Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 14

The wars of nations feature prominently in history, but we would not have had the record of this particular war if Abram and Lot had not been involved. Out of covetousness, Lot had settled in fruitful, but wicked Sodom. Its inhabitants were the most ripe for vengeance of all the descendants of Canaan.

The invaders were from Chaldea and Persia, then only small kingdoms. They captured Lot along with the others, and his goods. Though he was righteous and Abram's brother's son, yet he was caught up with the others in this trouble. Neither our own piety, nor our relation to the favorites of Heaven, will be our security when God's judgments are active.

Many an honest person suffers because of their wicked neighbors: it is wise for us to separate, or at least to distinguish ourselves from them (2 Corinthians 6:17). Such a close relative of Abram should have been his companion and disciple. If he chose to live in Sodom, he has only himself to blame if he shares in Sodom's losses. When we stray from the path of our duty, we remove ourselves from God's protection and cannot expect that choices made by our sinful desires will lead to our comfort.

They took Lot's goods. It is just for God to deprive us of worldly enjoyments when, because of them, we allow ourselves to be deprived of the enjoyment of Him.

Abram takes this opportunity to give a real proof of his being truly friendly to Lot. We ought to be ready to help those in distress, especially relations and friends. And though others may have been lacking in their duty to us, yet we must not neglect our duty to them. Abram rescued the captives. As we have opportunity, we must do good to all.

Melchizedek is spoken of as a king of Salem, supposed to be the place afterwards called Jerusalem, and it is generally thought that he was only a man. The words of the apostle, Hebrews 7:3, state only that the sacred history has said nothing of his ancestors. The silence of the Scriptures on this is to raise our thoughts to Him, whose generation cannot be declared.

Bread and wine were suitable refreshment for the weary followers of Abram; and it is remarkable that Christ appointed the same as the memorials of His body and blood, which are meat and drink indeed to the soul. Melchizedek blessed Abram from God. He blessed God from Abram.

We ought to give thanks for others' mercies as for our own. Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, is the Mediator both of our prayers and praises, and not only offers up ours, but His own for us. Abram gave him the tenth of the spoils (Hebrews 7:4). When we have received some great mercy from God, it is very fitting that we should express our thankfulness by some special act of pious charity.

Jesus Christ, our great Melchizedek, is to be paid homage and to be humbly acknowledged as our King and Priest; not only the tithe of all, but all we have must be given up to Him.

Observe the king of Sodom's grateful offer to Abram: Give me the souls, and take thou the substance. Gratitude teaches us to repay to the utmost of our ability those who have undergone hardships, faced dangers, and incurred expenses for our service and benefit.

Abram generously refused this offer. He accompanied his refusal with a good reason: Lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich. This, he reasoned, would reflect poorly upon the promise and covenant of God, as if God would not have enriched Abraham without the spoils of Sodom.

The people of God must, for their own reputation's sake, be careful to avoid doing anything that looks mean or mercenary, or that suggests covetousness and self-seeking. Abraham can trust the Possessor of Heaven and earth to provide for him.