Genesis 14:24

Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

Save {H1107} only that which {H834} the young men {H5288} have eaten {H398}, and the portion {H2506} of the men {H582} which went {H1980} with {H854} me, Aner {H6063}, Eshcol {H812}, and Mamre {H4471}; let them {H1992} take {H3947} their portion {H2506}.

I will take only what my troops have eaten and the share of the spoil belonging to the men who came with me -'Aner, Eshkol and Mamre; let them have their share."

I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share for the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.”

save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men that went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

Commentary

Genesis 14:24 concludes a pivotal moment in the life of Abram (later Abraham), demonstrating his remarkable integrity and leadership following his victory over the confederacy of kings who had captured Lot and the spoils of Sodom. This verse serves as an important clarification to the King of Sodom, Bera, regarding the distribution of the recovered goods.

Context of Genesis 14:24

Following a successful military campaign where Abram, with 318 trained men, rescued his nephew Lot and reclaimed all the goods taken by the invading kings (Kedorlaomer and his allies), he was met by the King of Sodom and Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. After receiving a blessing from Melchizedek and giving him a tithe (Genesis 14:20), Abram was offered all the recovered spoils by the King of Sodom. However, Abram famously refused to take anything for himself, declaring, "I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich" (Genesis 14:23). Verse 24 then clarifies the only exceptions to this principled refusal.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Integrity and Principled Refusal: Abram's primary concern was to ensure that God alone received the glory for his prosperity and victory, not the King of Sodom. This act underscores his deep faith and commitment to ethical conduct, even when faced with significant material temptation. His refusal to be enriched by a wicked king highlights his distinct separation from the pagan world.
  • Fairness and Responsibility to Allies: While Abram personally refused the spoils, he insisted that his allies—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre—and his own "young men" (his trained servants or soldiers) receive their rightful share. This demonstrates his strong sense of justice and responsibility as a leader. He understood that their efforts deserved recompense, and he would not allow his personal vow to deprive them of their portion. This act of generosity and consideration for others is a hallmark of righteous leadership.
  • Distinction from the World: Abram's actions set him apart. He was not motivated by greed or worldly gain, but by a higher purpose and loyalty to God. This contrasts sharply with the potential motives of the King of Sodom and exemplifies a life lived by divine principles.

Linguistic Insights

The term "young men" (Hebrew: נערים, na'arim) here refers to the fighting men or servants who accompanied Abram, not necessarily indicating their age but their status as his retinue and participants in the battle. Their "portion" (Hebrew: חלק, cheleq) signifies their rightful share or allotment of the captured goods, a common practice in ancient warfare.

Practical Application

Genesis 14:24 offers timeless lessons on leadership and integrity. It teaches us the importance of:

  • Maintaining Personal Convictions: Standing firm on our principles, especially when it might mean forgoing personal gain or worldly advantage.
  • Caring for Those Under Our Charge: A true leader ensures the well-being and fair treatment of those who serve with or under them, acknowledging their contributions.
  • Honoring Commitments: Abram's consistency in his refusal for himself while ensuring others received their due speaks to the importance of keeping one's word and acting justly in all dealings. This mirrors the biblical call to act justly and love mercy.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 3:27 (3 votes)

    ¶ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it].

  • Matthew 7:12 (3 votes)

    Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

  • Genesis 14:13 (3 votes)

    ¶ And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these [were] confederate with Abram.

  • 1 Timothy 5:18 (2 votes)

    For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

  • Romans 13:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

  • Romans 13:8 (2 votes)

    Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:14 (2 votes)

    Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.