01-47 The Bible's First War
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Genesis 14:1-16
Genesis 14:1-16
You might recognize this symbol. It was created in 1947 for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (Science and Security Board) and given the nickname “The Doomsday Clock.” It was created to highlight the danger of the world being destroyed from technologies of humanity’s own making. Of particular concern was that the US and Soviet Union were headed for a nuclear arms race. The clock is designed as such that the closer the world is moving toward global catastrophe, the closer the hands are moved toward midnight. In 1947, the hands were set at 7 min to midnight. They have been moved 25 times since then. The furthest from midnight was in 1991 following the Gulf War when they were set at 17 min. Since then, slowly (and steadily) the Bulletin has been moving the hand closer toward midnight. In Jan of this year, it was set at its closest point—90 seconds to midnight. This was largely “because of the mounting dangers of the war in Ukraine.” So there’s growing concern over a global catastrophe that could result from the use of nuclear weapons.
Nuclear weapons are a product of the 20th century. These are the weapons of modern warfare—even if they haven’t been used in recent wars—it is certainly the threat. War, however is not new. The first war recorded in the Bible is found in our vv in Genesis. This will not be the last war the Bible records. There have been many wars fought (in biblical times and afterward). There will be many wars that are fought. Jesus indicates that His return will be prefaced by war:
6 “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
War is a product of the Fall. Once sin entered the human race, man’s horizontal relationship with each other was severed, and peace (even between brothers) was broken. As the population increases and eventually human languages are confused (Gen 11) and nations are scattered, war would be the inevitable result of the hardness of man’s heart toward one another.
This is what we see in Gen 14 today. This is the 1st recorded war in Scripture—and it reads like a well-written war movie:
9 nations in alliance with the principal leader: King Chedorlaomer (Elam—region east of Mesopotamia—Iran) who is the chief king and leader of this eastern coalition (sometimes north/south)
13 years into it—the alliance breaks and 4 strong nations go to war against 5 weaker nations
Several people are taken captive including the nephew of a dignitary who responds by leading 318 military commandos who attack by night and defeat the 4 kings and rescue the dignitary’s nephew. They return as heroes
And…Tar pits
It has the making of a great movie—and it really happened. I do want to mention that Moses is not giving a commentary on the virtues or evils of war. He is not assessing which war (actually 2 of them) is just and which is unjust. Though, when 1 nation overtakes a weaker nation—we would say that is an evil war. When one rises up to protect innocent lives, we would consider that to be a just war. But that is not the point of Genesis—but rather to show God’s continuing preservation of Abram and His promise to bless the man of faith.
I want to divide the passage into 4 parts to help grasp what God is doing in the lives of Abram and Lot at this point. Lot and Abram have separated b/c their livestock was so great in number that it was stressing the land and causing strife b/t the 2 parties. Lot chose to take his possessions toward the Jordan Valley and ultimately headed toward Sodom which would become his home.
After an unknown period of time we pick up the narrative in ch 14.
1. The Invasion
1. The Invasion
vv 1-7
The first 4 verses set the stage for the war the invasion that will take place. You have the 9 key players listed, along with their geographical locations in vv 1-2. The first 4 represent the eastern (north—since this is the direction they come from) alliance. This is under the leadership of Chedorlaomer. He is the dominant force. He is the one that the other kings are “serving” (vs 4)—that is, paying tribute to for being allied with him.
The other 3 kings of vs 1 are Amraphel (Shinar—Land NE of Palestine in Mesopotamia—Babylonia along the Euphrates River), Arioch (Ellasar—also region of Mesopotamia), Tidal (Goiim [peoples]—unknown location]. These are the aggressors (vs 2— “they made war”).
Vs 2 lists the western kings (south) Bera (Sodom)…etc. (all of these are probably at the southern edge of the “Salt Sea” in the valley of Siddim—though exact locations are unknown.
vv 3-4 explain the reason for the aggression (invasion) from the kings of the east… For 12 years, these other 5 kings had been paying tribute to Chedorlaomer but in the 13th year of the alliance—they rebelled. That term means “to rise in revolt” and suggests that there was a covenant in place b/t these kings until that 13th year.
A year after that, Chedorlaomer (along with his allies) begin a military campaign that was 2-fold: First they would conquer the Transjordan region (vv 5-6) following a very familiar path known as “the King’s Highway” (Num 20:17; 21:22). This road ran generally to the south on the east side of the Jordan river. So Chedorlaomer started along the highway subduing all who stood in his way. Moses mentions those he subdued in vs 5: Rephaim (lit “giants”), Zuzim & Emim.
10 (The Emim lived there formerly, a people as great, numerous, and tall as the Anakim. 11 Like the Anakim, they are also regarded as Rephaim, but the Moabites call them Emim.
This is a tremendous show of strength and then he continued south toward Sinai (vs 7) advancing the conquest.
