Genesis 14:15

KJV

And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which [is] on the left hand of Damascus.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he divided {H2505} himself against them, he and his servants {H5650}, by night {H3915}, and smote {H5221} them, and pursued {H7291} them unto Hobah {H2327}, which is on the left hand {H8040} of Damascus {H1834}.

Complete Jewish Bible

During the night he and his servants divided his forces against them, then attacked and pursued them all the way to Hovah, north of Dammesek.

Berean Standard Bible

During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer’s army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.

American Standard Version

And he divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 14:15 vividly recounts Abram's audacious and strategically brilliant night assault against the coalition of eastern kings who had abducted his nephew Lot. By dividing his forces and striking under the cover of darkness, Abram and his trained household servants achieved a decisive victory, routing the enemy and pursuing them relentlessly northward to Hobah, near Damascus. This pivotal event underscores Abram's military prowess, his unwavering loyalty, and the providential success that attended his mission to rescue Lot and recover the plundered goods.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 14 stands as a unique narrative within the patriarchal history, detailing Abram's singular involvement in military conflict. The preceding verses establish the backdrop: a major regional war between the Mesopotamian kings (led by Chedorlaomer) and the rebellious city-states of the Jordan Valley, including Sodom and Gomorrah. Following the defeat of the Jordan Valley kings, Lot, Abram's nephew, who had settled in Sodom, was captured along with his possessions ([Genesis 14:11-12](/genesis/14-11-12 "Lot's Capture and the Plunder of Sodom")). Upon learning of Lot's plight from an escapee ([Genesis 14:13](/genesis/14-13 "The Escapee Informs Abram")), Abram immediately mobilized his 318 trained servants, born in his household, to pursue the victorious kings. Verse 15 describes the climax of this pursuit, showcasing Abram's tactical genius and the swift, overwhelming defeat of a seemingly superior enemy, setting the stage for his encounter with Melchizedek in the subsequent verses ([Genesis 14:18-20](/genesis/14-18-20 "Melchizedek Blesses Abram")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, tribal leaders like Abram often maintained a retinue of armed servants capable of defending their households and interests. While Abram is primarily depicted as a nomadic shepherd, this passage reveals a lesser-known aspect of his leadership: his capacity as a military commander. The "kings" mentioned were likely rulers of city-states or tribal confederations, and their conflicts were common for control over trade routes, resources, and tribute. Night attacks, though risky, were a recognized military tactic, often employed to achieve surprise against a complacent or weary foe. The pursuit "unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus" highlights the vast distances covered in such campaigns and the thoroughness required to recover captives and spoils. Damascus itself was an ancient and significant city, serving as a major hub in the Levant, indicating the far northern reach of this engagement.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Abram's character** as a man of courageous action and unwavering loyalty to his family, even when it means personal risk. It subtly introduces the theme of **divine enablement and blessing**, as Abram's victory against a formidable force hints at God's protective hand, even before explicit divine intervention is mentioned in this specific verse. The rescue of Lot also foreshadows God's broader work of **redemption and liberation** for His people. Furthermore, Abram's refusal of the spoils from the King of Sodom later in the chapter ([Genesis 14:22-23](/genesis/14-22-23 "Abram Refuses the Spoils of Sodom")) underscores the theme of **trust in God's provision** over worldly gain, reinforcing his unique faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **divided (Hebrew, _châlaq'_):** From H2505, a primitive root meaning "to be smooth," but by implication "to apportion or separate." In this military context, it signifies a strategic splitting of forces, likely into multiple companies or attack groups, to launch a multi-pronged or surprise assault. This tactical maneuver was crucial for Abram's success against a presumably larger and victorious enemy.
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." Here, it conveys a decisive and powerful blow, indicating a thorough defeat and rout of the enemy rather than a mere skirmish. The completeness of the victory is emphasized by this strong verb.
* **left hand (Hebrew, _sᵉmôʼwl'_):** From H8040, a primitive word referring to the "left hand" or "left side." In ancient Near Eastern geographical orientation, one typically faced east (towards the rising sun). Therefore, "on the left hand of Damascus" indicates a location to the north or northwest of the city of Damascus, emphasizing the extensive distance Abram pursued the fleeing kings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night":** This phrase reveals Abram's brilliant military strategy. Instead of a frontal assault, he split his forces, likely surrounding the enemy camp under the cover of darkness. This unexpected night attack, executed by Abram himself alongside his trained household servants, would have created confusion and panic among the complacent, victorious kings, who were likely resting after their earlier conquests. The element of surprise was paramount to his success.
* **"and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah":** The immediate result of the night assault was a decisive defeat. "Smote them" indicates a complete rout, not just a minor skirmish. Abram and his men then engaged in a relentless pursuit, driving the fleeing kings far from the battleground. Hobah, a place in Syria, signifies the great distance and thoroughness of Abram's victory, ensuring the enemy was completely dispersed and no counter-attack was possible.
* **"which [is] on the left hand of Damascus":** This geographical marker provides a clear indication of Hobah's location relative to the prominent city of Damascus. From an observer facing east, "on the left hand" points northward. This detail underscores the extraordinary reach of Abram's pursuit, extending deep into what is now modern Syria, confirming the absolute nature of his triumph and the recovery of all that was taken.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 14:15 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. The use of **Conciseness** allows the verse to convey a complex military operation with remarkable brevity, focusing on the decisive actions and their outcome. **Action Verbs** like "divided," "smote," and "pursued" create a sense of rapid, relentless movement and highlight Abram's proactive and effective leadership. The phrase "by night" functions as a crucial element of **Setting** and **Tactical Detail**, emphasizing the element of surprise and the strategic acumen of Abram. Finally, the precise **Geographical Detail** "unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus" grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, attesting to the historical veracity of the account and the extraordinary extent of Abram's pursuit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abram's decisive victory in Genesis 14:15, while seemingly a purely military achievement, carries profound theological implications. It serves as an early demonstration of God's implicit favor and protective hand upon Abram, even before an explicit divine command or intervention is recorded in this specific battle. Abram, a man of faith, acts with courage and strategic wisdom, and his success against a formidable coalition strongly implies divine enablement. This episode reinforces the theme that God often works through His faithful servants, empowering them to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, not through passive waiting, but through courageous, Spirit-led action. It also highlights Abram's role as a rescuer, foreshadowing a greater rescue to come.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's Covenant Promise to Abram") - God's promise to bless Abram and make his name great, and to bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him, finds an early fulfillment in this victory.
* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "God Fights for Israel") - This verse, from later in Israel's history, states, "For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Abram's victory prefigures this principle of divine assistance in battle for His people.
* [Psalm 18:32-34](/psalm/18-32-34 "God Equips for Battle") - David's psalm acknowledges God as the one who "girds me with strength, and makes my way perfect... He teaches my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms." This reflects the divine equipping that can be seen at work in Abram's military success.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 14:15 offers powerful lessons for believers navigating the challenges of life. Abram's swift and decisive action, driven by loyalty to his family, reminds us that faith is not passive but often calls for courageous engagement with the difficulties we face. His strategic use of the night and division of forces illustrate the importance of combining spiritual reliance with practical wisdom and intelligent planning. We are called to be proactive in addressing injustice and protecting the vulnerable, rather than succumbing to despair or inaction. Furthermore, the extraordinary outcome of Abram's mission, against seemingly overwhelming odds, serves as a powerful reminder that when we act in faith and obedience, God can empower us to achieve victories that far surpass our natural abilities. This account encourages us to trust in God's enabling power, even when the "enemy" seems stronger, and to act with both spiritual conviction and practical discernment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "captivities" or injustices in your life or community might God be calling you to address with courageous, strategic action, rather than passive acceptance?**
* **How can you integrate both spiritual reliance and practical wisdom (like Abram's strategic planning) in facing your current challenges?**
* **In what ways does Abram's loyalty to Lot, despite their previous separation, challenge you to extend grace and act on behalf of family or community members, even amidst past disagreements?**

