Genesis 14:22–24

Memory Verse

And Abraham said to the King of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand unto the LORD, God most high, possessor of heavens and earth, that I will take nothing from a thread to a sandal strap, and I will not take from anything that is yours, and you will not say, ‘I have made Abram rich’— except only that which the young men ate, and the portion of the men who went with me Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.” Genesis 14:22–24.

Abram refused to take the spoils of war, for he had lifted his hand to the LORD concerning victory over the kings who sacked Sodom and Gomorrah. Abram would not have the king of Sodom laying claim to the reason for his wealth.

It is interesting to note that Abram is not a saved man at this time. He knows of God and God has spoken to him, but he has yet to take God at His Word. When God told Abram to leave his family and country, although God promised personal protection, he did not fully follow God’s instructions (Genesis 12:1). Abram first went to Haran with his father and nephew (Genesis 11:31). After Terah passed away, Abram left Haran with Lot (Genesis 12:4). At this time, Abram was not walking in faith before God. It is not until Genesis 15:4, after God promises Abram a seed, that he expresses faith in God’s word and is saved (James 2:23; Romans 4:3).

Abram understood the negative ramifications the King of Sodom would have on his reputation if he took the spoils of war. As he went out to war, he swore to God that if he had victory, he would not take any of the spoils for himself. Abram kept his word, giving only to the men of war who came with him and offering a tenth of the spoils to God through Melchizedek.