadian term habiru. This word likely referred to a group of fugitives. If this connection is valid, then some transformation of the meaning must have occurred in the Hebrew adoption of this term. With the exception of the specific reference to Hebrew slaves in Exo. 21, this term is not a social distinction as it was in Akkadian. Throughout its use in the OT, it is a designation for the whole ethnic population of the Israelites. Nevertheless, since "Hebrew" is a designation often ascribed to the Israelites in refuge (especially in Genesis and Exodus), a derogatory nuance may remain from its Akkadian origin. In postexilic and pre-Hellenistic times, "Hebrew" was not commonly used as a general designation for Israelites. In the NT, only three passages use the term "Hebrew." In Acts 6:1, "Hebrew" is used to designate the Jewish Christian congregation. Paul called himself a Hebrew to show that he was a Hebrew-speaking Jew rather than a Greek-speaking Jew (2 Cor. 11:22; Phil. 3:5). (Complete Biblical Library) Ibri - 32v - Hebrew(9), Hebrew man(2), Hebrew man...woman(1), Hebrew woman(1), Hebrew women(3), Hebrews(17), Hebrews'(1). Gen. 14:13; Gen. 39:14; Gen. 39:17; Gen. 40:15; Gen. 41:12; Gen. 43:32; Exod. 1:15; Exod. 1:16; Exod. 1:19; Exod. 2:6; Exod. 2:7; Exod. 2:11; Exod. 2:13; Exod. 3:18; Exod. 5:3; Exod. 7:16; Exod. 9:1; Exod. 9:13; Exod. 10:3; Exod. 21:2; Deut. 15:12; 1 Sam. 4:6; 1 Sam. 4:9; 1 Sam. 13:3; 1 Sam. 13:7; 1 Sam. 13:19; 1 Sam. 14:11; 1 Sam. 14:21; 1 Sam. 29:3; Jer. 34:9; Jer. 34:14; Jon. 1:9 Genesis 14:14 When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. his brother: Ge 11:27-31 13:8 Pr 17:17 24:11,12 Ga 6:1,2 1Jn 2:18 armed: or, led forth, Ps 45:3-5 68:12 Isa 41:2,3 born: Ge 12:5,16 15:3 17:12,27 18:19 23:6 Ec 2:7 Dan: De 34:1 Judges 18:29 20:1 Genesis 14 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries ABRAM'S ARMY OF 318 TRAINED MEN When Abram heard that his relative (nephew) had been taken captive - Note how the sovereignty of God made sure that one surviving fugitive would make it safely to Abram's tent and pass on the news about Lot. This war was really a lot about Lot and God's hand of discipline on him! Once Abram learns of Lot's lot, he moves out. Lot was the son of Haran, Abram’s brother (Gen 11:27). Backsliders bring not only misery on themselves but trouble on others. he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan - To assemble 318 men all from his household gives us some indication of the great wealth of Abram. We are not told how many men were in the forces of the 4 kings who defeated the kings of Sodom, et al, but there were surely more than 318. There is little doubt that Abram's victory over the 4 kings reflects the sovereign hand of God protecting Abram and ultimately the Messianic line. Note that this was no small task for Abram for they would have to travel approximately 120 miles to Dan (assuming it is the same Dan described later in the Bible). We are not told how they made this trip (? on foot, camels, mules, etc) or how long it took, but as the text shows it was in God's perfect timing as they routed the enemy in Ge 14:15. Abraham was separated, but not isolated; he was independent, but not indifferent -- Warren Wiersbe NET NOTE on Dan - The use of the name Dan reflects a later perspective. The Danites did not migrate to this northern territory until centuries later (see Judg 18:29). Furthermore Dan was not even born until much later. By inserting this name a scribe has clarified the location of the region. The gates of the city of Dan from Abram’s time have been discovered by archaeologists - Wikipedia adds "The excavators of Tel Dan uncovered a city gate made of mud bricks on top of megalithic basalt blocs, or orthostats,[21] estimated to have been built during the Middle Bronze Age around 1750 BC.[22] Its popular name is Abraham's Gate, due to the biblical story that Abraham travelled to Dan to rescue his nephew Lot (Genesis 14:14). The gate was restored in the late 2000s, and has become a popular tourist attraction.[23] Genesis 14:15 He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. And he: Ps 112:5 smote: Isa 41:2,3 Damascus: De 15:2 1Ki 15:18 Ac 9:2 Genesis 14 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries ABRAM'S STRATEGY: DIVIDE & CONQUER & SURPRISE He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated (nakah) them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus - Did Abram speak with God before he set out against a formidable force? The text does not say, but I think he did given what amounts to almost a supernatural or miraculous outcome! In any event, if you are experiencing spiritual warfare, be sure to consult Jehovah! Defeated is the same verb nakah used of the 4 kings who defeated their foes in Ge 14:5, 7, and now it is used to describe their defeat. The Septuagint uses the verb patasso meaning to inflict a heavy or fatal blow. Abram' pursued the enemy forces about 100 miles (Hobah, north of Damascus) and liberated captives and the booty. NET NOTE on north - Heb “left.” Directions in ancient Israel were given in relation to the east rather than the north. Defeated (struck)(05221) nāḵāh meaning to beat, to strike, to wound, to hit, to