Abram's Army

[Tom Tighe]

My vision of Abram is that of a modest goat herder. Today we read that Abram became very rich in Egypt, but that's kinda vague. When Lot is captured, Abram gets his 318 trained servants. That is 318 guys who are practiced at fighting on staff! How many other servants did he have there were not trained to fight? Abram also has an armory. Abram is more the CEO of a midsize corporation than a modest goatherd.

I'm sure most of his herdsman were able to fight, that's part of the job defending the herd, but these guys leave with no preparation develop and coordinate a solid tactical plan while marching toward an army that has just conquered the entire region. They completely defeat the enemy in one battle. That is astounding to me from a military perspective. I'm sure they had the element of surprise on their side, but more importantly they had God.

The next day they are blessed by Melchizedek, a priest of God the king of Salem (will become Jerusalem). We don't hear anything else about him until the book of Hebrews.

[ghjk]

Melchizedek is mentioned in one other place, by King David in Psalm 110:4.
"The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind:
“You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.”

He is an intriguing figure for sure—most likely the pre-incarnate Christ.

[ILCAdmin]

Thanks for the correction

[Robinsoncp]

Melchizedek is also mentioned in Hebrews 5:6, 5:10, 6:20, 7:1, 7:10, 7:11, 7:15, 7:17