INTRODUCTION: In this chapter we see new manifestations of Abraham's godly character. We are also introduced to Melchizedek, that mysterious king who is so important in salvation history.I. THE GREAT FORAY - verses 1-12.
Here we have the first mention of war in the Bible. Man was not long in learning this art [James 4:1-2]. For those interested in further study there has been much written on the historical identity and ancestry of these kings.Lot had laid up treasures on earth and here thieves began to break through and steal. One wonders if this was not God's chastening hand. If so Lot did not profit from the reproof.
II. ABRAHAM'S VICTORY - verses 13-15.
Several things of note are worthy of our attention:
A. In this record we see the great wealth of Abraham. He must have had far over a thousand servants to have three hundred and eighteen fit for combat.B. We note here the great courage and military skill of Abraham. He seems to have commanded not only his own men, but also the forces of the entire confederacy [verse 13]. His military strategy was wise and well-executed. The ability to command armed companies would not have been unusual for a nomadic sheik like Abraham.
III. ABRAHAM'S CHARACTER - verses 16-24.
Abraham was completely successful in his military cam- paign. More importantly, his character as God's man really stood out.A. Abraham's attitude toward Lot tells us much about him. He maintained a brotherly love and concern for Lot in spite of Lot's selfish attitude toward him. Many would have gloated over Lot's problem rather than helping him.
B. Abraham made it very clear that he had not fought to enrich himself. The king of Sodom recognized that Abraham had the power to make the terms. He could have kept all the wealth. Abraham, however, wanted his motives clearly under- stood. All he would take was the food eaten by his servants. Wars fought for financial gain alone are unrighteous wars (Abraham did allow his confederates to take their reward or expenses - verse 24).
C. Note that Abraham's main reason for refusing the spoil of war was his concern for God's glory. He made a vow with God that he would take nothing from the wicked king of Sodom [verses 22-23]. He did not want the wicked taking credit for God's blessing on him. This concern for God's glory reminds us of other men of God [II Kings 5:15-16; II Corinthians 11:9].
IV. MELCHIZEDEK.
In verse 18, we meet one of the most mysterious persons in the Bible. The author of Hebrews not only shows us the importance of this man, but makes it plain that one must be spiritually mature to really grasp the subject [Hebrews 5:10-11].A. The Bible Record - verses 18-20.
1. Melchizedek was a king - verse 18.
a. He was king of Salem. Salem means "peace."
b. The name "Melchizedek" means "king of righteousness."
2. He was a priest of God - verse 18.
3. He fed Abraham as he returned from battle.
4. He blessed Abraham - verse 19.
5. Abraham payed him tithes - verse 20.
6. There is no record of his birth, death, or parentage [Hebrews 7:3].B. Who was Melchizedek?
1. Some teach that he was Shem. This is an interesting theory, but as we have Shem's parentage, the theory fails [Hebrews 7:3].
2. Some teach that Melchizedek was none other than Jesus Christ appearing temporarily in human form. These Old Testament manifestations of God are called Theophanies and must not be confused with Christ's incarnation as a man [Genesis 18:22, Joshua 5:13-15].
As Hebrews 7:3 and 15 make it clear that Melchizedek was a type or figure of Christ, we must also reject this theory.
3. Hebrews 7:3 and 15 make clear Melchizedek was a type of Jesus Christ. As with Adam, Moses, Aaron, or David, he was a mortal man whose person and life in various ways pre-figured Jesus Christ.
C. The doctrinal significance of Melchizedek. In Psalms 110, and Hebrews 7:1-28, we learn that Jesus Christ was a priest, not after the Levitical order but after the order of Melchizedek. This is some of the most precious teaching in the Bible concerning our Savior.
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Note to Teachers: While we should encourage our students to read Hebrews chapter seven, I have felt it was too involved to expound in our studies on Genesis.
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