Overview of Genesis 14

Genesis 14 follows Abram’s settling at Mamre in 13:18 and closes before 15:1; those verses are context only, and Genesis 13 is pointed to, not taken up again. The chapter has three sections: 14:1–12, the war of the kings and Lot’s capture; 14:13–16, Abram the Hebrew rescues Lot; and 14:17–24, Melchizedek, the blessing, and the refusal of Sodom’s goods. Four eastern kings put down a revolt of five kings of the plain; Lot, now living in Sodom, is taken. Abram pursues as far as Dan, routs them by night, and brings Lot back. Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses Abram and receives a tenth. Abram swears by the Lord God Most High and will not take a thread or a sandal strap from the king of Sodom. The persons and the campaign are real; identifications and dates are not settled here. The sources of the chapter, Melchizedek’s identity, the site of Salem, the name Dan, the sense of qoneh, and who gave the tenth remain open and are set out below; no verdict is given. See the language and historical notes of this chapter, and the Genesis 13 notes on Lot’s choice, the separation, and Mamre.