Genesis chapter 14-

Abram Comes to Lot's Rescue!

Lot had separated from Abram and began pitching his tents among the cities of the District of the Jordan. He finally pitched tent near Sodom. Soon, Lot was caught up in a war between the distant king of Elam, Chedorlaomer and his allies, king of Goiim, king of Shinar and king of Ellasar these foreign kings fought against the kings of the five local cities: king of Sodom, king of Gomorrah, king of Admah, king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (Zoar). The foreign kings vanquished the local kings and took much spoil, including Lot and his goods. When Abram heard what happened he fearlessly pursued the foreign kings and was able to recover Lot and his household, as well as the goods of the local kings. -Genesis 14:1-16

After Abram defeated Chedorlaomer and his confederate kings, the patriarch came to the Low Plain of Shaveh or "the Kings Low Plain," There Melchizedek "brought out bread and wine," and blessed Abraham, saying: "Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, Producer of heaven and earth; and blessed be the Most High God, who has delivered your oppressors into your hand!" At that Abram gave the King-priest " a tenth of everything," of the "chief spoils" he had acquired in his successful warfare against the foreign kings. -Genesis 14:17-20; Heb 7:4.

Who though is Melchizedek?
We know that he was a worshiper of the true God, Jehovah, because Abram recognized his position as King Priest. This authority was granted to him by the Most High God. How do we know? Because of the Bible record.

He Is King of ancient Salem and "priest of the Most High God," Jehovah. -Genesis 14:18, 22. The first priest mentioned in the scriptures. Being king of Salem, which means "Peace," Melchizedek is identified by the apostle Paul as "King of Peace" and, on the basis of his name, as "king of Righteousness," -Hebrews 7:1, 2. It is interesting to note, ancient Salem is understood to have been the nucleus of the later city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is referred to as "Salem" -Ps 76:2.

The names of his father and mother are not furnished, his ancestry and posterity are not disclosed, and the scriptures contain no information about the beginning of his days or the end of his life. Thus Melchizedek could fittingly foreshadow Jesus Christ who has an unending priesthood, proceeded by no high priest similar to himself, and the Bible shows that none will ever succeed him. -Hebrews 7:3.

In a Messianic prophecy the sworn oath of Jehovah to David's "Lord" is: "You are a priest to time indefinite according to the manner of Melchizedek."-Ps 110:1,4. This inspired psalm gave the Hebrews reason to regard the promised Messiah as the one in whom the office of priest and king would be combined. The apostle Paul, identified this one as "Jesus", who has become High Priest according to the manner of Melchizedek forever." -Hebrews 6:20; 5:10. Therefore, we can see that Melchizedek typified Christ's priesthood.

I also found it interesting that after Abram gave the tenth of all the spoils to Melchizedek, he refused any for himself stating: " ...I do lift up my hand in an oath to Jehovah the Most High God, Producer of heaven and earth, that, I shall take nothing from anything that is yours, in order that you may not say, 'It was I who made Abram rich.' Nothing for me!..." -Genesis 14:22,23.

Yes, Abram truly leaned on Jehovah to give him all his provisions from day to day. What a fine example of faith for us to imitate! Still Abram remained childless at this point. Would Abram's patience run out or will he continue to put faith in God's promise?