The family is chosen–through which God will restore a rebellious mankind once again to His fellowship–but how will they respond to such a gloriously favored position?
Abram is clearly a man of faith, but at the same time reveals–at a minimum–a struggle with honoring and protecting his wife. It could be argued that he even struggles with walking by faith as it pertains to the immediate pressing issues around him. And this all in the face of promises God made that through him: (1) all the nations would be blessed, (2) He will make a great nation, and (3) He will provide land (Canaan, aka Palestine). From the vantage point of the 21st Century, it seems inconceivable that someone who has received such promises from the Lord of creation would ever doubt in any circumstance. However, it’s safe to say that despite such grandeur and glory manifested, the human race still has a problem–an internal problem–of the heart; something that is still battle up to this day. See also Adam & Eve in the Garden up until our current cultural issues. Nevertheless, the story continues to unfold…
After a period of time, Abram began to settle in the land of Canaan (the place to which Lord promises to him and his descendants forever). And no sooner does he begin to settle that trouble begins to brew on the horizon. The kings of the area push through to Sodom and Gomorrah and take Abram’s nephew (Lot) and his family captive, as well as plunder all their goods. Through divine impetus or vindication (the text doesn’t say), Abram courageously takes 318 men, and they defeat these captors in order to bring his family back and to restore their goods to them. What we amazingly discover–after this valiant and victorious act–is a key figure in the biblical narrative that will become exceptionally important as the biblical story moves along.
“Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him…Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all.”
Genesis 14:17-20
This one, Melchizedek, is a priest of God, as well as a King of Salem (understood to be modern day Jerusalem). He is a mysterious figure, but his function as a priest-king will serve as a type for Christ’s role as the ultimate Priest-King. At this point, what we can clearly see from this particular text is that Abram submitted to him–as it were–through the offering of a 10% tithe. An incredible act of humility and submission comes in the face of a great military defeat with so few, and at the same time an honoring of a man who serves the one true God in the midst of an idolatrous land. Melchizedek is a unique man, and Abram recognized this reality with his act of humility that will serve ultimately as an act of submission to the one true Priest-King.
After these things…
“… the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great.” Abram said, “O Lord God, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir.” Then behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.” And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”
Genesis 15:1-6
A promise to Abram is reiterated, and Abram believes. It is this unadulterated belief exhibited by Abram that the New Testament authors will utilize as the archetype of faith unto salvation. This concept will be developed later, but suffice it to say we see its incipient form here in the man, Abram, from Ur of Chaldees.
And then, in the presence of such an extraordinary promise of righteousness given to Abram based upon faith, God said…
“…to Abram, ‘Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward they will come out with many possessions.'”
Genesis 15:13-14
At this point, we don’t know what to make of this prophetic statement of 400 years of oppression, but it will come soon enough. In the meantime, check out a glimpse of how Melchizedek impacts the biblical narrative here…it’s incredible to see how the New Testament will explain this in more detail. Until then, consider the unimaginable benevolence of God to grant righteousness (right standing with God) through faith! What a glorious God is the one triune God!
— July 29, 2016