Bible Commentaries

In this chapter we see Lot and Abram in differing circumstances, resulting in the first case from personal choice, and in the second from the choice of God. Lot was involved in trouble through association. He had chosen his possession, pitched his tent toward Sodom, and finally moved into Sodom. Desiring Sodom's privileges, he had adopted Sodom's policy and had become a sharer in Sodom's peril. Abram, the man for whom God chose, was in the place of separation from peril and was living in quietness and prosperity.

Nevertheless, he went at once to the help of Lot and gained a complete victory over the kings opposing him. Notwithstanding this victory, Lot again moved back into Sodom and took up his abode there.

After the conflict with the kings, the man of faith was refreshed by the appearance of Melchizedek. Very remarkable is this appearance at this time. The only other references to Melchizedek are found in a psalm, and in a New Testament writing where he is named m his priesthood, a type of Christ.

Abram refused the reward which the king of Sodom offered. The blessing of Melchizedek had been all that his heart desired; and in refusing the rewards offered by the king of Sodom, he quoted the very words of Melchizedek, "God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth."

The lessons of this story are obvious.

In the case of Lot it is seen that the voice of God, disobeyed, becomes unheard, and the most startling circumstances fail to arouse the conscience. In the case of Abram it is seen that a right attitude toward God creates a right attitude toward all men. He was eager to help Lot, recognized the superiority of Melchizedek, and was quick to perceive the danger of receiving gifts from the king of Sodom.