Genesis 14:23

Genesis 14:23

 

That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

 

a. NLT: That I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. ASV: That I will not take a thread nor a shoe-latchet nor aught that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: [Thomas Nelson & Sons first published the American Standard Version in 1901. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.]

 

c. Young’s Literal Translation: from a thread even unto a shoe-latchet I take not of anything which thou hast, that thou say not, I -- I have made Abram rich; [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.]

 

d. Amplified Bible: That I would not take a thread or a shoelace or anything that is yours, lest you should say, I have made Abram rich. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

e. Septuagint: [that] I will not take from all thy goods from a string to a shoe-latchet, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich.

 

f. Stone Edition of the CHUMASH, Rabbinic Commentary: If so much as a thread to a shoestrap; or if I shall take anything of yours! So you shall not say, ‘It is I who made Abram rich.’

1. “That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine,…”

 

a. That [I will] not [Strong: 518 'im eem: a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, + more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, + save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more, none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when, whereas, whether, while, + yet.]

 

1). This is the content of the vow Abram made to the Lord. We can safely say it was probably made during the decision to go rescue Lot and his family. It probably included giving of the tithe as well as the refusal of taking any of the goods to himself. All on the basis of the Most High God giving Abram victory over his enemies. There may have been a formal covenant made, but if not it at least consisted of this binding vow. 

 

b. [take from a] thread [Strong: 2339 chuwt khoot : from an unused root probably meaning to sew; a string; by implication, a measuring tape:--cord, fillet, line, thread.]

 

c. even to [Strong: 5704 `ad ad properly, the same as 5703 (used as a preposition, adverb or conjunction; especially with a preposition); as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with):--against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-)to, + how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, (+ as) yet.]

d. [a] shoelatchet [Strong: 5275  na`al nah'-al or (feminine) na;alah {nah-al-aw'};: from 5274; properly, a sandal tongue; by extens. a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless):--dryshod, (pair of) shoe((-latchet), -s).]

 

e). latchet [Strong: 8288 srowk ser-oke';  from 8308; a thong (as laced or tied):--((shoe-)) latchet.]

 

d. [and] that [I will] not] [Strong: 518 'im eem: a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, + more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, + save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more, none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when, whereas, whether, while, + yet.]

 

e. take [Strong: 3947 laqach law-kakh': a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications):--accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, X many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.]

f. any [thing] [Strong: 3605 kol kole or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever).]

g. that [is thine] [Strong: 834 'aher ash-er' a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, + from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where (+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, + whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection.]

2. “…lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:”

 

a. lest [Strong: 3808 lo' lo or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, + of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.]

b. [thou should] say [Strong: 559 'amar aw-mar': a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech), utter, X verily, X yet.]

 

b. I [Strong: 589 'aniy an-ee' contracted from 595; I:--I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, X which, X who.]

c. made…rich [Strong: 6238 `ashar aw-shar': a primitive root; properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich:--be(-come, en-, make, make self, wax) rich, make (1Kings 22:48 marg).]

 

d. Abram [Strong: 87 'Abram ab-rawm': contracted from 48; high father; Abram, the original name of Abraham:--Abram.]

 

1). It seems apparent that the goods that Abram brought back would significantly increase his worth, and by all rights Abram was entitled to it because of his victory. His attempt to bargain with Abram I believe came from an ungodly boldness. I can’t help but see a contempt that Abram has for this king. It has already been reported in Genesis 13:13 that “…the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” It was this I believe fueled Abram’s contempt. Basically Abram said that he in no way would give opportunity for this person to say I helped Abram get his wealth.

Genesis 14:22

Genesis 14:22

 

And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

 

a. NLT: Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. ASV: And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand unto Jehovah, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, [Thomas Nelson & Sons first published the American Standard Version in 1901. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.]

 

c. Young’s Literal Translation: and Abram saith unto the king of Sodom, 'I have lifted up my hand unto Jehovah, God Most High, possessing heaven and earth. [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.]

 

d. Amplified Bible: But Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand and sworn to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor and Maker of heaven and earth, [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

e. Septuagint: And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I will stretch out my hand to the Lord the most high God, who made the heaven and the earth,

 

f. Stone Edition of the CJUMASH, Rabbinic Commentary: Abram said to the king of Sodom: “I lift up my hand to HASHEM, God, the Most High, Maker of heaven and earth, [The Artscroll Series/Stone Edition, THE TANACH--STUDENT SIZE EDITION Copyright 1996, 1998 by Mesorah Publications, Ldt.]

