Bible Commentary

Genesis 14:21

Genesis 14:21

Little Bible — for children and parents · Growth Figures · © Growth Figures. All rights reserved.

The king of Sodom's offer is straightforward: he wants his people back, and Abram can have the material spoils. This is a fair offer by the standards of ancient warfare. But Abram's response will go far beyond fairness — he will refuse everything, for a specific and principled reason.

Memory phrase: Not every good offer is the right offer.

Talk about it: The king of Sodom offered Abram a great reward. What might be wrong with accepting a reward from someone who is wicked?

Prayer: God, help me not just ask 'is this a good deal?' but 'is this the right thing?' Help me choose what is right over what is profitable.

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Genesis 14 — OverviewGenesis 14 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe have four things in the story of this chapter. I. A war with the king of Sodom and his allies, ver. 1-11. II. The captivity of Lot in that war, ver. 12. III. Abram's rescue of Lot from that captivity, with…Genesis 14 — OverviewGenesis 14 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeGenesis 14:1, The battle of four kings against the king of Sodom and his allies; Genesis 14:12, Lot is taken prisoner; Genesis 14:14, Abram rescues him; Genesis 14:17, Melchizedek blesses Abram at his return, who gives…Genesis 14 — OverviewGenesis 14 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis chapter gives an account of a war that was waged, and a battle fought between four kings on one side, and five on the other, and of the occasion and issue of it, who were the first kings, and this the first battle…Genesis 14 — OverviewGenesis 14 · Little Bible — for children and parentsFour kings defeat five kings and carry off Lot and all his belongings from Sodom. When Abram hears, he takes 318 trained men, chases the kings north, and rescues Lot. On the way back, two kings meet him: Melchizedek,…Genesis 14:21-24Genesis 14:21-24 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe have here an account of what passed between Abram and the king of Sodom, who succeeded him that fell in the battle (v. 10), and thought himself obliged to do this honour to Abram, in return for the good…Genesis 14:21Genesis 14:21 · Treasury of Scripture Knowledgepersons: Heb. souls, Genesis 14:21