Abram Delivers Sodom from Four Kings

His trained servants. Abram is the only patriarch to appear in the role of military leader. He lost no time in making preparations to rescue his nephew, but set out in pursuit immediately, with his own retainers and those of his Amorite friends (v. 24). The Hebrew word here translated "trained servants" occurs nowhere else in the Bible, but is identified in a letter from Taanach in the 15th century b.c. as a Canaanite word meaning "retainers."

Born in Abram's house, his 318 "trained servants" could be trusted. This suggests that Abram possessed more than 318 male servants, if those obtained during his recent sojourn in Egypt (ch. 12:16 16:1) are not included. How many followers and servants of Abram's three friends followed him on his rescue mission is unknown, but they probably constituted a substantial addition to his army. The idea that Abram's forces could defeat so powerful an enemy has often been the target of criticism. History records, however, many examples of great armies being defeated by smaller forces. Furthermore, ancient armies were very small by modern standards.

Smote them. In a false sense of security the undefeated Mesopotamian army had relaxed its vigilance. Approaching the enemy, Abram divided his forces into several groups and surprised them by a night attack. As Abram's raiders fell upon the enemy's camp from different directions, so much confusion resulted that the powerful Mesopotamian army fled, leaving all the spoil and captives behind.

Pursued them unto Hobah. Hobah has not been definitely identified, but Damascus lies some 40 mi. northeast of Dan. Abram pursued the fleeing enemies far enough to prevent them from regrouping their forces and turning again to attack him. His victory was complete.

He brought back all. Though apparently possessing military genius, Abram certainly did not set out in pursuit of the professional armies of the conquering kings without first placing himself under the direction and protection of God. His fearless faith and unselfish spirit were amply rewarded. Whether Paul included Abram when he spoke of heroes of faith who "waxed valiant in fight" (Heb. 11:34) is not certain.