smite, to strike dead. Thus the meaning of the verb ranges from hitting to killing. The suffering servant in Isaiah's prophecy ultimately became the recipient of God's punishment for Israel's sin. "Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down (smitten) by God, and afflicted" (Isa 53:4) Baker - There are many instances of striking physically (Ex. 21:15, 19; Job 16:10; Ps. 3:7[8]; Song 5:7). This word is also used in a different sense, as when the men of Sodom and Gomorrah were stricken blind by the two angels (Gen. 19:11); when a priest stuck a fork into the kettle (1 Sam. 2:14); when people clapped their hands (2 Ki. 11:12); or when people verbally abused Jeremiah (Jer. 18:18). God struck the Egyptians with plagues (Ex. 3:20); and struck people down in judgment (Isa. 5:25).(Complete Word Study Dictionary – Old Testament.) Nakah in Genesis - Gen. 4:15; Gen. 8:21; Gen. 14:5; Gen. 14:7; Gen. 14:15; Gen. 14:17; Gen. 19:11; Gen. 32:8; Gen. 32:11; Gen. 34:30; Gen. 36:35; Gen. 37:21 Genesis 14:16 He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people. Ge 14:11,12 12:2 1Sa 30:8,18,19 Isa 41:2 Genesis 14 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries ABRAMS RETRIEVES SPOILS AND "SPOILED" NEPHEW He brought back all the goods - NET = "He retrieved all the stolen property." It is worth emphasizing the adjective all, for God enabled Abram to win and to not lose any of the goods the enemy had taken. And also brought back his relative (nephew) Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people - One might have thought that this negative event, clearly a divine "warning signal" (and discipline) would have gained Lot's attention and he would have moved out of Sodom. The fact that he stayed clearly demonstrates how much of Sodom had "moved into him." In fact in Genesis 19:1 he is at the city gate suggesting he has been voted onto the "city council!" The next move of God on Sodom would not be so kind, for He would soon destroy the despicable place (Ge 19:24-25). THOUGHT - There is a principle here. We can play with sin so long that we become ensnared by it and insensitive to what it is costing us to remain in its grip! I think this is why David prayed "Keep back They servant from presumptuous sins and do not let them rule over me!" (Ps 19:13). David would not have even needed to pray that prayer if sin would never be able to "rule over" a believer. Lot was a believer and yet, like a moth to a flame, he returned to the cesspool of Sodom! Beware when you naively toy with any sin, because sin does not play games, but continually seeks to reign in our mortal body (Ro 6:12+, cf Ge 4:7+)! Guzik sees Abram's rescue of his kinsman Lot as a picture of our Kinsman Redeemer's rescue from strong enemies - We may see a story in the account of Abram’s rescue of Lot. We were those off in sin and shame, rescued by one who left his safety and happiness. Our kinsman redeemer went to great trouble and distance, and with His courage and daring defeated the mighty enemy that had put us in bondage, and He took all the enemy’s spoil. Genesis 14:17 Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). to: Judges 11:34 1Sa 18:6 Pr 14:20 19:4 after: Heb 7:1 king's: 2Sa 18:18 Genesis 14 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries Related Passages: 2 Samuel 18:18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself a pillar which is in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to preserve my name.” So he named the pillar after his own name, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day. THE VICTOR RETURNS HOME Then after - Marks progression in the narrative. His return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him - This repeats the victory of one godly man over 4 pagan kings. This reminds me of Paul's encouraging words in Romans 8:31 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" And Romans 8:37 "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us." The king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley) - The defeated pagan king witnessed the total victory of Abram and 318 men. One would think that this victory against all odds would have prompted this pagan king to ask him "How is such a thing possible?" Clearly this king's eyes were on the temporal and he had no interest in the eternal. THOUGHT - Note that this temptation to Abram came after a great spiritual victory. We must imitate Abram and must be on high alert after we have experienced a spiritual victory or had a particularly precious time with the LORD. It is at those times that the enemy will often come slithering in to seduce us. When we are basking in spiritual victory, we are apt to be very vulnerable to Satan's spiritual attacks. NET NOTE - The King’s Valley is possibly a reference to what came to be known later as the Kidron Valley. Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. king: Ps 76:2 Heb 7:1,2 bread: Mt 26:26-29 Ga 6:10 the priest: Ps 110:4 Heb 5:6,10 6:20 7:1,3,10-22 the most: Ru 3:10 2Sa 2:5 Ps 7:17 50:14 57:2 Mic 6:6 Ac 7:48 16:17 Genesis 14 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries Related Passages: Psalm 110:4 The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”