Genesis 14:13-16 – Magnanimity in display

Lot was in a predicament. He went to live in Sodom by choice and was caught in the mayhem. Worst still he, his family and possessions, were all taken by the coalition force of King Chedorlaomer. One of those who escaped from the skirmish came and reported to Abram concerning Lot’s trouble. It would have been easy for Abram to do nothing and say “serves him right” for his choice. After all it was his decision to go and live there. But no, not Abram. He was loyal to his kin. So he selected 318 men and went to rescue his nephew. Notice these 318 men were trained men from his household, probably his servants. They were born in his household therefore were loyal to him.  

This account tells us how magnanimous Abram was. He did not let the past become an obstacle to what he could do for Lot. He took action right away and didn’t even consider his own security. He didn’t think too much; he just did what he felt was right at that moment. So we see the gentle peaceful Abram became an aggressive fighter. He and his force of 318 went after the coalition of the east as far as Dan.

Here we also see Abram as a strategist. He divided his forces so that they could attack the enemy from different fronts. He even attacked them by night which must have been taken by surprise. They did not expect to be attacked, since as far as the coalition forces of the east knew, everyone was taken. They did not anticipate Abram and his 318 men. Hence they were defeated and everything they took from Lot was reclaimed.  

Abram was successful and therein lies a test. Success can get into one’s head easily. He could be led into becoming self-reliance and be over confident in himself. This success could make him less dependent on God. Isn’t this true of successful people? They suddenly feel that it was their own cleverness or ingenuity that brought them the success. Hence they become more self-centred and less reliance on God. Besides, by this time his name must have spread all over. After all the force he defeated was not a small one. The 318 men was probably much smaller in comparison to the huge coalition of king Chedorlaomer.

What would become of Abram? We shall find out. In this episode, Abram could have refused to do anything, but he didn’t because he was a loyal friend and uncle. In what he did he showed how magnanimous a person he was. So like Abram, let us be magnanimous and forgiving, and dwell on a wrong and become vindictive. Be careful but don’t be vengeful!