Genesis 14:22

Melchizedek Blesses Abram · Genesis 14:17–24
Read Genesis 14

Translations

Modern
But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,
Traditional
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,
Literal
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to YHWH El-Elyon, Possessor of the heavens and earth,
Latin
Qui respondit ei: Levo manum meam ad Dominum Deum excelsum possessorem cæli et terræ,

Original

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

Notes

In this oath, Abram may have been making it clear that his God, the LORD (Yahweh), is the same as God Most High, whom Melchizedek spoke about. It is possible that Melchizedek did not know the name Yahweh.

Abram understood that accepting the king of Sodom's offer (see study note on 14:1–2) might make him an ally or subject, as Lot had been. This could put God’s promises at risk. Faith looks beyond the world’s riches to the greater blessings that God will give.

Parallels

Psalm 110:1–7 Hebrews 7:1–10

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Places

Sodom: Wicked city destroyed by God for its sins

Glossary

Alliance Aner (Person) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Chedorlaomer Cities of the Plain Ebla Tablets El Eshcol (Person) Genesis, Book of God, Names of Hand Kedorlaomer King’s Highway Lot Mamre (Place) Melchizedek Palestine Patriarchs, Period of the Travel

Topics

Abraham: Defeats Chedorlaomer God: Sovereign Hand: Right Hand Lifted up in Swearing Oath used in Solemnizing Covenants: Between Abraham and the King of Sodom Oaths: Antiquity of Oaths: Often Accompanied by Raising up the Hand Rulers: Abraham The Hands were Lifted up in Taking an Oath