Genesis 14:16

And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

And he brought back {H7725} all the goods {H7399}, and also brought again {H7725} his brother {H251} Lot {H3876}, and his goods {H7399}, and the women {H802} also, and the people {H5971}.

He recovered all the goods and brought back his nephew Lot with his goods, together with the women and the other people.

He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people.

And he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

Commentary

Genesis 14:16 marks the triumphant conclusion of Abram's decisive military campaign, where he successfully recovers all that was lost during the battle of the kings. This verse highlights Abram's effectiveness in restoring his captured nephew, Lot, and all the possessions and people taken from Sodom and Gomorrah.

Context

This verse follows the dramatic events of the "War of the Kings", where four Eastern kings, led by Chedorlaomer, defeated five local kings in the Valley of Siddim. During this conflict, Abram's nephew, Lot, who had settled near Sodom, was captured along with his household, goods, and the inhabitants of Sodom. Upon receiving news of Lot's capture, Abram, demonstrating remarkable courage and leadership, immediately mobilized his 318 trained servants. He pursued the kings all the way to Dan, launching a surprise night attack that routed them. Genesis 14:16 then details the complete and successful recovery operation, leaving nothing behind.

Key Themes

  • Abram's Courage and Leadership: Beyond his spiritual stature, Abram proved to be a formidable military leader. His swift and strategic response to the crisis, risking his own safety and resources, showcases his proactive nature and commitment to justice.
  • Loyalty and Family Redemption: Despite their previous separation due to strife between their herdsmen (Genesis 13:7-11), Abram's unwavering loyalty to his kinsman Lot is profoundly evident. He acted as a true rescuer, exemplifying the importance of family bonds.
  • Divine Enablement and Protection: While the verse focuses on Abram's actions, his victory against a seemingly superior force implies divine assistance. This success underscores God's continued watch over Abram and the unfolding of the Abrahamic covenant, ensuring the protection of the lineage through whom His promises would be fulfilled.
  • Total Restoration: The repeated emphasis on "all the goods," "his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people" highlights the comprehensive nature of Abram's recovery. This was not a partial victory but a complete restoration of everything that had been plundered.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "brought back" (וַיָּשֶׁב, vayyashēv) signifies a complete return or restoration. It emphasizes that Abram not only defeated the enemy but also ensured that all the spoils and captives were returned to their rightful place. The detailed listing of what was recovered—Lot, his goods, the women, and the people—reinforces the thoroughness and success of Abram's mission.

Practical Application

Genesis 14:16 offers valuable lessons for contemporary life:

  • Act Decisively for Righteousness: Abram's immediate and courageous response to injustice and the suffering of his family teaches us to be proactive in defending the innocent and standing for what is right, even when it requires personal risk.
  • Value and Support Family: Abram's loyalty to Lot, despite Lot's prior questionable choices, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of family relationships and our responsibility to support loved ones in times of need.
  • Trust in God's Empowerment: Abram's improbable victory against a coalition of powerful kings suggests that when we step out in faith and obedience, God can empower us to accomplish what seems impossible. His subsequent encounter with Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20) further solidifies the divine blessing on his actions.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 30:8 (4 votes)

    And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake [them], and without fail recover [all].

  • 1 Samuel 30:18 (4 votes)

    And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives.

  • 1 Samuel 30:19 (4 votes)

    And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any [thing] that they had taken to them: David recovered all.

  • Genesis 14:11 (2 votes)

    And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.

  • Genesis 14:12 (2 votes)

    And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

  • Genesis 12:2 (2 votes)

    And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

  • Isaiah 41:2 (2 votes)

    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.