The Babel Coalition
Read Genesis 14:1–17. What is significant about this war taking place
just after the gift of the Promised Land? What does this story teach
us about Abram?

This is the first war narrated in the Scriptures (Gen. 14:2). The coali­
tion of four armies from Mesopotamia and Persia against the other
coalition of five Canaanite armies, including the kings of Sodom and
Gomorrah (Gen. 14:8), suggest a large conflict (Gen. 14:9). The reason
for this military operation has to do with the fact that the Canaanite
peoples had rebelled against their Babylonian suzerains (Gen. 14:4, 5).
Although this story refers to a specific historical conflict, the timing of
this “global” war, just after God’s gift of the Promised Land to Abram,
gives this event a particular spiritual significance.
The involvement of so many peoples from the country of Canaan
suggests that the issue at stake in this conflict was sovereignty over the
land. Ironically, the camp of Abram, the truly interested party, because
he is the only true owner of the land, is the only force that remains
outside of the conflict, at least at first.
The reason for Abram’s neutrality is that for Abram, the Promised
Land was not acquired through the force of arms or through the wis-
dom of political strategies. Abram’s kingdom was God’s gift. The only
reason Abram will intervene is the fate of his nephew Lot, who was
taken prisoner in the course of the battles (Gen. 14:12, 13).
“Abraham, dwelling in peace in the oak groves at Mamre, learned
from one of the fugitives the story of the battle and the calamity that
had befallen his nephew. He had cherished no unkind memory of Lot’s
ingratitude. All his affection for him was awakened, and he determined
that he should be rescued. Seeking, first of all, divine counsel, Abraham
prepared for war.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 135.
But Abram does not confront the whole coalition. In what must have
been a quick and nocturne commando operation, he attacks only the camp
where Lot was held prisoner. Lot is saved. Thus, this faithful man of God
also showed great courage and fortitude. No doubt his influence in the
region grew, and people saw the kind of man he was and learned something
more of the God whom he served.
What kind of influence do our actions have on others? What kind
of message are we sending about our faith by our actions?