Genesis 14:22

KJV

And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abram {H87} said {H559} to the king {H4428} of Sodom {H5467}, I have lift up {H7311} mine hand {H3027} unto the LORD {H3068}, the most high {H5945} God {H410}, the possessor {H7069} of heaven {H8064} and earth {H776},

Complete Jewish Bible

But Avram answered the king of S'dom, "I have raised my hand in an oath to ADONAI, El 'Elyon, maker of heaven and earth,

Berean Standard Bible

But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,

American Standard Version

And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand unto Jehovah, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 14:22 marks a pivotal declaration by Abram to the king of Sodom, revealing his unwavering faith and profound integrity. Following his decisive military victory and the rescue of Lot, Abram is offered the spoils of war by the king of Sodom. Abram's response is a powerful, oath-bound statement of allegiance to God alone, whom he identifies as "the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth." This declaration underscores Abram's absolute trust in divine provision and ensures that God, not any human ruler, receives the sole glory for his future prosperity and blessings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of a significant narrative arc in [Genesis 14](/genesis/14 "Genesis 14 - Abram Rescues Lot and Meets Melchizedek"). Abram has just returned from a successful military campaign, having pursued and defeated the coalition of eastern kings who had plundered Sodom and captured his nephew Lot. Immediately prior to this encounter with the king of Sodom, Abram received a blessing from [Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High](/genesis/14-18-20 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Melchizedek Blesses Abram"), to whom Abram gave a tenth of everything. This divine blessing sets the stage for Abram's subsequent interaction with the king of Sodom, highlighting the contrast between divine provision and worldly offers. Abram's refusal of the spoils from Sodom in [Genesis 14:23-24](/genesis/14-23-24 "Genesis 14:23-24 - Abram's Refusal of Sodom's Goods") directly follows this verse, reinforcing his commitment to God's exclusive provision.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Oath-taking was a solemn and binding practice in the ancient Near East, often involving a physical gesture like lifting the hand to heaven, invoking a deity as witness and guarantor. The king of Sodom, Bera, represents a corrupt and morally depraved city, as later evidenced by its destruction in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). Abram's refusal to accept anything from such a source, even a "thread or a shoelatchet," was a powerful cultural statement. It prevented the king of Sodom from claiming any credit for Abram's wealth or success, thereby preserving Abram's purity and ensuring that his prosperity would be unequivocally attributed to his God. The title "Most High God" (_El Elyon_) was known in the wider Canaanite pantheon, but Abram's explicit linkage of this title to "the LORD" (YHWH) asserts the supremacy and uniqueness of the God of Israel above all other deities.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 14:22](/genesis/14-22 "Genesis 14:22 - Abram's Oath") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, emphasizing that God alone is the source of true blessing and wealth, a truth foundational to the covenant promises made to Abram in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - God's Call to Abram"). The verse also highlights the theme of **Integrity and Separation**, as Abram models a life set apart from worldly corruption, refusing to compromise his allegiance to God for material gain. Furthermore, it underscores the principle of **Glory to God Alone**, ensuring that human boasting is precluded and all honor is directed to the divine provider. This act of faith anticipates God's promise to be Abram's "exceeding great reward" in [Genesis 15:1](/genesis/15-1 "Genesis 15:1 - God's Promise to Abram").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
In [Genesis 14:22](/genesis/14-22 "Abram's Oath to the LORD"), Abram's concise declaration to the king of Sodom is packed with theological significance, revealing the depth of his faith and his understanding of God's character.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (H3068), often transliterated as Yahweh or Jehovah. It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and personal relationship with His people. By invoking YHWH, Abram affirms his intimate, covenantal bond with the God who called him out of Ur and promised him a great future. This name emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises.
* **Most High (Hebrew, _ʻelyôwn'_):** This adjective (H5945) means "lofty" or "supreme." When combined with God (El), _El Elyon_ (H410 + H5945) signifies God's transcendence, His supreme authority, and His position above all other gods, powers, or earthly rulers. Abram's use of this title, particularly in conjunction with YHWH, asserts the unique and unparalleled sovereignty of the God of Israel over all creation.
* **Possessor (Hebrew, _qânâh'_):** This primitive root (H7069) means "to erect, create," and by extension, "to procure, purchase, or own." When applied to God as the "possessor of heaven and earth," it powerfully declares His absolute ownership, creative power, and sovereign control over all things. This implies that all true blessings, wealth, and possessions originate solely from Him, making reliance on human sources for prosperity unnecessary and even inappropriate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abram said to the king of Sodom,"**: This opening clause sets the scene for a direct confrontation of values. Abram, having just demonstrated military prowess and righteous leadership, now faces a moral test from a representative of a corrupt kingdom. His words are not merely a polite refusal but a profound theological statement.
* **"I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD,"**: This phrase describes an ancient, solemn gesture of oath-taking, signifying an unbreakable vow made before God. By lifting his hand (H3027, _yâd_, indicating power and direction) to the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), Abram publicly declares his allegiance and commits himself to a course of action that places God's honor above personal gain. It's a formal invocation of God as witness and guarantor of his vow.
* **"the most high God,"**: This identifies the God to whom Abram is swearing the oath as _El Elyon_ (H410 + H5945). This title emphasizes God's supreme authority and transcendence, indicating that He is the ultimate sovereign, superior to all earthly kings and powers, including the king of Sodom. Abram's God is not merely one deity among many, but the preeminent and supreme ruler of the cosmos.
* **"the possessor of heaven and earth,"**: This climactic phrase (H7069, _qânâh_, H8064, _shâmayim_, H776, _ʼerets_) asserts God's absolute ownership and creative dominion over all creation. It reinforces the theological truth that all wealth, resources, and blessings ultimately belong to God. Therefore, Abram does not need to accept anything from the king of Sodom, as his true provision comes from the rightful owner of everything. This statement serves as the theological basis for his refusal in the subsequent verse.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Assertion** is central, as Abram makes a direct and unequivocal declaration of his allegiance and God's supreme authority. The use of **Titles** for God ("the LORD," "the most high God," "the possessor of heaven and earth") is a form of **Appellation**, each title adding a layer of theological depth and emphasizing different aspects of God's character and dominion. The phrase "possessor of heaven and earth" functions as a form of **Merism**, encompassing the totality of creation by naming its two extreme parts (heaven and earth), thereby signifying God's universal sovereignty. The entire statement acts as a **Vow** or **Oath**, a performative utterance that binds Abram to his stated intention, leveraging the solemnity of an ancient ritual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abram's declaration in Genesis 14:22 is a profound theological statement that resonates throughout biblical theology. It establishes God's absolute sovereignty and ownership over all creation, affirming that true wealth and blessing flow exclusively from Him. Abram's refusal to be enriched by the king of Sodom exemplifies a commitment to integrity and a clear separation from worldly corruption, demonstrating that God's people are called to live distinctly, untainted by unholy associations or ill-gotten gains. This passage highlights the critical importance of trusting God as the ultimate provider and rewarder, rather than seeking gain through compromising means or relying on human sources. Ultimately, Abram's actions ensure that God receives all glory for his prosperity, preventing any human entity from claiming credit for what is truly a divine blessing, thus setting a precedent for the principle that all praise and honor belong to God alone.