 

1. “And Abram said to the king of Sodom I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD…”

 

a. [And] Abram [Strong 87 'Abram ab-rawm': contracted from 48; high father; Abram, the original name of Abraham:--Abram.]

 

b. said [Strong: 559 'amar aw-mar'  a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech), utter, X verily, X yet.]

 

c. to [Strong: 413 'el ale (but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el}); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in).]

d. [the] king [Strong: 4428 melek meh'-lek: from 4427; a king:--king, royal.]

 

e. [of] Sodom [Strong: 5467 Cdom sed-ome': from an unused root meaning to scorch; burnt (i.e. volcanic or bituminous) district; Sedom, a place near the Dead Sea:-- Sodom.]

 

f. [I have] lift up [Strong: 7311 ruwm room a primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively):--bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, (X a-)loud, mount up, offer (up), + presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms.] [Dake: A mode of appealing to God, and calling Him to witness any transaction.] [Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown Commentary: But with honest pride, and a generosity unknown in that part of the world, he replied with strong phraseology common to the East, "I have lifted up mine  hand" [that is, I have sworn] unto the Lord that I will not take from a thread even to a sandal-thong, and that that I will not take any thing that [is] thine, lest thou shouldst say, I have made Abram rich"]

g. [my] hand [Strong: 3027 yad yawd a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad, (broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, + creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship, force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in, labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine, ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain, power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing, + thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side, where, + wide, X with (him, me, you), work, + yield, X yourselves.]

1). This is clearly an action of covenant making. Other examples in Scripture where the hand was raised in oath.

 

a). Isaiah 62:8 The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:

 

b). Ezekiel 47:14 And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another: concerning the which I lifted up mine hand to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall unto you for inheritance.

 

c). Deuteronomy 32:39-41 See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.

32:40 For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.

32:41 If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.

 

d). Revelation 10:5, 6 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

10:6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

 

e). Daniel 12:7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

 

2). John Gill Commentary: I have lifted up mine hand unto the Lord; which was both a gesture of praying and of swearing, and both may be intended here; when he set out on his expedition, it is very probable he prayed to God for success, and swore that if he prospered him, that he would receive no profit or advantage from it to himself; or now in the presence of Melchizedek he lift up his hands and swore that he would take none of the goods he had recovered to his own line; and in this form of praying or swearing, he makes use of the same epithets of God Melchizedek had just used:

 

3). In response to the king of Sodom’s offer of Abram keeping the goods but not the people, Abram told the king very bluntly of a vow he had made to God concerning the matter.

h. unto [Strong: 413 'el ale (but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el}); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in).]

i. [the] LORD [Strong: 3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw' from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord.]

 

2. “…the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,”

 

a. [the] most high [Strong: 5945 'elyown el-yone'; an elevation, i.e. (adj.) lofty (compar.); as title, the Supreme:--(Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most).]

 

b. God [Strong: 410 'el ale shortened from 352; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity):--God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong.]

 

c. [the] possessor [Strong: 7069 qanah kaw-naw'; a primitive root; to erect, i.e. create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own:--attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, X surely, X verily.]

 

d. [of] heaven [Strong: 8064 shamayim shaw-mah'-yim dual of an unused singular shameh {shaw-meh'}; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve):--air, X astrologer, heaven(-s).]

 

e. [and] earth [Strong: 776 'erets eh'-rets; from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land):--X common, country, earth, field, ground, land, X natins, way, + wilderness, world.]

1). This the same exact wording that Melchizedek used when describing God to Abram at the culmination of the Covenant.

Genesis 14:21

Genesis 14:21

And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.

 

a. NLT: The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.” [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. ASV: And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. [Thomas Nelson & Sons first published the American Standard Version in 1901. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.]

c. Young’s Literal Translation: And the king of Sodom saith unto Abram, 'Give to me the persons, and the substance take to thyself,' [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.]

 

d. Amplified Bible: And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons and keep the goods for yourself. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

e. Septuagint: And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the men, and take the horses to thyself.

 

f. Stone Edition of the CHUMASH, Rabbinic Commentary: The king of Sodom said to Abram: “Give me the people and take the possessions for yourself.” [The Artscroll Series/Stone Edition, THE TANACH--STUDENT SIZE EDITION Copyright 1996, 1998 by Mesorah Publications, Ldt.]

