Genesis - Genesis 14:13 DailyBibleStudy.Org

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You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source, of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth.
Daily Bible Study

Genesis 14:13

Lesson # Genesis 14:13
Study Material - Genesis 14:13

You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth.

Gen. 14:13

13 Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram.

Now we have the contrast of Abram and those kings who were involved in the battles of the preceding verses. Abram is called a Hebrew here for the first time. The etymology of the word is disputed. But most probably derived from Eber (Gen. 10:21,24-25, etc.), or, from the verb 'abhar', 'to cross over'. I think it is more of a combination of the two. Since Abram crossed over a river certainly in order to get to the promised land, but more importantly he crossed over the spiritual threshold and complied with Gods command to go to the promised land. Abram could have stayed where he was rather than moving into a desolate region, but he believed the promises of God, in spite of some failures, and made the move.

Also, Eber, one of his ancestors was a great spiritual leader as we have already seen in previous lessons, and is probably the most likely source of the meaning of the word Hebrew, a follower of Eber. This combined with the names of his allies, Aner, 'sprout, waterfall', Mamre, 'sacred grove or tree, priestly code, and Eshcol, 'grape cluster. From the combination of these names and their association with each other we have a comprehensive look at their Bible study group. This in contrast with the names of the kings which represented worldly and non- Biblical beliefs.

They were allies. They had a close association for many reasons, but their primary reason was Bible study. Now we all know that the Bible as we have it was not available to them, but they did have communications from God and the information that had been handed down to them by their parents, grandparents, etc. Also, realize that this is but a mere 400 years after the flood. Or almost 400 years after the flood. See the chart on the index page. Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah, and Eber were still alive even though they were in their latter years age wise. They were from 400 to 600 years old each one of them. Their names are not listed in this particular passage but their ages and therefore their presence was made known in earlier passages. One can assume that they may have lived in the area as well, but of course that is speculation. Anyway, whole the kings were building their respective worldly wealth accounts at the expense of others and through violence, Abram and his allies were building their spiritual lives and therefore their eternal wealth.

While the rest of the world was swirling in war and conflict, and distress of all kinds, these men and their respective clans were resting in relative peace.

When word came that Lot had been captured and the rest of the cities had been virtually sacked by the kings from far off, Abram rallied his fighting men and prepared for the pursuit.

The original kings sought selfish gain. They sought punishment because the cities of the valley did not pay the taxes expected. These kings, Chedorlaomer and company, sought to build up their success on the suffering of others.

In contrast, Abram was blessed by God without the violence that these kings pursued. Abram did not attack others for the purpose of material gain. But Abram did answer the call to those who were in need of help. Abram was a small force. Chedorlaomer was a large force. Abram was not an organized military force. Chedorlaomer was a large force, and alliance with kings, of hired soldiers fresh off the battle field of victory and plunder. An army who would stop at nothing to get what it wanted.

Abram had been passed by as the army had already moved northward pass where Abram was living. They were going home and there was no more threat to the peoples in the region. So weak believers would think twice about the consequences of attacking such a large and successful force. After all there was no more threat. Why go out and pick a fight and invite retaliation against themselves? Cowards see only their own safety. Mature believers see their responsibility to others in need. Mature believers do not go off half cocked, but with a plan and preparation. They are united in their objective and do not have anterior motives or agendas.

Cowards, politicians, those who would look the other way, would come up with excuses. It's their own fault! That isn't our concern! We haven't done anything wrong, why invite disaster on ourselves! We shouldn't get involved in the affairs of others! That is their country, not ours! The excuses go on and on. And, of course, life deteriorates for all concerned when a tyrant is allowed to go unchecked. Better to cut out the cancer early rather than late. If bad leaders, bad nations are allowed to oppress their citizens or their neighbors, then the problem will only get worse and grow far beyond their own boundaries. If a united group, for all the right reasons, stand up and put down those bad leaders, then there will be a prolonged peace and prosperity, and freedom for all concerned.

Now is the time to post a prayer.

End Of Lesson

Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth.

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