* [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the LORD's")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abram's resolute stand in [Genesis 14:22](/genesis/14-22 "Abram's Oath to the LORD") offers profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to live with similar faith and integrity. In a world often driven by material gain, human acclaim, and the temptation to compromise for perceived advantage, Abram's example calls us to a radical trust in God as our ultimate provider and rewarder. We are to resist the allure of quick riches or worldly recognition that might diminish God's glory, knowing that He is the "possessor of heaven and earth" and fully capable of supplying all our needs according to His riches in glory. Our actions should consistently reflect our allegiance to God alone, ensuring that all praise and glory for our blessings and achievements are directed back to Him, the true source of all good things. This commitment to distinct living, untainted by worldly corruption, strengthens our witness, preserves our integrity, and glorifies God in a world that desperately needs to see His supremacy demonstrated through His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to compromise your values for worldly gain or recognition?**
* **How does understanding God as the "possessor of heaven and earth" impact your perspective on personal finances and material possessions?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that God, not yourself or others, receives the glory for your successes and blessings?**
* **How can Abram's example of integrity strengthen your resolve to live a life distinctly set apart for God?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abram refuse the king of Sodom's offer of riches?**

Answer: Abram refused the king of Sodom's offer to ensure that God alone would receive the glory for his prosperity. By swearing an oath to "the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth," Abram affirmed his absolute trust in God as his sole provider and protector. He wanted to prevent any human, especially a corrupt king like the one from Sodom, from ever claiming credit for making him wealthy, thus preserving the purity of his walk with God and attributing all blessing to divine provision (as further detailed in [Genesis 14:23](/genesis/14-23 "Genesis 14:23 - Abram's Refusal")).

**What is the significance of Abram calling God "the most high God" (El Elyon)?**

Answer: By calling God *El Elyon*, "the Most High God," Abram emphasizes God's supreme authority, transcendence, and position above all other gods or powers. This title, while known in the ancient Near East, is here explicitly linked to YHWH (the LORD), highlighting that the God of Israel is the ultimate sovereign ruler and owner of all creation. It reinforces His unique and unparalleled status as the one true God, distinct from any pagan deities and superior to all earthly kings and their domains.

**How does Abram's action relate to trusting God for provision?**

Answer: Abram's refusal of the king of Sodom's wealth is a powerful demonstration of his profound trust in God's provision. He believed that God, who is the "possessor of heaven and earth," would provide for him abundantly and legitimately, without the need for compromise or reliance on worldly, potentially corrupt sources. This act underscores the biblical principle of seeking God's kingdom first and trusting Him for all needs, knowing that His provision is pure and sufficient, as promised to Abram in [Genesis 15:1](/genesis/15-1 "Genesis 15:1 - God's Promise of Reward").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abram's declaration of God as the "possessor of heaven and earth" and his resolute refusal of worldly gain finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As the Son of God, Christ is the rightful heir and ultimate "possessor of all things," through whom God "made the universe" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ as Heir of All Things")). Jesus perfectly embodied integrity and absolute reliance on the Father, famously refusing the temptations of worldly power and glory offered by Satan in the wilderness, choosing instead to rely solely on His Father's will and provision, declaring, "You shall worship the Lord your God and serve him only" ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8-10 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ secured for all believers an eternal inheritance, a "treasure in heaven" that far surpasses any earthly wealth or fleeting glory ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). He is the ultimate "Most High God" made manifest, the one through whom all things were created and by whom they are sustained, the true and only source of all blessings and ultimate reward ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). Abram's act of faith foreshadows the perfect faithfulness of Christ, who always glorified His Father and demonstrated that true riches are found in God alone.

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

Daniel 12:7

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

Exodus 6:8

And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I [am] the LORD.

Daniel 4:34

¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation:

Judges 11:35

And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.

Psalms 24:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Deuteronomy 32:40

For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.

Psalms 83:18

That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.