 

1. “And the king of Sodom said unto Abram,…”

 

a. [And the] king [Strong: 4428 melek meh'-lek; from 4427; a king:--king, royal.]

 

b. [of] Sodom [Strong: 5467 Cdom sed-ome'; from an unused root meaning to scorch; burnt (i.e. volcanic or bituminous) district; Sedom, a place near the Dead Sea:-- Sodom.]

 

1). If the king survived the battle This king’s name was Bera, Genesis 14:2. He is mentioned first in the list of the kings of the cities of the plain, which points to his preeminence. There are those who believe the original king of Sodom was killed along with the king of Gomorrah  (Genesis 14:10), and this was the king of Sodom’s replacement. At any rate we don’t know how many of the other kings if any survived this invasion or how many of the ordinary citizens survived, but the king of Sodom was willing to give up all the material goods and have just the people.

 

c. said [Strong: 559 'amar aw-mar'; a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech), utter, X verily, X yet.]

 

d. Abram [Strong: 87 'Abram ab-rawm'; contracted from 48; high father; Abram, the original name of Abraham:--Abram.]

 

 2. “…Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.”

 

a. give me [Strong: 5414 nathan naw-than'; a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, + cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander, strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to) God, yield.]

 

b. [the] persons [Strong: 5315 nephesh neh'-fesh; from 5314; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental):--any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, X dead(-ly), desire, X (dis-)contented, X fish, ghost, + greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, X jeopardy of) life (X in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-)self, them (your)-selves, + slay, soul, + tablet, they, thing, (X she) will, X would have it.]

 

c. [and] take [Strong: 3947 laqach law-kakh'; a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications):--accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, X many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.]

 

d. [the] goods [Strong: 7399 rkuwsh rek-oosh' or rkush {rek-oosh'}; from passive participle of 7408; property (as gathered):--good, riches, substance.]

 

1). It almost seems like the king is bargaining with Abram, in the sense that Abram vanquished the person that vanquished this king. The king of Sodom was corrupt, he was probably a homosexual, he could care less about the goods but he wanted the persons. It seems like he considered them his property that he could use them as bargaining chips. Abram’s response I believe reveals his contempt toward the king. The only reason all these people were rescued, that is, the ones that survived, was because of Lot. What a powerful testament to the mercy of God. Lot was the salt in that community, even though in my opinion he should have never been there, he was still the salt.

Genesis 14:20

Genesis 14:20

 

And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

 

a. NLT: And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.”Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. ASV: And blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him a tenth of all. [Thomas Nelson & Sons first published the American Standard Version in 1901. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.]

c. Young’s Literal Translation: and blessed is God Most High, who hath delivered thine adversaries into thy hand;' and he giveth to him a tenth of all. [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.]

 

d. Amplified Bible: And blessed, praised, and glorified be God Most High, Who has given your foes into your hand! And [Abram] gave him a tenth of all [he had taken]. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

e. Septuagint: and blessed be the most high God who delivered thine enemies into thy power. And Abram gave him the tithe of all. 

 

f. Stone Edition of the CHUMASH, Rabbinic Commentary: And blessed be God, the Most High, Who has delivered your foes into your hand”; [The Artscroll Series/Stone Edition, THE TANACH--STUDENT SIZE EDITION Copyright 1996, 1998 by Mesorah Publications, Ldt.]

 

1. “And blessed be the most high God…”

 

a. [And] blessed [Strong: 1288 barak baw-rak'; a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason):--X abundantly, X altogether, X at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, X greatly, X indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, X still, thank.]

 

b. most high [Strong: 5945 'elyown el-yone'; an elevation, i.e. (adj.) lofty (compar.); as title, the Supreme:--(Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most).]

 

c. God [Strong: 410 'el ale; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity):--God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong.]

 

1). This is the third time the phrase, “most high God” is used in this passage.

 

2. “…which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand...”

 

a. which [Strong: 834 'aher ash-er' a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, + from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where (+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, + whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection.]

b. hath delivered [4042 magan maw-gan'; to shield, to encompass, to rescue, to hand safely over, i.e., surrender.]

 

b. thine enemies [Strong: 6862 tsar tsar or tsar {tsawr}; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place (usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble (as in 6864); (transitive) an opponent (as crowding):--adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble.]

