Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 14:24

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Genesis 14:24

1819–1905
Anglican
Charles Ellicott
Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Genesis 14:24

1819–1905
Anglican
SCRIPTURE

"save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men that went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their portion." — Genesis 14:24 (ASV)

The young men ... the men which went with me. —The former are Abram’s 318 servants, and they are to take only their food. The latter are the Amorites, and they are to have their fair share of the spoil.

We must notice in Abram’s policy that, while Lot had joined himself to the Canaanites, he stood aloof, ready to help on a suitable occasion, but even so maintaining his independence, and refusing to draw the bonds of friendship close together. Such, too, was the true policy of the people who descended from him. Standing apart from all nations, they were to trust in Jehovah alone for the maintenance of their liberty and rights; and as long as they acted in this way, they found peace and security in Him.