Chapter 4: Abram Goes to War and Rescues Lot

Q1 - What do you envision when you read about Abram going to battle? Did his men ride horses and have shields and spears? How do you think Chedorlaomer and his forces were equipped for battle?

A1 - Although the Egyptian army had horses when they pursued Moses and the Israelites to the Red Sea (see Exodus 14:9), there is no mention of Abram owning horses. Donkeys and camels were listed among the gifts that Pharaoh gave Abram in Genesis 12:16, and these were likely what Abram and his men rode as they pursued Chedorlaomer. They may also have traveled on foot or led animals which packed their weapons and supplies. It’s unlikely Abram’s men were as well equipped for battle as were Chedorlaomer’s forces.

Q2 - What kind of food might Chedorlaomer have taken from Sodom and Gomorrah? How might the food supply from the well-watered valley area described in Genesis 13:10 be different from the foods that nomads regularly ate? Why might the food from Sodom be especially appealing to marauders who had been out raiding for quite awhile?

These sites provide helpful information:

“Foods and their Preparation for Eating,” https://tinyurl.com/5n7cyyaz

“Food in the Time of Abram,” https://tinyurl.com/bdfx5e66

“The Hebrews’ Nomadic Lifestyle,” https://tinyurl.com/ywyuxrt5

A2 - A well-watered valley would yield cultivated foods and grains as well as provide ample food for animals. People from such a verdant area would enjoy a much greater variety of foods than those who lived the life of a nomad. They would likely have fruits, vegetables, and wine, in addition to wheat, barley, and the dairy and meat products from their animals. Chedorlaomer’s forces had likely not enjoyed such a variety and abundance of foods during their time on the road.

Those who lived as nomads depended more on dairy products from their animals. They would have grains, fruits and vegetables less frequently, depending on availability. Nomads would butcher an animal for special events, such as when they had guests, but most of them did not eat meat on a regular basis.

Q3 - How did the account of this war of the kings given in Genesis 14:1–16 influence your view of Abram? Did it seem out of character for him to enter into battle?

A3 - Answers will vary. Most of us probably do not think of Abram as a battle leader, but that’s exactly what he became when his family members were seized. Without hesitation he arose to the occasion and proved himself to be a shrewd strategist on the battlefield. In the aftermath, he did not gloat over his victory, but returned the people and goods that were taken and gave a tithe to Melchizedek. He seemed to be someone who sought to live in peace with others when possible, but without hesitation did what needed to be done when he deemed it necessary.