His second agenda was to subdue those 5 kings who were in rebellion against him—refusing to pay tribute.
It is encouraging for believers to read an account like this and have a greater confidence in the inspiration and inerrancy of God’s Word. Moses is describing, with great accuracy the different cities that would be found on this King’s Highway and even their order while travelling southward. Archaeological discoveries in the 20th century (1924 and 1970s) have uncovered cuneiform tablets with the names of the patriarchs and even the names of all 5 cities in the exact order they are found in the Bible. Skeptics don’t need reasons to reject the authority of God’s Word but they have a hard time arguing with extra-biblical evidence that supports Scripture—that is encouraging and uplifting the accuracy and precision of our Bibles.
2. The Resistance
2. The Resistance
vv 8-10
The kings of these 5 cities (all except Zoar are destroyed with S & G in Gen 19). They’re tired of paying tribute to Chedorlaomer so they rise up in revolt. Again, there is no commentary here on the justice of this war or in the justice of those who have been oppressed—trying to gain their independence. That’s not what the account is about. Further, the 5 kings who were joining forces were not innocent. S & G would become the picture of everything that stands against righteousness as we move into the next chapters.
13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the Lord.
There was exceeding wickedness in this region. There was a heaviness of sin. So Moses is not commenting on justice but again, the assurance of God’s promise in the midst of difficulties.
These 5 kings “arrayed for battle” (vs 8) against the eastern kings. That term lit “to set/arrange in rows.” Its descriptive of those who are prepared for battle, they’re arranged in a strategic manner, armed with proper weapons—they were ready to fight. And Moses tells us that there were 4 kings against 5 (vs 9). Everything seems like they might have the upper hand. They may have had more soldiers, they were fighting on their own turf…and yet their out-maneuvered.
Vs 10—there are tar pits. This is not unusual for that area around the Dead Sea—Josephus calls it the Asphalt Sea. Even today it still oozes with a heavy liquid in the southern part—where these cities were.
The 4 kings are driving the others out of the region— as “they fled” and “fell into them” with the understand that they didn’t drown but probably jumped into the pits to hide from the aggressors. The survivors then fled to the hill country where they sought refuge from these persistent armies.
3. The Capture
3. The Capture
vv 11-12
In every war—to the victors go the spoils. That is your reward for overcoming your opponent. So they “took all the goods” (vs 11). After driving the survivors into the hill country, they entered the cities and began to plunder them. They took (seize) the “goods.” This is a general term that covers all varieties of possessions including: supplies, cattle and domestic animals, anything of monetary value—gold & silver and any weapons. They also took the food supply (obviously needed to support the troops as they advanced and returned home).
Now, had Chedorlaomer been content with the goods and food, he would have returned home in great victory—having subdued many who had resisted him. As it is, he wasn’t content with this and took captives (men and women—vs 16) including Lot (and all his possessions—which were great in number) and he is specifically mentioned to be the nephew of Abram—the son of Abram’s brother.
So this coalition plundered Sodom. This is where Lot had chosen to make his home. Remember, with a greedy and selfish choice, he set out to the best part of the land and that choice would prove disastrous. One cannot know for sure what all transpired in Lot’s capture. The pagan’s were not known to be gentle with those they captured: rape and agonizing death were common. Lot would witness this and rather helplessly at that.
4. The Rescue
4. The Rescue
vv 13-16
An unknown fugitive escaped (lit. the survivor). He may have escaped after being taken captive, or he may have been one of those who fled to safety in the hill country. He reported to Abram what had happened.
This is the only time Abram is designated the “Hebrew” (tho Eber found prominently in Table of Nations). He would be the father of this nation and he is distinguished from Mamre the Amorite. Abram has living by the oaks of Mamre and Moses is showing the solidarity that was between the 2 men and even Mamre’s brothers, Eshcol and Aner. Moses indicates they were “allies.” They were partners living harmoniously and these would come to the assistance of Abram in his time of need. They may have partnered with him due to the fact that their nation had been conquered also by Chedorlaomer (vs 7).
The fugitive told Abram and what drew him into battle was news that Lot had been taken. Abram wasn’t concerned about material possessions—he was concerned about the welfare of his family. That is what drove him to action.
I want you to notice the power and substantial wealth of Abram. The 318 men were all born of his own household. This is not symbolic—Moses is very precise. Beyond his wealth and power, Abram was a man of great wisdom. These men were “trained.” They were Abram’s servants whose primary function was to provide security.
Hamilton notes:
The Book of Genesis, Chapters 1–17 2. The Recapture of Lot (14:13–16)
They are not shepherds who grabbed a spear or a sling and headed north for some 125 miles. They are individuals capable of making a successful attack against imposing odds.
He leads them in pursuit of the captors as far as Dan. This was to the far north at the base of Mt Hermon between 130-140 miles. He pursues them because he needs to do what is right.
