GENESIS 14
17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessorof heaven and earth; 20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand! ”And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.” – Genesis 14:17-24
GENESIS 14 ABRAM MEETS MELCHIZEDEK
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
After Abram won the battle in Chedorlaomer and he met the kings at Shaveh
It was in the Valley of Shaveh wherehe met the king of Salem, Melchizedek
This King, who was also a priest, welcomed and blessed Abram
He declared the hand of God in Abram’s triumph in the battle.
As a priest of God, he blessed Abram by honoring him and sharing his resources
Abram was blessed and so he blessed back Melchizedek in return
Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all his wealth and possessions
He also declined the plunder that the king of Sodom offered him.
Once again, Abram continues to manifest his righteousness in this incident. When he won the battle against those kings and regained back his nephew Lot. There was a meeting of those who were allies to him. There he met Melchizedek, king of Salem. In some commentaries, Salem was the old name of Jerusalem. Very little is known about this king but he seemed to be a significant priest as Hebrews 7:13-17 refers to Jesus as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron. Abram also didn’t accept the plunder from the king of Sodom, which shows his integrity.
REFLECTION
- What was most interesting in this meeting between Abram and Melchizedek?
