I’m glad you stopped by to get involved in this Bible study about the War of the Kings and how Abram rescues Lot in Genesis 14. This story is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and his protection for those who follow him.
This lesson reminds us of God’s promise to Abram – that he would become a great nation through his descendants. Despite difficult odds, Abram trusted in the Lord and was victorious against four great kings. Furthermore, when those same kings captured Lot, Abram immediately went out to rescue him from captivity.
This story demonstrates God’s power and protection for those who follow his will. In this Bible study, we will look closely at the events of Genesis 14 as we explore what God is trying to reveal to us in this passage.
And the farmer says; “I don’t want all the land – just the land next to mine.”
Lot decides he wants more and more riches in this Bible study lesson from Genesis. The Old Testament is full of lessons we can use in today’s world – if we will only apply them.
Sometimes the grass is not all that much greener on the other side, as Lot quickly discovers.
The War of the Kings – Abram Rescues Lot in Genesis
And it came about in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). – Genesis 14:1-2 NASB
Wow! That’s a bunch of kings! But remember, in the days of Lot and Abram, most cities had their own king. In later times, a king ruled an entire country or even a continent.
The Precept of War
Many times wars between these states were purely financial affairs, as the defeated town had to pay “taxes” to the victor. This was often done in lieu of a full-on invasion, as the cost of a war was often too high for the victor.
As a result, they would instead demand a certain amount of money or resources in order to prevent further conflict. Lot and his family were caught in the crossfire of one of these common wars.
A Small Army: 14-6
When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.
He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus.
He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people. – Genesis 14: NASB
The Rescue of Lot
When Abram learned of the capture of Lot, he gathered together his meager 318 men and attacked Kedorlaomer. He rescued Lot along with all his possessions.
The four kings allied with Kedorlaomer were King Chedorlaomer, King Amraphel, King Arioch, and King Tidal. By defeating these powerful kings, Abram proved himself to be a formidable leader in his own right.
Sodom and Gomorrah – Lure of Wealth for Lot
Most people today know the name of Sodom and Gomorrah and associate them with evil. This is because in the Bible, God destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of the sins of their inhabitants.
This story issues a warning against evil and immorality. And, it rings true throughout the Bible.
Lot, wanting riches and power, fell into the trap of moving into the area to improve his situation but found himself living near the two cities of sin — and, it almost cost him his life.
How Much Does It Cost to be Rich?
As for us, we can follow that same scenario, searching for riches only to discover we have to compromise our values to get what we think we need.
For instance, a person takes a job in a company that is not aligned with their values in order to receive a higher salary.
All we really need in life is an ongoing relationship with God. He will provide for us if we ask.
We often focus on material goods. And, we forget the spiritual ones. God offers us a relationship of unconditional love and acceptance, no matter our circumstances. In truth, He gives us the peace and contentment that worldly riches cannot, if we rely on Him.
Is It a Sin to Have Money & Possessions?
Not at all. I am not saying that to be rich is to be evil. But, we do have to be careful not to fall into the same trap as Lot when pursuing our goals.
If we keep goals in perspective with God at the helm we’ll be just fine.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to view this verse from John to find out more.