Genesis 14: 13-24

Genesis
Chapter 14
13-24

13 4 A fugitive came and brought the news to Abram the Hebrew, who was camping at the terebinth of Mamre the Amorite, a kinsman of Eshcol and Aner; these were in league with Abram.

14 When Abram heard that his nephew had been captured, he mustered three hundred and eighteen of his retainers, born in his house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.

15 He and his party deployed against them at night, defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus.

16 He recovered all the possessions, besides bringing back his kinsman Lot and his possessions, along with the women and the other captives.

17 When Abram returned from his victory over Chedorlaomer and the kings who were allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to greet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley).

18 5 Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words:

19 6 Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth;

20 7 And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people; the goods you may keep."

22 8 But Abram replied to the king of Sodom: "I have sworn to the LORD, God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth,

23 that I would not take so much as a thread or a sandal strap from anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I made Abram rich.'

24 Nothing for me except what my servants have used up and the share that is due to the men who joined me--Aner, Eshcol and Mamre; let them take their share."

Reflection: I wonder if this has to do with that idea that God will love us and come after us no matter what. Just like Abram heard about his family member in trouble God loves us in that way. He will come to our aid. Not for His benefit but for our own. Abram did not take any profit for himself. He was fair and he invited his people to help him. He saw to it that his men were repayed not rewarded. Again the glory is given to God not to man.