 

c. into thine hand [Strong: 3027 yad yawd; a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad, (broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, + creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship, force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in, labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine, ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain, power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing, + thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side, where, + wide, X with (him, me, you), work, + yield, X yourselves.]

 

1). The phrase “delivered thine enemies into thine hand”, is clearly from a covenant perspective especially looking at the Hebrew word for “delivered”. The use of the English word “delivered” confirms this.

 

a). Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

 

b). Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.

 

2). The wording of this part of the verse to me is a strong hint  that before Abram left to go on this mission, there was a covenant cut or a vow made with “the most high God” to ensure victory and success of the following: The rescue of Lot and his family first and foremost along with the rest of the people, the delivering of  the four kings into Abram’s hands, and the recovering of all the goods. The giving of the ten percent of all the goods was the final piece of this vow.  

2. “…And he gave him tithes of all.”

 

a. [And he] gave him [Strong: 5414 nathan naw-than'; a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, + cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander, strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to) God, yield.]

 

b. tithes [Strong: 4643 ma`aser mah-as-ayr' or maasar {mah-as-ar'}; and (in plural) feminine maasrah {mah-as-raw'}; from 6240; a tenth; especially a tithe:-- tenth (part), tithe(-ing).]

 

1). This is the first time the word “tithes” is mentioned in Scripture. The occasion has all the earmarks of a worship service, the bread and wine of communion and intimate relationship, the blessing and the giving of tithe. My belief of Melchizedek is he was a theophany of the pre-incarnate Christ, meeting Abram just outside what would later be Jerusalem. I am persuaded that Abram had vowed or entered into Covenant before he went to war and petitioned God to help him rescue his nephew Lot. In my view the words of Genesis 14:22-24 were the words of that vow to God. The giving of tithe of all the goods Abram brought back was part of Abram’s obligation in the Covenant. This seems evident from looking closely at the how Abram responded to the King of Sodom’s offer of Abram taking all the wealth he rescued from the Mesopotamian kings. Genesis 14:22-24 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion. (See notes).

Genesis 14:19

Genesis 14:19

 

And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

 

a. NLT: And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.”Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. ASV:  And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth: [Thomas Nelson & Sons first published the American Standard Version in 1901. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.]

c. Young’s Literal Translation: and blessed is God Most High, who hath delivered thine adversaries into thy hand;' and he giveth to him a tenth of all. [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.]

 

d. Amplified Bible: And blessed, praised, and glorified be God Most High, Who has given your foes into your hand! And [Abram] gave him a tenth of all [he had taken]. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

e. Septuagint: and blessed be the most high God who delivered thine enemies into thy power. And Abram gave him the tithe of all.

 

f. Stone Edition of the CHUMASH, Rabbinic Commentary: And blessed be God, the Most High, Who has delivered your foes into your hand”; and he gave him a tenth of everything.

 

1. “And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God…”

 

a. [And he] blessed him [Strong: 1288 barak baw-rak'; a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason):--X abundantly, X altogether, X at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, X greatly, X indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, X still, thank.]

 

b. [and] said [Strong: 559 'amar aw-mar'; a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech), utter, X verily, X yet.]

 

c. Blessed [Strong: 1288 barak baw-rak'; a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason):--X abundantly, X altogether, X at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, X greatly, X indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, X still, thank.]

 d. [be] Abram [Strong: 87 'Abram ab-rawm'; contracted from 48; high father; Abram, the original name of Abraham:--Abram.]

 

e. [of the] most high [Strong: 5945 'elyown el-yone'; from 5927; an elevation, i.e. (adj.) lofty (compar.); as title, the Supreme:--(Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most).]

 

f. God [Strong: 410 'el ale; shortened from 352; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity):--God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong.]

 

1). Notice in particular the words spoken to Abram by Melchizedek. I can’t help but see this ceremony as the culmination of Covenant/vow that was mad previous to Abram going to rescue his nephew. The writer of Hebrews says that Melchizedek was greater than Abram.

 

a). Hebrews 7:7 “And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.”

 

b). After giving all of Melchizedek’s titles and qualifications he tells us, “Now consider how great this man was,” Hebrews 7:4.

 

2. “…possessor of heaven and earth.”

 

a. possessor [Strong: 7069 qanah kaw-naw'; a primitive root; to erect, i.e. create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own:--attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, X surely, X verily.]

 

1). The LORD is the owner of the earth.

 

a). Psalm 50:10-12 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a  thousand hills.

50:11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.

