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The Beginning of the End
submission. Five kings of Canaan fought the invaders, only to be
completely defeated. The victors plundered the cities of the plain
and left with rich spoils and many captives, among whom were Lot
and his family.
Abraham learned the story of his nephew’s calamity from some-
one who had escaped. All of his affection for Lot was awakened, and
he determined to rescue him. Seeking divine counsel, Abraham pre-
pared for war. He called up three hundred eighteen trained servants
from his own camp. These were men trained in the fear of God, in
the service of their master, and in the practice of arms. His allies,
Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner, joined him, and together they started after
the invaders. The Elamites had encamped at Dan, on the northern
border of Canaan. Proud and excited with victory, they had given
themselves up to celebrating. Abraham came upon the encampment
by night. His attack, so vigorous and unexpected, resulted in speedy
victory. The king of Elam was killed and his panic-stricken forces
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fled in defeat. Lot and his family, with all the prisoners and goods,
were recovered, and the riches of the enemy fell into the hands of
the victors.
Abraham had not only performed a great service for the country
but had proved himself a strong and brave man. It was seen that
Abraham’s religion made him courageous in upholding the right
and defending the oppressed. When Abraham returned, the king
of Sodom came out to honor the conqueror, asking only that the
prisoners be restored. The spoils belonged to the conquerors; but
Abraham refused to take advantage of the unfortunate, only requiring
that his allies receive the portion to which they were entitled.
If given such a test, few would have resisted the temptation to
keep such rich plunder. Abraham’s example is a rebuke to self-
seeking. “I have raised my hand,” he said, “to the Lord, God Most
High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing,
from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that
is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’” God had
promised to bless Abraham, and the glory should go to Him.
Another who came out to welcome victorious Abraham was
Melchizedek, king of Salem. As “priest of God Most High,” he
pronounced a blessing on Abraham and gave thanks to the Lord,