Genesis 14 – Rescuing Lot, The Blessing of Melchizedek

Genesis 14 – Rescuing Lot, The Blessing of Melchizedek

First Set of Kings(1) King Amraphel (of Shinar), (2) King Arioch (of Ellasar), (3) King Chedorlaomer (of Elam), and (4) King Tidal (of Goiim); made war with, the Second Set of Kings(1) King Bera (of Sodom), (2) King Birsha (of Gomorra), (3) King Shinab (of Admah), (4) King Shemeber (of Zeboiim), and (5) King Bela (of Zoar). The first set joined forces, but then in 13 years rebelled against Chedorlaomer. In the 14th year Chedorlaomer and the kings with him defeated, Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, Zuzim in Ham, and Horites in Seir. They then came to Kadesh and defeated the Amalekites and Amorites in Hazazon-tamar. The second set went out and joined battle in the Valley of Siddim with the first set of kings. Four against five. As the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into bitumen pits, and the rest fled to the hill country. The enemy took the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the also took Lot who was dwelling in Sodom. One who escaped told Abram the Hebrew (who was dwelling among his own allies). When Abram heard about Lot he led 318 of his trained men in pursuit to Dan. They attacked by night, and defeated them. He brought back all the possessions and Lot along with the women and the people. After defeating Chedorlaomer, the king of Sodom went out to meet him, and Melchizedek (king of Salem and priest of God Most High) brought out bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed him: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” Abram gave Melchizedek a 10th part (10%) of everything. Abram gave all the people and possessions back to the king of Sodom, so no one could say they were the source of Abram’s wealth.

Melchizedek means “king of righteousness” and he’s also the king of salem, which means “king of peace.” Hebrews 7:3 says he was without father or mother or genealogy, neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. Jesus is the fulfillment of the order priest-king line. Jesus Christ is the king of righteousness giving His righteousness to His people. Christ is the king of peace accomplishing true peace for His people by satisfying God’s wrath for the sin of His people. Praise God for an alien righteousness from our king of righteousness and peace.