 

b). Haggai 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.

 

b. [of] heaven [Strong: 8064 shamayim shaw-mah'-yim dual of an unused singular shameh {shaw-meh'}; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve):--air, X astrologer, heaven(-s).]

 

c. [and] earth [Strong: 776 * erets] [Strong:  from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land):--X common, country, earth, field, ground, land, X natins, way, + wilderness, world.]

Genesis 14:18

Genesis 14:18

 

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

 

a. NLT: And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. ASV: And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High. [Thomas Nelson & Sons first published the American Standard Version in 1901. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.]

c. Young’s Literal Translation: And Melchizedek king of Salem hath brought out bread and wine, and he is priest of God Most High; [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.]

 

d. Amplified Bible: Melchizedek king of Salem [later called Jerusalem] brought out bread and wine [for their nourishment]; he was the priest of God Most High, [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

e. Septuagint: And Melchisedec king of Salem brought forth loaves and wine, and he was the priest of the most high God.

 

f. Stone Edition of the CHUMASH, Rabbinic Commentary: But Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine; he was a priest of God, the Most High.

 

1. “And Melchizedek king of Salem…”

 

a. [And] Melchizedek [Strong: 4442 Malkiy-Tsedeq mal-kee-tseh'-dek; melek-king; tsedeq-right; [king of righteousness: Hebrews 7:2. His name literally means “king of righteousness”.]

 

b. king [Strong: 4428 melek meh'-lek; from 4427; a king:--king, royal.]

 

c. [of] Salem [Strong: 8004 Shalem shaw-lame' the same as 8003; peaceful; Shalem, an early name of Jerusalem:--Salem.; an early name of Jerusalem. [He was the king of Salem].

 

1). Hebrews 7:2 says that “by interpretation”, Melchizedek was, “King of righteousness”, King of Salem”, and King of Peace”.

 

2). The only other mention of Melchizedek in the Old Testament is in Psalms.

 

a). Psalm 110:4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

 

3). In the New Testament Melchizedek is only mentioned in Hebrews 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:1, 10, 11, 15, 17, 21.

 

4). In all of those references there is no mention of where he really came from, some have speculated that this unknown person could be Shem, the son of Noah or perhaps even a pre-incarnation appearance of Christ. Who ever this person is, the types and foreshadows in this event that all point to Jesus are sufficient to say this was a very spiritually special event.

 

2. “…brought forth bread and wine…”

 

a. brought forth [Strong: 3318 yatsa' yaw-tsaw'; a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.:--X after, appear, X assuredly, bear out, X begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), + be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, X scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, X still, X surely, take forth (out), at any time, X to (and fro), utter.]

 

b. bread [Strong: 3899 lechem lekh'-em; from 3898; food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it):--((shew-))bread, X eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals.]

 

c. [and] wine [Strong: 3196 yayin yah'-yin; from an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication:--banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber).]

 

1). These are Covenant foods. I personally believe this was the culmination of a Covenant Abram had made with God before he went to war to rescue Lot. His response to the king of Sodom in Genesis 14:22, 23 point to this. Also, this points to the atonement in Christ.

 

a). Mark 14:22-25 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

14:23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.

14:24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

 

2). It also points to intimate relationship.

 

a). Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

 

3). As we shall see, Genesis 14:18-24 reveals some of the obligations of a probable Covenant that was cut with Abram and probably Melchizedek before he went on the journey and battle to rescue Lot and his family as well as all the goods and people who were taken captive. If not a Covenant, there was definitely a vow made by Abram before the rescue attempt.    

 

3. “…and he was the priest of the most high God.”

 

a. [and] he was [Strong: 1931 huw' hoo of which the feminine (beyond the Pentateuch) is hiyw {he}; a primitive word, the third person pronoun singular, he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally (instead of copula) as or are:--he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who.

b. [the] priest [Strong: 3548 kohen ko-hane'; active participle of 3547; literally, one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman):--chief ruler, X own, priest, prince, principal officer.]

 

b. [of the] most high [Strong: 5945 'elyown el-yone' ; from 5927; an elevation, i.e. (adj.) lofty (compar.); as title, the Supreme:--(Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most).]

 

c. God [Strong: 410 'el ale ; shortened from 352; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity):--God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong.]

 

1). This order of priesthood was a foreshadow of the priesthood of Jesus.

 

a).  Psalm 110:4 The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

 

b). Hebrews 7:14-17 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.