Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Overview of Genesis 14–24

The Book of Genesis can be divided into four sections, namely:

a) The primeval story (1:1 - 11:26);
b) The story of Abraham (11:27 - 25:18);
c) The story of Jacob (25:19 – 36:43) and
d)The story of Joseph and the emergence of Israel (37:1 – 50:26).

The following 13 reflections come under the second section and they deal mainly with the patriarch Abraham. These chapters, portraying the story of Abraham, speak of life and death, birth, marriage and burial, family and community, economic realities and land matters, human conflicts, as well as blessings and punishment.

The presence of God in the community of faith is shown in a concrete way through these issues exhibited in the life of Abraham and his household. Central to this section is the promise of God to Abraham and his descendants. The promise of a son to Abraham comes specifically in Chapter 15. Initially it appears as if Ishmael would be the son until Isaac comes into the scene. Even then we are not sure until God tested Abraham’s faith.

Chapter 15 contains a definition of righteousness via belief in God and it was used in Paul’s exposition of justification by faith in Roman 4.

Also contained in this section are stories about Sarai, Hagar, Isaac, and Abimelech, as well as Lot and his family, together with the infamous story of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Towards the end of the section, there is a beautiful novella on the arranged marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. Within this romance, a model emerges for the life of a trusted servant. As we go along Abraham’s journey of faith, we will glean many spiritual lessons.


The Liberator and the Liberated
Read Genesis 14:1-24

“…And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Genesis 14:20

The number game in the Bible may not be very logical. Can one family fight against four nations? Today’s story declares, “Yes!” God is behind it. The passage also reveals to us the correct attitude of the victorious.

For the sake of his nephew, Lot, Abram took military action against four kings. He did not sit down first to calculate his possible gains or losses. His concern for his nephew was greater than common sense. He took his 318 men to war. Of course Abram had a very large household, but that was nothing compared with four national armies. Abram did not tell his men to look out for Lot among the captives and rescue him alone. On the contrary, he acted in such a way as to liberate all captives from Sodom and Gomorrah, regardless of their conduct at that time.

Some may attribute the victory solely to Abram’s talent as a military strategist. No doubt he was one such leader, but notice that God’s High Priest Melchizedek attributed the victory to divine intervention. “Blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand” (v 20). The story reminds us of Gideon and his 300 men. “With the three hundred men, I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands” (Judges 7:7). Victory is assured when God is behind our battle against the enemy.

Note Abram’s generosity as a victor. Sodom was the liberated rather than the defeated one. To Abram, it was improper to enrich the liberator at the expense of the liberated (v 23).

Recall a time when God’s hand won a battle for you.

Pray for minority people groups under oppression of dictatorial regimes.