01-48 Sodom Or Salem?
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Genesis 14:17-24
Genesis 14:17-24
Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations (Choice—affects destiny)
On Christmas Day, 1849, a party of twenty-seven wagons (AKA the Lost 49ers) broke over a barren ridge and skidded downhill into the desolation southeast of Mt. Whitney. They were looking for a shortcut to the newly discovered gold of CA. They were promised a shorter trip by some 500 miles. As they set out on this short cut they encountered a scorched, tormented land which burned before the pioneers. Their caravan decided to split up. One group of bachelors called Jayhawkers went north, and two families and a few single men moved south. In two or three days the Jayhawkers found their way out of the desolate valley. The other group found themselves trapped, trudging through misery day after day only to reach impassable mountains. Two of the men went for help in California. Three hundred miles later, at the nearest store, they acquired supplies and returned for the families. When the survivors finally left the valley, they looked back and muttered, “Good-bye, Death Valley”—an appropriate and lasting name.
Choices have consequences. Those consequences remind us that we are accountable for the choices that we make. Many choices we make do not have life or death consequences (some do). Our choices impact our relationships, health, productivity, permanent record (legal status), community—esp your church family. Most significantly, your choices can determine your eternal destiny (what you do with LJC).
In our vv today, Abram is faced with choices following his victorious rescue of his nephew, Lot. That’s the background from last time that moves us into vs 17.
You’ll remember the cause of that rescue mission…a 9 nation alliance had been formed around the principle king of Elam—Chedorlaomer. Other nations would serve him (pay tribute in order to be allied with him—there would be a benefit to this in security and assistance). After 12 years, 5 of those nations (along the southern edge of the Dead Sea) rebelled and refused to keep paying that tribute. The 4 kings of the eastern alliance embarked on a campaign to subdue cities along the Jordan River and eventually subdue the 5 kings that had rebelled. This is the first biblical record of a war in the Middle East (but certainly not the last). They drove the people away from their cities into the hill country and plundered their goods—taking everything including captives. Lot was one of those taken captive.
When news of this invasion came to Abram he set out to rescue Lot by using a security force that he himself trained—318 men from his own household. They pursued the invading kings and eventually overcame them, retrieving the goods (spoils) and rescuing all those taken as captives.
16 He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people.
Clearly, God was with Abram in what was a major victory and defeat of those kings (he struck every one of them dead). We understand from Scripture that victory always belongs to the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord.
Abram is heading back to the south and he passes thru Jerusalem and comes to Valley of Shaveh (King’s Valley just about 1/4 mile east of Jerusalem). We pick up the narrative here where we see 3 sets of contrasts.
1) A Contrast of Cities
1) A Contrast of Cities
2 cities are represented in this valley upon Abram’s return—Sodom & Salem. The differences b/t them and what each one stands for is as striking as the difference b/t cold and heat or light and darkness. They are truly polar opposites.
Salem is the Heb “shalom” which of course means peace. It is believed that Salem is the ancient name for the city Jerusalem. Jeru (to construct, build—foundation of peace, city of peace). This is the connection made in Ps.
1 God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel. 2 His tabernacle is in Salem; His dwelling place also is in Zion.
So this is reference to Jerusalem. The gathering that takes place is just outside of Jerusalem in the King’s Valley (this is where Absalom would erect a pillar in honor of himself:
18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself a pillar which is in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to preserve my name.” So he named the pillar after his own name, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day.
Now, contrasted with Salem—the city of God’s dwelling, is Sodom. Moses has already previewed the destiny of Sodom in Gen 13:10. He also assessed the climate of Sodom:
13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the Lord.
The name “Sodom” has no explicit meaning but thruout Scripture it stands for depravity of deepest kinds as was the practice of that ancient city. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sodom as “a place notorious for vice or corruption.” Sodom would serve as an example of God’s judgment against unbridled sin. Moses would warn Israel that apostasy would bring destruction similar to that of Sodom. The prophets repeatedly compared the sin of Israel to the sin of Sodom.
9 The expression of their faces bears witness against them, And they display their sin like Sodom; They do not even conceal it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves.
14 “Also among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: The committing of adultery and walking in falsehood; And they strengthen the hands of evildoers, So that no one has turned back from his wickedness. All of them have become to Me like Sodom, And her inhabitants like Gomorrah.
