April 22, 2018 - Day 14 - Genesis 14

I am writing from my desk in Seattle, WA.

Genesis 14:

The first ten verses showcase kings going to war against some other kings.  GoT style.

We are told that the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and then some other kings looted Sodom and Gomorrah for their food and goods.  GoT style.  Since Lot was living in Sodom, the kings took him and his possessions too.

An escapee ran and told Abram that Lot had been captured.  Abram dispatched his crew and they took back the seized possessions, Lot, and the women.  GoT style.

Since Abram had defeated one of the main kings (Kedorlaomer), the other kings allied with him and praised him with gifts and kind words.

Then Abram gave them a tenth of everything.  This is where "tithing" comes from.  I'm curious to see where else it will come up in the Bible.

So the king of Sodom wants the people and says keep your goods for yourself.  Abram reminds him that he has sworn to accept nothing from him (but he wasn't offering?), as to never give him the satisfaction of making him rich.

I find this confusing.  So Abram gives them a tenth of everything, yet sternly indicates he won't accept anything because he doesn't want him to ever be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.'

Yet Abram is giving so he can say, 'I made these people rich.' ??

Seems to be a power struggle here, as though Abram is exercising his wealth and control.

Though the king of Sodom is asking for people instead of goods, perhaps he wants slaves?  This story is rather unclear to me.  What do you think?


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