Balance of divine trust and human responsibility

 The rebellion of the five kings

In the ancient Near East, small states and kingdoms united under a stronger king, forming confederations for protection or dominance. The confederations combined their armies, resources, and influence. The Bible records examples in the days of Elijah, Joshua, and even Jehoshaphat.

Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon (Joshua 10:3).

The alliances were not built on trust, but they were driven by power, fear, and survival. The same systems are replicated today, where nations and states form alliances (e.g., NATO, AU, UN Security Council).

 

Chedorlaomer’s Domination

Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, was the strongest ruler in the region. Other kings became subordinate rulers under him, serving him for twelve years, paying tribute/taxes, and submitting to his authority.

Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year, they rebelled (Genesis 14:4).

After twelve years of the confederation under Chedorlaomer, a rebellion arose from five kings from the Jordan plain, Sodom and Gomorrah, in the thirteenth year. The weak are trying to throw off the strong. This is the first recorded international war in Scripture (Genesis 14:1–16). The thirst for conquest and domination is as old as history [Genesis 11]. However, human alliances often fail because they are built on fear and ambition, not righteousness or justice. Moreover, Abram’s role, unlike the kings, does not seek conquest, but acts as a rescuer and intercessor when Lot is captured (Genesis 14:14–16). Political alliances are fragile, but God’s kingdom is eternal, as it is built on justice, peace, and righteousness [Isaiah 9:6–7].

 

The four kings take Lot and all his possessions

Annihilating weaker kingdoms and taking their people, possessions, and land was a common way kings expanded their dominion. The four kings led by Chedorlaomer attacked Sodom and Gomorrah, stripped the cities of all goods and provisions, and carried off captives. Captives and goods meant wealth, labor, and further domination.

Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. 12 They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed (Genesis 14:11,12).

When Sodom was attacked, Lot suffered the consequences of identifying with it. Though a righteous man [2 Peter 2:7], his choice to live in Sodom exposed him and his family to danger. Therefore, where one dwells spiritually determines what one suffer physically. Lot moved to Sodom because it looked fertile and prosperous [Genesis 13:10–11]. The world promises abundance but often delivers bondage. Appearances deceived him, as what appeared like a blessing became bondage. Becoming a friend of the world costs Lot’s freedom, possessions, and peace. He had to depend on Abram’s intervention to be rescued. An indication that God’s mercy still reaches us even when we falter, God raises deliverers.

 

Abram hears of Lot’s captivity and marshals an army

Lot chose to dwell in Sodom, a place of moral corruption [Genesis 13:12–13]. His choice led to captivity when the four kings invaded. Yet God allowed Lot a second chance by using Abram to rescue him. This shows God’s mercy and patience; He does not abandon His people when they falter but provides opportunities for restoration. Abram is first called a Hebrew in this passage. The word likely comes from “ʿibri” meaning “one who has crossed over.” This could point to Abram’s migration across the Euphrates River from Mesopotamia to Canaan [Genesis 12:1–5]. Symbolically, it also highlights Abram as one who had “crossed over” into a life of faith and covenant with God, set apart from the nations around him.

Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan (Genesis 14:14).

Abram’s 318 trained servants show his remarkable wealth and organization. These were not mercenaries but men born in his household, loyal to him. Even though Abram was a man of faith who trusted God’s promises, he also took practical measures. He ensured his household was prepared, disciplined, and equipped. This teaches us that faith does not mean passivity, walking with God also involves wisdom, responsibility, and readiness. Abram’s pursuit of Lot “as far as Dan” shows determination and courage. He did not remain idle, waiting for God to act; rather, he acted in faith, trusting that God would give him victory. This balance of divine trust and human responsibility is a recurring biblical principle (James 2:17 – “faith without works is dead”).

 

Abram leads his army to victory over the four kings

Abram’s army pursued the coalition of the four kings, employed military strategy, and defeated them, taking back that which was stolen, which included Lot, other people, and possessions.

So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people (Genesis 14:14).

Unfortunately, Lot did not learn from this. He refused the warning from God and would eventually lose everything when Sodom and Gomorrah were ultimately judged. Like Abram, our Kinsman Redeemer was comfortable in heaven, but out of love, He forsook all, came to earth, and defeated the enemy whom no one could stand to get our liberty.

 

Abram meets Melchizedek

The name Melchizedek means King of Righteousness. He was the king of Salem (the original Jerusalem), and Melchizedek was the priest of God Most High (El Elyon). Melchizedek was a worshipper, priest, and king. His history is not known. Melchizedek seems a mystery, not just as an earthly king. The priesthood of the Messiah is a priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek [Psalm 110:4].  Hebrews 7:3 describes Melchizedek as Christ. One without parents, without genealogy, priest forever, living beyond time, but made like the Son of God.

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all (Genesis 14:18-20).

Melchizedek blessed Abraham and God. Then Abram gave unto the LORD through giving to Melchizedek a tithe of his possession.

 

Abram refuses the plunder from the battle

The king of Sodom wanted to reward Abram for all he did in recovering what was taken.

But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich (Genesis 14:22-23).

Abram, could take nothing as he considered the victory to be from the Lord. Abram was deliberate that all of the credit for his success and wealth should go to God. However, Abram allowed the king of Sodom to consider giving plunder to the Amorite men (Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner [(Genesis 14:13).]) who informed him about Lot's fate and were his allies in the raid.

George Ruheni