6 For the iniquity of the daughter of my people Is greater than the sin of Sodom, Which was overthrown as in a moment, And no hands were turned toward her.
The contrast b/t these 2 cities could not be more clear. One city represents peace and righteousness while the other depravity, immorality, wickedness, perversion and corruption of the vilest sort. There’s a powerful temptation that meets Abram—in his moment of victory (often when temptation is strongest—spiritual victories). What choice would he make?
2. A Contrast of Kings
2. A Contrast of Kings
As Abram comes to the King’s Valley he is met by 2 kings. The first is Bera—king of Sodom. His name is nearly impossible to decipher (ranges of meaning: evil, victory, a well, a gift or to declare)—no one really knows. But since he is the king of Sodom, and we understand the problem of evil that is so prevalent in that city—it is true that the city (the people of the Sodom) take on the character of their leader. There is nothing positive to say about Bera. Notice his offer to Abram after Abram’s victory and defeat of the eastern kings:
21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.”
Bera knew that people are more valuable than goods. He knew that if he didn’t have subjects to rule over, he didn’t have a kingdom (this is 1 thing every kingdom needs). So he offers Abram the goods but wanted the people for himself. Now, he had no right to ask for anything. Abram is the victor. Bera was soundly defeated by Chedorlaomer. The spoils belonged to Abram—just as a matter of practice. But Abram didn’t claim this for himself. He wants to return all that was taken from Bera and Sodom. Bera’s offer is very tempting—but it comes from the world.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
Now, the contrast to Bera is one of the most mysterious, strange, and important figures in the Bible. His name is Melchizedek. Notice how Moses describes him (we’re going to dig much deeper into Melchizedek and his importance as it relates to the coming of LJC):
King of Salem
Priest of God Most High: so not only king but also priest (unknown to later Israel). This is the first mention of a priest in Genesis. Up to this point it is reasonable to hold that fathers were the priests of his household. Sacrifices were brought as early as Cain & Abel (or at least what is recorded). As soon as the survivors of the flood stepped off the ark, Noah built an altar and offered burnt sacrifices (as a thank offering and presumably as a sin offering). Since the fall of man—a priest was necessary to stand as a mediator; someone to act for humans in things pertaining to God and someone who would speak for God to humans.
This may be the broad appeal of RCC. Sin has alienated man from God. There is an internal recognition that God and man are at enmity and that this is due to the fact that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. So people understand the need for mediation. If we had no sin—then we would all come boldly to God knowing that He receives us. But there is sin, there is the sin nature causing this separation and we know instinctively that God does not accept us without a mediator/priest. There is a universal need for a priest. Who that priest is, makes a world of difference.
Melchizedek is such a figure in the Bible-priest of God Most High—El Elyon. That term is a superlative would have the basic idea of “the most highest mighty one” with the further description of “possessor of heaven and earth” (2x vs 19, 22). BTW: When Satan rebelled at the beginning and under self-delusion, he targeted this title of God and thought he could raise himself above the One who is the Most High:
14 ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’
The Lord God truly is the sole possessor of heaven and earth—there are men like Melchizedek who offer to God the worship that He deserves b/c He is the God Most High—notice vs 21 “who delivered...”
Moses also tells us Melchizedek blessed Abram. This would be a fulfillment of 12:3—that there would be those who would bless Abram as a result of God’s promise.
Melchizedek also blesses God Most High (vs 20).
This is a very mysterious individual. The name Melchizedek means “my king is righteous” or “the king of righteousness.” There have been several differing opinions as to the identity of this king. We do know that he held a superior position to Abram—the blessing of man generally goes forth from the greater to the lesser.
Some consider him to be an angel—perhaps even Michael (archangel)
Some hold that this is actually Shem (believed to have lived to Abram’s time).
Still others have said this is a “Christophany” (pre-incarnate appearance of Christ)
I believe that Melchizedek is a real person (not any of the above). He too was justified as Abram—by faith alone. He is a godly priest-king of Jerusalem who had come to believe in the one true God—God Most High.
Melchizedek is only mentioned 1 other time in OT—Ps 110:4. This is 1000 yrs after Moses 1st reveals that he is a king/priest. It would be another 1000 yrs before the writer of Hebrews would lift the veil in many respects to help us grasp the significance behind this very important but mysterious man.