### FAQ
**What does "on the left hand of Damascus" mean geographically?**

Answer: From an ancient Near Eastern perspective, geographical orientation typically involved facing east, towards the rising sun. In this orientation, one's left hand would point northward. Therefore, "Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus" precisely indicates a location to the north or northwest of the prominent city of Damascus. This detail emphasizes the great distance Abram pursued the kings, demonstrating the thoroughness and completeness of his victory and the extent of the enemy's rout.

**Does Abram's military action contradict his identity as a man of peace and faith?**

Answer: No, Abram's military action in [Genesis 14](/genesis/14 "Genesis 14 - Abram Rescues Lot") does not contradict his identity as a man of peace and faith; rather, it reveals another dimension of his character and calling. His action was not a conquest for personal gain, territory, or expansion of power, but a righteous rescue mission driven by loyalty to his family (his nephew Lot) and a response to an act of aggression and injustice. Abram's subsequent refusal of the spoils from the King of Sodom ([Genesis 14:22-23](/genesis/14-22-23 "Abram Refuses the King of Sodom's Offer")) further underscores that his motivation was not greed but the liberation of the captives and the vindication of the innocent. This aligns perfectly with his character as a man who trusts God for his provision and acts with integrity, even when engaging in necessary conflict.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abram's courageous and strategic rescue of Lot in [Genesis 14:15](/genesis/14-15 "Abram's Night Attack and Pursuit") serves as a profound type, or foreshadowing, of Christ's ultimate redemptive work. Just as Abram, leading his trained household, pursued and decisively defeated a powerful enemy to liberate his captive nephew, so too does Christ, the greater Son of Abraham, enter the domain of sin and death to decisively defeat the spiritual enemies that hold humanity captive. His victory on the cross and resurrection is the ultimate "night attack" against the forces of darkness, securing the liberation of all who are His. Abram's act of rescue, driven by loyalty and love, prefigures Christ's perfect love and self-sacrifice ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "Greater Love Has No One Than This")) that redeems us from the dominion of sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")), bringing us into the freedom and light of God's kingdom ([Ephesians 2:4-6](/ephesians/2-4-6 "Made Alive in Christ")). Like Abram's pursuit to Hobah, Christ's victory is complete and far-reaching, ensuring the total defeat of our spiritual adversaries and the full recovery of those held captive by sin.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 9:2

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

1 Kings 15:18

Then Asa took all the silver and the gold [that were] left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,

Psalms 112:5

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

Deuteronomy 15:2

And this [is] the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth [ought] unto his neighbour shall release [it]; he shall not exact [it] of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD'S release.

Isaiah 41:2

Who raised up the righteous [man] from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made [him] rule over kings? he gave [them] as the dust to his sword, [and] as driven stubble to his bow.

Isaiah 41:3

He pursued them, [and] passed safely; [even] by the way [that] he had not gone with his feet.