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Genesis 14

 

This chapter gives us an insight into the political and military alliances of the time.  Chapter 14 begins with the phrase “at this time” or “and it came to pass,” signifying the passage of some time.  Lot has remained in the area of Sodom and Gomorrah while Abraham has been walking the land God had promised to him.

 

  1. Identify the two alliances that are preparing to do battle.

 

 

Which alliance is the dominant one?

 

 

What has happened to cause this conflict?

 

 

Are we still seeing nations go to war because one will not pay “tribute” to another?

 

 

What can we deduce from the fact that there are so many kings?

 

 

Who seems to be the dominant king?  What can you learn about him?

 

 

  1. Verses 5-7 tell us that in the 14th year Kedorlaomer moved against these rebellious cities.  Can you trace his route on a map?

 

 

What can we learn about this king from these verses?

 

 

 

  1. Verse 8 tells us that five kings allied themselves against Kedorlaomer.  Who were these five kings?

 

 

Where were they going to meet the opposing four kings?

 

 

What was the Valley of Siddim like?

 

 

How would this affect the fighting?

 

 

  1. What was the result of the battle?

 

 

What do we learn about Lot in verse 12?

 

 

Why do you think Lot was living in Sodom?

 

 

How would you describe Lot?

 

 

Read 2 Peter 2:7.  What does it say about Lot?

 

 

What does it mean to you that Peter describes Lot as a righteous man?

 

 

  1. How did Abram learn about Lot’s abduction?

 

 

How did this fugitive or one who escaped know to tell Abram?

 

 

Where was Abram living at this time?

 

 

How close or far was this from Sodom?

 

 

  1. What was Abram’s immediate reaction?

 

 

What does this tell us about him?

Why do you think Abram had 318 trained men?

 

 

What does this tell us about being prepared?

 

 

How far did Abram pursue his nephew?

 

 

  1. What plan did Abram use to overcome the kings?

 

 

Where do you think Abram learned to fight?

 

 

What was the result of Abram’s fight?

 

 

What can we learn about Abram by his rescuing all the people and not just his nephew Lot?

 

 

  1. Now we read of one of the most interesting encounters Abram has.  When he returned from defeating Kedorlaomer, who came to greet him?

 

 

Why might this person be glad to see Abram?

 

 

Then, Abram is greeted by Melchizedek.  Who is Melchizedek?

 

 

How far is Salem from Sodom?

 

 

Read vv 18-20.  What do we learn about Melchizedek?

 

 

  1. Many people believe that Melchizedek is “type” of Christ.  In other words, his presence points to Christ.  To help us understand this, what does Melchizedek bring when he meets Abram?

 

 

What do bread and wine have to do with Jesus?

 

 

Next, we read that he is the King of Salem.  How does this point to Jesus?

 

 

Then, what does Melchizedek say to Abram?  How does this relate to Jesus?

 

 

Finally, we read that Melchizedek is priest of God Most High.  How does this relate to Christ?

 

 

  1. As a result of his meeting with Melchizedek, what does Abram do?

 

 

Why do you believe Abram did this?

 

 

What can we learn about tithing from this episode?

 

 

Abram, the victor, humbles himself and gives to one who is greater than himself.  What does this mean for us?

 

 

  1. Maybe because he does not want to be outdone, what does the king of Sodom want to do?

 

 

What is Abram’s response?

 

 

Why does Abram refuse?

 

How difficult would it be for you to refuse a gift that would make you wealthy for the rest of your life?

 

 

Can you think of such a gift that would not be acceptable to you?

 

 

What can we learn about honoring others and receiving honor from these verses?

 

 

Finally, what does Abram accept from the king of Sodom?

 

 

  1. How has Abram changed since arriving in the promised land?

 

 

What do you think accounts for these changes?

 

 

In what way does he exhibit God-like qualities?