He meets the armies of the kings in Dan and divides his forces and attacks at night. Abram is a brilliant military strategist. He was a shepherd, a wanderer, a peacemaker—but now he is General Abram. When the caught the kings, they defeated them (lit to smite, strike, to strike dead). He didn’t just beat them into submission, these 318 men along with Abram killed every last one of them. Some had fled and they pursued them as well—as far as Hobah (N of Damascus—to the left—same place Paul was going to persecute Xns). That’s another 100 mi (they’re off the map). They are relentless in the attack for the sole reason of rescuing Lot and those who were taken along with him—men, women and children.
Then Abram (he is the “he” in these verses) recovered all the possessions and “brought back” everything that had been taken by the kings.
Now, we marvel at Abram’s show of strength, bravery—the man of principle who would not allow his nephew to be dishonored. But as much as we are impressed by the military precision in this account—I want to draw your attention to a few passages.
16 The king is not saved by a mighty army; A warrior is not delivered by great strength. 17 A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.
Now, this is not saying it is wrong to raise up an army, or be prepared (trained). It is not wrong to arm yourself for protection and defense. What the psalmist is saying is that it is hopeless to put your trust in these things…armies, warriors, horses and such.
Proverbs 21:31 (NASB95)
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle
Abram was prepared. He was diligent in raising up a core of men who would serve him as a security force. They were highly skilled. Abram did what was wise and prudent on his part. The horse is prepared for the day of battle.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord.
The only reason Abram overwhelming conquered the kings and rescued his nephew is because the Lord fought and won the battle. That has always been the case. Victory belongs to the Lord. You can trace this in every war, every battle (national and personal)—the victory belongs to the Lord.
When the Lord charged Moses with bringing Israel out of Egypt, it was the arm of the Lord that delivered them from slavery. When Pharaoh and the Egyptian army pursued them, Israel found safety beyond the Red Sea b/c victory belongs to the Lord.
When Joshua fought the battle of Jericho the wall fell down flat (Josh 6:20), but not because the people had marched around it or that together they had such percussive force—but b/c the victory belongs to the Lord.
When Israel was being oppressed by the Midianites, God raised up Gideon to deliver His people. Now, Gideon was a timid man.
14 The Lord looked at him and said, “Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?” 15 He said to Him, “O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” 16 But the Lord said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man.”
Gideon needed confidence that God would deliver the nation thru him so he asked for a sign (2x). He hesitated and God was patient toward him. Gideon does what most military commanders would do—pull together as many people as you can. He had 32K men and the Lord told him—this is too many. 22K men who were afraid and trembling went home. This left 10K men and the Lord said—its still too many. The people will think that they defeated Midian b/c of their own power. The Lord had Gideon bring the men to the water to see who would kneel to drink (perhaps laying down their arms) and who would lap it with their hands (staying alert).
Only 300 men remained (almost the same number as Abram) and the Lord said:
Judges 7:15 (NASB95)
15 “Arise, for the Lord has given the camp of Midian into your hands.”
Gideon divided his men into 3 companies and gave them torches and trumpets. When they approached the camp of Midian they blew the trumpets, smashed the pitchers that held the torches and there was confusion around the camp—the army fled—but not b/c of their size or strength but the victory belongs to the Lord.
David when facing the giant Goliath of the Philistines, boldly approached the man who was taunting the God of Israel:
45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. 46 “This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.”
On 3 occasions Paul prayed for the Lord to remove the thorn in his flesh (physical disability, speech impediment, persistent antagonist or even demonic messenger) but God did not remove it saying:
9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Victory belongs to the Lord.
The Scottish Reformer John Knox, knew very well the persecution that comes to those who are faithful to speak of the glories of LJC. He was exiled from Scotland and even England by “Bloody” Mary. He was a fierce preacher of grace of God and against RCC that many were being regenerated when hearing the gospel. As the power of the Word went forth he would go about saying “The trumpet soundeth all over. We do nothing but go about Jericho, blowing with trumpets as God giveth strength, hoping victory by His power alone.”
He would have 5 confrontations with Queen Mary and he was never fearful—though she had burned nearly 300 protestant believers at the stake. At one point Knox said “A man with God is always in the majority.”
If God is on your side, and if you are on God’s side—what can anyone do? As it is God often choses the weak things of this world to shame the strong (1 Cor 1:27).
Paul says the same thing:
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
You may be facing difficulty, trying times, undesirable circumstances, opposition to your faith—with God you are in the majority. Nothing can disrupt God’s sovereign purposes. Abram would gain victory b/c God promised that there would be such abundant blessing upon him—nothing (not even a massive coalition of mighty kings) could stand in the way of God fulfilling that purpose.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
Put your trust in God who is “our stronghold.” Depend on Him—b/c victory belongs to the Lord. And as you do this, you’ll have great courage and comfort that comes from resting in God who is gracious, compassionate—loving and kind—who is moving the world to its end—not in catastrophe of man’s doing but in glory at the revelation of LJC.