Slaughter of The Kings — Hebrews 7:1
- Genesis 14 begins with 4 kings from the East (modern day Middle East, Babylon/Iraq) invading 5 rebellious kings of the Jordan plains (Canaan/promised land).
- These 5 kings has successfully paid annual tribute to the Kings of the East for 12 years.
- Their rebellion occurred when they ceased tribute, causing the Eastern kings to attack the following year.
- The Eastern kings wisely cutoff supply routes and reinforcements for the kings of the Jordan plains before the epic battle commenced. — vs. 5-7
- It was a slaughter of the 5 Plains Kingdoms with the limited survivors running for the hills.
- The spoils were taken by the Eastern Kings along with those who could serve as slaves.
- Lot and his family were among those taken.
- This was the way of warfare in the ancient world.
A King With No Crown — Genesis 14:13-16
- God had promised the land of Canaan to Abram and his descendants. — vs. 12:7
- Abram has no legal paperwork, nor does he wear a crown showing his authority over the realm.
- In fact, Abram is referred to as "the Hebrew" (vs. 13). This emphasizes just how much an outsider in Canaan that Abram was.
- However, we see Abram's faith at work in Genesis 14: with no crown, he raises an army and wages war to undo the injustice that has occurred to his kinsmen.
The Order of Melchizedek
- Melchizedek is a mysterious figure only mentioned three times in the Bible. — Genesis 14; Psalm 110; Hebrews 5-7
- Many Jews believe him to be Shem.
- Many Christians believe him to be a Christophany (cameo appearance of Christ in flesh).
- Others believe he is an angel or spiritual being.
- Regardless the unknown details of his life, his presence in Genesis 14 provides a staggering truth.
- There was a priest and king of God before the giving of the law and the formation of the Levitical Priesthood. He is shadow meant to illuminate Jesus as the superior King and Priest for all time!