3. A Contrast of Response
3. A Contrast of Response
Abram was at a crossroad here. He could enrich himself or he could honor the king of peace. Here’s the choice:
Keep the Spoils
Keep the Spoils
Nothing wrong in itself to keep what Abram brought back with him after he defeated the kings up north. This is what the king of Sodom is actually offering him. And the king, more than anything else wants his subjects back. He tells Abram, “keep the goods, give me the people” (vs 21).
What would you have done? The world’s goods have a strong and powerful appeal. It seems to be a near constant tugging on our heart, to pull us into embracing the things of this world. Now, let me be clear…goods are not the problem. Scripture does not condemn you for your possessions, for having worked diligently in this life (to provide for your family). The problem is not the goods of the world. The problem surfaces according to your response to those goods. Are these things your treasure? Jesus indicates that where your treasure is that’s where your heart will be (Mt 5:21). John writes:
17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
This would be the indication of a dead faith (to have material possessions and not meet the need—particularly of a bro or sis in Christ).
14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
If God has blessed you with these things…He did so in order that you would in turn be a blessing to others. This is what the righteous do (live by faith):
Proverbs 21:26 (NASB95)
the righteous gives and does not hold back.
11 And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.”
Jesus taught:
Acts 20:35 (NASB95)
He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
The problem for Abram was not in the material possessions themselves. He had already made an oath to God that he would not keep a single item that belonged to others. He understood what the king of Sodom would say if someone would point out Abram to the king to note how wealthy this man was. The king would respond “yes he has great wealth b/c I gave it to him.” Abram only wanted God’s blessing and the riches that come from being united to God by faith. So Abram rejects the offer of material possessions. He says “I will not take anything…I will accept nothing.”
Give a Tithe
Give a Tithe
Notice Abram’s response to Melchizedek at the end of vs 20. The word for “tenth” is the word for a “tithe.” A tithe was 10% of whatever might be offered to another. Tithing in the OT would become a very important aspect of life in Israel. I’m not going to get into all of that this morning. Abram paid a tithe to Melchizedek after receiving the priestly blessing from him. This was a way to acknowledge someone greater than yourself. Abram didn’t really understand the full significance of this act. The writer of Hebrews will pickup on the theme of Abram’s tithe to Melchizedek and we’ll pay closer attention to that next time.
Abram was facing a choice (choices). It was the choice between righteousness and wickedness. It was the choice between having the world’s goods and glorifying God. We know what Abram chose.
Leupold writes:
“Abram desires to stand out clearly as a man who prospers only because of God’s blessing. Hitherto this status of his had been unmistakably clear; Abram had never sought wealth, nor resorted to questionable methods of getting it; nor had anyone contributed to his wealth. Least of all could Abram accept a generous bestowal from a man of the calibre of the king of Sodom, a purely sensual materialist and idolater. The acceptance of the gift would have impugned Abram’s spiritual standing. Consequently, Abram summarily rejects the proposal.”
In doing so he confirms his commitment to glorifying God. That is your highest purpose. Westminster Catechism question # 1 “What is man’s chief end?” The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Now, Abram didn’t have the catechism to teach him that. It was the choice he made however, by rejecting the world’s desires, he committed himself to giving God glory.
D.L. Moody once heard a preacher say “The world has yet to see a person who is totally commited to God.” His response was “By the grace of God I will be that person.”
Do you want to be that person? Your commitment to righteousness, peace, and giving the glory to God will strengthen your resolve to be the person totally committed to the Lord.
This all begins with faith. The Lord puts before you a choice that will determine your eternal destiny. It’s actually a command: “Believe on the LJC.” This is the call of the gospel which says:
God is infinitely holy (no sin in His presence)
Man is radically corrupt—who have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory
God’s righteousness demands that our sin be judged
But God’s love for humanity is demonstrated in sending LJC to us. And He took upon himself the death that we deserved (the punishment for sin—wages of sin is death). He died (taking our sin upon himself—and God’s judgment for that sin) and was buried and rose again—having conquered sin and death.
And the good news is that all who trust in Him will find forgiveness for sin and the precious gift of eternal life. That is a decisive step that you must take. Your choice will have consequences: condemnation or life. Choose life—thru JC.