In our previous study, we saw described the first war mentioned in scripture that the recorder of the generations of Terah, the father of Abram (Genesis 11:27), decided to consider for the benefit of those, who would come afterward. Like many wars, perhaps most wars, this war was all about economics, and who should control the economies of the world. It appears that Abram had remained aloof of worldly matters, by remaining a pilgrim in the land, which the Lord had given him. However, Lot approached his inheritance differently, if, indeed, he ever had one from the Lord.
Strictly speaking, God called only Abram out of his country and out of his father’s house. We know of Lot, only because he went out with Abram, whether by choice or by Abram’s invitation isn’t clear. Nevertheless, we have the testimony of scripture that Lot was, indeed, a righteous man (2Peter 2:6-8). Lot, however, was not the pilgrim that Abram was. Instead, Lot sought to improve life by taking a more proactive role in the world, much like many Christians do today. Is that wrong? The Lord allows us to partake of all the trees in the Garden, except for one. Nevertheless, the affect we have on the course of this world seems to be very unimportant, when we seek to serve the Lord by seeking to influence world politics. From where I sit, the most good, which we can do in God’s name, would be done through our example in the world and teaching others the Gospel. Seeking to change men’s behavior patterns, by trying to be a mover and a shaker in worldly events is behaving more like Lot than Abraham. While Lot was a righteous man, he was overcome by the world, because he made himself too much a part of worldly interests.
In a previous study, Lot and Abram separated from one another, at Abram’s suggestion or command. Rather than allow violence to come between them, Abram decided it was time for him and Lot to go their separate ways. Lot was given the choice of the land before them, and he chose the Jordan Valley, where he planted his tent toward Sodom (Genesis 13:11-12). By the time we get to the next chapter in the Book of Genesis, Lot is living inside the gates of Sodom. Therefore, when Sodom was conquered and looted by the victors of the war, they also took Lot with them, intending to make him a slave in Mesopotamia. Nevertheless, the Lord permitted one man to escape captivity. Presumably, he was from Lot’s household, and he came to the oaks of Mamre, where Abram was camped, and he told Abram all that had happened to his nephew (Genesis 14:13).
After Abram and Lot separated (Genesis 13:11), it seems that Abram had entered into an alliance with Mamre, the Amorite, and his two brothers, Eshcol and Aner. Presumably, this was for mutual protection. When Abram learned of Lot’s trouble, he armed his trained servants, who were born in his household, 318 souls, and he chased after the company, who had taken Lot. and he found them in Dan or Laish, north of the Sea of Galilee (Genesis 14:14).
Either the armies of the four kings had left only part of their military force with the captives, or the number of their losses in the war was so great, that they were now vulnerable to Abram’s attack. The company that carried the spoils went slowly toward Mesopotamia, due to the fact that women and children were among the captives. Abram’s plan was to gradually slay the number of military men, traveling with the captives, by taking them by surprise in guerilla type warfare. Abram divided his men and attacked during the night. He pursued the company from Dan to Damascus, until his enemies fled their captives. Thus, the booty was left to Abram and his men to take, and Abram returned both the captives and the goods to the five cities of the plain. Moreover, among the people, who returned to the Jordan Valley were Lot, his family, and his goods (Genesis 14:15-16).
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