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Book of Genesis - Chapter 14 - Verse 24

14:24
Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

Meaning

When Abraham refused to accept any reward or spoils of war after rescuing Lot and defeating the kings, he made an exception for the food that his young men had eaten and a portion for his allies Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. This act of generosity and selflessness reflects Abraham's character as a righteous and humble servant of God. By allowing his young men to keep the food they had eaten and giving a share to his allies, Abraham demonstrated his gratefulness to God for the victory in battle and his willingness to share the blessings with others. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, sharing, and loyalty among friends. Despite the opportunity to gain more wealth and possessions, Abraham chose to prioritize his relationships and show kindness to those who had supported him. In a world driven by materialistic desires, this act of giving without expecting anything in return is a powerful example of true righteousness and faith.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Genesis 14:24, Abraham is speaking to the king of Sodom after rescuing Lot from captivity. Abraham refuses to take any spoils from the king of Sodom, except for what his young men have already consumed, and a portion for his allies Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre who accompanied him on the mission. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights Abraham's integrity and trust in God. By refusing to accept any spoils from the king of Sodom, Abraham demonstrates his faith that God will provide for him and bless him abundantly. This act also showcases Abraham's humility and righteousness, as he does not want to be indebted to the king of Sodom or compromise his values. Additionally, the mention of the young men and Abraham's allies emphasizes the importance of communal sharing and unity in carrying out God's will. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful example of faith, integrity, and dependence on God's provision in times of difficulty.

American Standard Version

save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men that went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
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