Reading for May 18th

 Read Genesis 14.1-24. In 14.1-24: The rescue of Lot and the blessing of Abram. In 1.1-11: A coalition of kings from the east attack the area around Sodom and Gomorrah. Shinar (v. 1) is probably Babylon (10.10, 11.2). Most of these of these kings are not known historically from other ancient sources. In verse 12: The mention of Lot, the son of Abram's brother, gives a reason the story is included. The story suggests that Lot's choice of this initially attractive land may not have been so wise (13.10-11). In verses 13-16: Abram's small band of 318 fighters is able to defeat the coalition of forces from the east. Abram rescues Lot and his family. Abram's concern for Lot is an example of Abram as a blessing to other families of the earth (12.3). In verses 17-18: Two kings of Sodom and Salem come out to thank Abram for defeating the eastern kings who had attacked them. Salem is another name for the city of Jerusalem (Ps 76.2). The Canaanite king, Melchizedeck of Salem was also a Canaanite priest of a god named "God Most high" (v. 18). The title "Most High" or "God Most High" is an ancient divine title used also for the Lord in the Old testament ( Num 24.16; Deut 12.8)and especially in the Psalms (Ps 57.2). Abram himself links Melchizedek's God Most High with the Lord in 14.22. The king-priest Melchizedek is not know from other historical sources. He is mentioned only once elsewhere in the Old testament in a psalm or blessing addressed to one of Israel's later kings (Ps 110.4). In verses 19-24: Abram again shows great generosity to people of other nations. He is a blessing to other families of the earth (12.3). Comments or Questions..