Despite the leaders being called kings I picture small numbers on each side. These kings likely ruled city states not nations as we might imagine.
This is the chapter where Abram comes out of the hills to rescue his nephew Lot after a big battle goes bad for the king of the place where Lot lived. Lot lived in Sodom. He and his possessions were part of the spoils of war.
It does not appear that Abram and king of Sodom got along well. The king is too proud to give any thanks for his people and things being rescued. Abram on his part is unwilling to show favor as well. He refuses to take any reward, just his nephew and his things.
But Abram has great respect for the priest-king Melchizedek. This man appears out of nowhere, he was not a party to the war. He is the ruler of another city state called Salem, which means peace. Abram, as a token of respect, gives a tenth of his winnings to the man likely in honor of the Most High God. Melchizedek is the priest of this Most High God. This must be the same God that Abram obeys. How he comes to be a priest we do not know. It is all very mysterious.
In the previous chapter we read how Lot came to be near Sodom, with his flocks. But now in this chapter he has moved into the city. Retired perhaps. He is likely a prominent citizen, likely because of his wealth. But Sodom is an evil city. Lot has most likely compromised his values to live among such evil people. We hope we are not compromising our values as we live in an increasingly evil culture.
Melchizedek is mentioned again in Hebrews. He is likened to Jesus. Jesus is called a priest after the model of Melchizedek. Abram sacrifices to the God of Melchizedek. Melchizedek is timeless, just like Jesus, who existed always. I think these are the only two places that Melchizedek is mentioned. The author of Hebrews was inspired to use his as an archetype, a forerunner of Jesus, our God and savior. Jesus is both ruler and priest, just like Melchizedek.
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