Genesis 14:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way.

NIV: They also carried off Abram's nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom.

NASB: They also took Lot, Abram’s nephew, and his possessions and departed, for he was living in Sodom.

CSB: They also took Abram's nephew Lot and his possessions, for he was living in Sodom, and they went on.

NLT: They also captured Lot — Abram’s nephew who lived in Sodom — and carried off everything he owned.

KJV: And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

NKJV: They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

After routing the five rebellious kings in battle, the forces of the four kings of the eastern cities sack Sodom and Gomorrah. They take all of the possessions and provisions, leaving the people destitute. This brings us to the moment where this war story crosses paths with God's story of the people of Israel: The four kings also took Abram's nephew Lot and all of his possessions.

It's important to note that Lot was now living in the city of Sodom—a place known for its obscene wickedness (Genesis 13:13). When last we saw him in Genesis 13:12, Lot had settled his family "near" Sodom. At some point, then, he and his family moved into this town where the people were known for their wickedness. We are not told why. Clearly, though, Lot has grown accustomed to Sodom's sin, at least to the point where he is comfortable living in the middle of it.

Now Lot and all he owns has been taken away by eastern armies, creating another opportunity for God to prove himself faithful to (and through) Abram.

Genesis 14:1–16 is an action-packed story of war between ancient city-states. Four kings from the east arrive to put down a rebellion by five kings from cities around the Dead Sea. After defeating them, the eastern kings loot Sodom, carrying off Abram's nephew Lot and all he owns in the process. Abram gathers his own small army, along with three Amorite allies, and gives chase. They catch the enemy in the northern reaches of Canaan, defeat them, and recapture all the plunder, including Lot.

This short chapter is packed with action, adventure, and war. An army from the east comes to reestablish its rule over the kings of the city-states of Canaan. Five kings from the Dead Sea region rebel, are defeated, and Sodom is looted. Abram's nephew Lot is captured and taken away. Abram and his own small army chase down the eastern kings, defeating them and recapturing all that was lost. Returning home, Abram is met by a mysterious king and priest of God Most High called Melchizedek.

At first, Genesis 14 seems unrelated to the previous chapter. Four kings from the east come to wage war against the kings and people groups of Canaan, including five kings from cities around the Dead Sea. The eastern kings defeat all challengers, looting Sodom and carrying off Lot and his entire family. Now Abram reappears in the story to chase down the departing army, defeat them in a single night, and retrieve all that was lost. On the way home, he is met by a mysterious king and priest of God Most High known as Melchizedek.

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.

Accessed 5/11/2024 7:41:31 PM