Genesis 14:4: “For twelve years they had been subject to [King] Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.”
King Kedorlaomer had a bad reputation in the cities of the plain. Locals called him “The Locust King” because he sucked them dry with heavy taxations. Twelve years into his reign, the kings of the Jordan Valley formed an alliance and agreed to stop paying taxes, thus inciting a rebellion. After the formal declaration of war the battle raged for several weeks. However, the armies of the hastily arranged alliance could not compete with the seasoned soldiers of their mighty opponent. To make matters worse, the Valley of the Dead Sea turned out to be an unforgiving battleground. There were slime pits everywhere. King Kedorlaomer’s army looted the cities of the Jordan Valley and carried off countless captives of war, including Abram’s nephew Lot who lived in Sodom.
When word reached Abram that his nephew was taken captive, he immediately summoned all of the men born in his household and set out to catch up with the victorious army. Abram’s troop was about 300 men strong.
The following night they reached the enemy camp. King Kedorlaomer’s army was in victory mood and they were partying hard. Raucous laughter told Abram that many of the soldiers were drunk. In hushed tones Abram laid out his strategy and said, “Let’s divide into four groups, encircle the enemy camp, and at the sound of the ram’s horn we come down on them from all sides.” Abram looked into the faces of his trusted friends and said, “Be strong and brave – and may the Lord be with us.”
The surprise attack proved to be very effective. Abram’s men raided King Kedorlaomer’s army, routed them and drove them out of the country as far as Damascus. All captives of war were able to return back home, including Abram’s nephew Lot.
The sun rose over the hills as they approached the Jordan Valley. The King of Salem came out to meet them. His name was Melchizedek. He identified himself as the “Priest of the Most High” and welcomed Abram with bread and wine. King Melchizedek spoke a blessing over him and said in the presence of all people [Genesis 14:19-20]:
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand”
Abram had not met many people who knew the Creator of heaven and earth. He had no idea who this stranger was, but somehow he felt a strong connection to him. Respectfully Abram addressed the mysterious king and said: “Your Majesty, please accept this humble gift from your servant.” The night before, Abram had taken a tithe of the spoils of war, and now he presented his gift to the king while bowing low before him. It was a divine moment.
The king of Sodom, who witnessed the scene thought to himself: “What is this warrior doing – giving away my property to a strange king without asking me?” But since he owed Abram his life, he decided to overlook the offense. In an air of grandeur he said to him: “You can keep the rest of the spoils. Just let my people go and let them return to their homes and my service.” Abram shook his head and replied: “I don’t intend to keep anything that is yours, except what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the people who fought with me.”
Before returning home, Abram and Lot talked. “I really thought this was the end!” Lot said and added, “I owe you my life, Uncle. You are my hero.” Abram wouldn’t hear of it. “God has given us this victory. I’m so glad to see you alive! So, what are you going to do now? Are you moving away from Sodom?” Lot looked embarrassed. “No, Uncle” he replied. “We have a house in the city, our daughters have married into well-to-do families and we are not going to uproot again. Please understand!” There was an awkward silence. But then Abram smiled and they exchanged blessings before they parted. Little did they know that they would not see each other again.