Contributor: Tola Odutola

INTRODUCTION:
In our last lesson, we discussed about how God called Abram (who later was called Abraham), His instruction to him to leave his homeland Ur, for a land God would show him. In return, God promised Abram that he would make him into a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and that through him, all the families of the earth would be blessed. Abram obediently departs with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and their possessions, journeying to Canaan (under God’s direction and guidance) and he built altars to the Lord. We also discussed how the famine in Canaan compelled Abram to go to Egypt, where, because of his wife’s beauty he feared for his life and deceitfully presented Sarai as his sister. This led to Sarai being taken into Pharaoh's household, but God intervened with plagues, prompting Pharaoh to discover the truth, rebuke Abram, and send them away. This week, we will continue the journey of Abram in chapters 13 and 14.

Chapter 13: Abram’s Return to Faith and His Separation from Lot
Abram returned to Bethel where he was before he fled to Egypt because of the famine there, he already built an alter there for God initially and there he called on the name of the Lord (Vs 1-4). What is significant about Abram returning to this specific place and calling on the Lord's name again? (We must take a cue from this and always reconnect back with God, Abram reaffirmed his faith in God after his journey to Egypt). The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe Proverb 18:10.

The Beginning of Conflict
In Bethel, both Abram and his nephew Lot were blessed and flourishing, they became so wealthy that the land could not support both of them, their possessions were too great, then strive sets in (Vs 6 Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together). The strive was not between Abram and Lot his nephew, but from their respective herdsmen. Note also that there were others in the land using that available resources, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, so resources were becoming depleted, not enough for the communities. Abram, with his ability to maintain relationship, took the initiative to “let there be no stive between you and me…” and proposed a generous offer, if you go to the left, I will go to the right. (Vs 5 – 9). Abram prioritize relationships and peace over personal gain. Blessings require wise management and can test relationships.
How do we handle God's provisions? How can we apply the principles demonstrated by Abram in our families, community, workplace, or school?

Choices and Consequences
Now it was time for Lot to take actions, based on what his eyes could see, fertile land of the Jordan valley, well-watered green field "like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt…", close to the social life and the city (Sodom), he made his choice. Proverb 3:5 says trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. However, Abram remained in Canaan and dwelt there while Lot moved to the city even as far as Sodom. In vs 13, it is recorded that “. . . the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord”.
God’s Reaffirmed Covenant with Abram

As soon as Lot left Abram, God reaffirmed His promise to Abram once again, vs 15 - for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. God’s promise include land, descendants, and lots of blessings. Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the Lord. The alter that Abram built there signifies his continued faith and obedience to God. The book of Isaiah 55: 8-9 says that “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
For our own good, it is always better to walk according to the plan and purpose of God.

Discussion:
 How do we handle conflicts (in school, work, family, friends etc) in our lives?
 How do we ensure that our decisions are influenced by faith in God, and not just our sight and immediate personal gains?

CHAPTER 14
Abram's Courageous Rescue (Vs 1-11)
Now there is a serious conflict around the city where Lot lived. Four kings from Mesopotamia (side A), led by King Chedorlaomer, dominate and oppress five other kings (side B), after 12 years these kings (side B) revolted.

Remember that in vs 13, it is recorded that “But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord”, this wickedness resulted in war among the kings of Sodom and others around where Lot was living. Isaiah 48:22 says that there is no peace,” says the Lord, for the wicked,” and in vs 11 & 12 Lot got swept up in the conflict (Then the victorious side plundered Sodom and Gomorrah, taking all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and they departed). Meanwhile where Abram was, based on God’s direction and guidance and him obeying what God has instructed him, there is peace and tranquillity where he was living (You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. - Isaiah 26:3).

Abram’s Response or Reaction
When Abram heard of what had happened to his nephew Lot, that Lot had been captured and now in captivity with his family and belongings, Abram did not say, “that serves him right, let him have his reward”, rather he strategized and moved to action immediately. Remember that Abram was waging war against the side that won the battle, a seemingly strong side, a household militia against a victorious army confederation, this required a lot of courage. With 318 trained men that were born in his household, he divided his forces, pursued the enemy all the way, attacked and achieved victory. Using strategy and faith, Abram attacked the kings led by Chedorlaomer by night, conquered them and rescued Lot, all the goods that was looted, the women and all of the people including the king of Sodom.

How did Abram hear of Lot’s capture?
It was through his neighbours who had become his allies. Vs 13 says that 'Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies with Abram”. Even where Abram was living, his neighbours still love, trust and respects him, they were like families.

The encounters with Melchizedek and king of Sodom Vs 18- 24
Melchizedek is the king of Salem (meaning Peace), probably Jerusalem, and he gave gift of bread and wine to Abram (Bread and wine is synonymous to the communion we take now). He was the priest of the Most high God – the same God that Abram had raised alter to, that he worships. This king blessed Abram, calling him “Blessed be Abram of God most High”. This title signifies the connection between Abram and God Almighty, even before the promises of God was yet to be fulfilled, we can see the connection. In return, Abram gave a tithe of everything to Melchizedek.

Let’s take a note of what happened after Abram rescued all the people from the five kings. Vs 17 says that “And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him.' Vs 21 says “Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.” Once again we can see the temptation of riches and spoils again to Abram, thank God for the wisdom from God to the king of Sodom through Abram ("so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’"). Abram refused any material gain from Sodom ("not even a thread or a sandal strap”), why did Abram refused the offer from the king of Sodom?
1. So that there will not be sorrow in his possessions (Proverbs 10:22 – the blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it)
2. So that God’s glory will not be shared with any man. (Isaiah 42:8 – I am the Lord , that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images), we can confirm that Abram’s riches are clean and only from God.
Vs 24 “except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.”

Also we should note that Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre were the neighbours that told Abram of the capture of Lot and his household, they also went with Abram to fight the enemy. This demonstrate the type of relationship with those that are not of his household.

CONCLUSION
Genesis chapter 13 illustrates that blessings necessitate prudent management and it can challenge relationships. Abram exemplifies the importance of prioritizing relationships and peace over personal gain. In contrast, Lot made decisions based on immediate, worldly appearances. Abram, however, trusted in God's promise, despite seemingly receiving the lesser portion.
Genesis 14 depicts Abram as a person of resolute and courageous faith, unwavering loyalty, and steadfast integrity. He honours God through the priest Melchizedek and avoids involvement or enrichment from corrupt worldly systems. This passage encourages living with boldness for God, trusting Him entirely for provision, and maintaining integrity.