May 20: PRISONER OF WAR

And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, that they made war… Genesis 14:1-2a

As a by-product of Lot’s big decision rooted in selfishness (13:11), he found himself in serious trouble as a prisoner of war.

Fourteen years earlier, the king of Elam, Chedorlaomer, had invaded Canaan and imposed a tribute upon the small city-states there. After twelve years of paying this tributary allotment, some of the princes rebelled in the thirteenth year (14:4), and the response of the king of Elam was brutal. Chedorlaomer and three of his allies marched once again into Canaan to subjugate the various groups. Five Canaanite kings united and attempted to defend themselves against the greedy invaders, but they were completely overthrown. A significant portion of the united army was cut down, and those who escaped fled to the mountains (14:10) for safety. The armies of Chedorlaomer and his allies plundered the cities of the plain before heading back to their home countries with much spoil and many captives. Among these captives were Lot and his family.  

News of the terrible battles and the calamity that had fallen upon Lot made its way to Abram, who was dwelling peacefully by the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite… (14:13) This alarming turn of events aroused Abram’s affection for his nephew. Incredibly, there was no trace of negativity or resentment in Abram’s thoughts toward Lot since they had parted ways (13:11). No doubt Abram sought divine counsel before making the decision to prepare for war.

This is the only report of Abram engaging in military action. As a representative of light in a dark world, this faithful witness for God was well-known for being noble in generosity and humble as he lived the life of a pilgrim in the land of promise. It was a life of simplicity. Abram continually exhibited kindness and mercy, the very character traits by which worldlings may peer into the character of the God of love, the Creator God whom he faithfully worshipped. Abram was also wise in diplomacy. He was the trusted friend of three royal brothers who were peace-loving, and who had invited Abram into an alliance (14:13) for the purpose of increased security, for they knew that the land was filled with oppression and violence.

Abram determined to rescue his nephew. He proved to be a man of valor as he drew together 318 of his own trained men and pursued Chedorlaomer and his allies. They were encamped at Dan (14:14) and had given no thought to the possibility of an attack from their conquered enemies. As they partied and reveled, Abram’s strategically divided forces came against them by night (14:15) and made quick work of rescuing the captives, including Lot, and recovering the stolen booty. This event foreshadows the work of the Lord at the end of days:

For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, Because the LORD will make a short work upon the earth. Romans 9:28