Book of Genesis: The Book of Foundations

The Bible Teacher's Commentary

Paul J. Bucknell

Three Steps for a Growing Faith

Genesis 14:1-24

Genesis 13 setting | Step #1 Observe | God's Protection | Application | Step #2 Utilize | Hebrew | Abram's Decison | God's Love | #3 Secure -1 | Secret Prayer 2-3 | King Melchizedek 14:18-20 | Spiritual Picture | Melchizedek in Bible | Closing Application

Step #3 Secure God’s Blessings through Secret Prayer (Genesis 14:17-24)

A few things were hidden in the earlier passage that are significantly revealed here. In this case, in Genesis 14:17-24 we see Abram's secret prayer to God to gain help to win the battle.

(2) A secret prayer

Something else is revealed here in this passage about the battle. Before we were looking at the battle scene with our eyes. But in a conversation with the king of Sodom, Abram politely refuses to take from the goods that he returned with upon rescuing the people of Sodom, Gomorrah, etc.

The King of Sodom, evidently one that had escaped to the hills, told him to take all, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself” (Genesis 14:21).

Abram deferred the opportunity and explained his action, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’” (Genesis 14:22-23).

Abram had evidently made a prayer behind the scenes about this daring expedition. It probably went something like this.

“If you help me safely come back with Lot, I will not take any of the loot.”

It was a deal that God evidently was happy to take up. Abram had nothing to offer from his side of things except his heart. He did know, however, upon whom he was relying, ‘the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth.’

Usually, our bargains, assumed or stated, are fairly equal. If you help me do this, then I will help you do that. This was definitely not the case here. But what was it that God chiefly wanted?

Evidently, God is happy if he can get us to be more committed or devoted to Him. He doesn’t need what we have. Even when Abram gave a tithe, it was not that God could use it. Offerings more deeply represent our devotion, appreciation, etc.

God the Possessor of Heaven and Earth!

Abram was stating by his march that the power to gain victory through God was more significant than anything he had. There is no doubt that we see Abram’s concern for Lot but paralleling this concern was His brave confidence that God could and would help him.

Perhaps, Abram had seen the many ways God had been blessing him in his past years so that his faith steadily grew reaching this point where he began to see that God was really on His side. He could depend on God to not only care for him but to be concerned about what is on his heart.

(3) A powerful trust

Abram got his trust from somewhere. He took his few ‘fish and bread’ into battle and came out victorious. He learned to trust in God’s presence which would enable him to tap into the Lord’s powerful help. Psalm 46 celebrates this idea of God’s presence.

“The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold” (Psalm 46:7). “The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold” (Psalm 46:11).

The believer has this same confidence. Jesus, after His resurrection, significantly told His disciples, “I am with you to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Are you getting a picture of Abram’s faith?

Abram had enough favor with God to gain God’s help in defeating professional armies distant from his home. This is the way to unlock a chest of God’s blessings.

When we take the blessings that He has already extended to us and reach out distributing that essence of God’s goodness elsewhere where there is need.

There remains one more item that we must consider.