What does Genesis 14:24 mean?

The king of Sodom has demanded that Abram return to him the people Abram rescued from the four kings from the east. Abram's response began in verse 22 and concludes here. Abram had taken an oath before God not to keep even a thread of the plunder for himself; he would return both it and the people to Sodom. In fact, from Abram's perspective, he never took it in the first place!

Why? Abram didn't want the king of Sodom (or anyone else) to be able to take the credit for his wealth. That credit belonged to God. Abram understood God to be the one who blessed him and made him successful. He wanted others to see that, as well.

However, in this concluding verse, Abram does say that those who fought with him, his allies, the brothers Mamre, Aner, and Eshkol, are entitled to their fair share of the plunder. Abram is not going to speak for them—this oath is his, and the burden in his. In the same way, Abram will not repay the food his men have already eaten on the way; strictly speaking, he cannot, since it's already gone. Everything that can be returned to Sodom will be returned.

In making this statement, Abram also makes it clear that this is not a gift to Bera, the king of Sodom (Genesis 14:2). From Abram's perspective, these people and goods are still the property of Sodom—he had sworn not to take any of it. Abram's commitment to avoid any connection with the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah is crystal clear (Genesis 13:13).

Of course, the share of the plunder that went to Melchizedek and Abram's three allies would have been significant. In this way, God continues to keep His promise to bless those who bless Abram (Genesis 12:3).