This verse, Genesis 14:17, describes a meeting between Abraham and the King of Sodom after Abraham's victory over Chedorlaomer and his allied kings. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"The king of Sodom went out to meet him...": This indicates the King of Sodom was coming out to greet Abraham. Sodom was one of the cities captured by Chedorlaomer's forces, and whose people had been taken captive.
"...after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him...": This refers to Abraham's successful military campaign to rescue his nephew Lot and the other captives taken by Chedorlaomer's coalition. Abraham defeated Chedorlaomer, a powerful king who had previously subdued the region.
"...at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).": This specifies the location of the meeting. The Valley of Shaveh, also known as the King's Valley, was a known geographical location at the time of writing. The parenthetical note "(that is, the King's Valley)" may have been added for clarification, perhaps if the name 'Shaveh' was less familiar to the audience.
Significance and Context:
Recognition of Abraham's Power: The King of Sodom's act of meeting Abraham signifies recognition of Abraham's strength and authority. Abraham had just defeated a powerful alliance of kings and rescued the people and possessions of Sodom. The King's action acknowledges Abraham's importance.
Setting the Stage for the Next Encounter: This verse sets the stage for the encounter between Abraham and the King of Sodom in the following verses, where the King of Sodom offers Abraham the recovered possessions, which Abraham refuses. It also sets the stage for Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek, King of Salem, who blesses Abraham.
Valley of Shaveh: The location itself may have been a significant place. It is also possible that it was named "King's Valley" because it was a place where kings typically met or conducted important business.
In summary, Genesis 14:17 is a transitional verse that highlights Abraham's victory and sets the scene for his interactions with the King of Sodom and Melchizedek, all of which are significant in the broader narrative of Genesis and Abraham's faith.
This verse, Genesis 14:17, describes a meeting between Abraham and the King of Sodom after Abraham's victory over Chedorlaomer and his allied kings. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"The king of Sodom went out to meet him...": This indicates the King of Sodom was coming out to greet Abraham. Sodom was one of the cities captured by Chedorlaomer's forces, and whose people had been taken captive.
"...after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him...": This refers to Abraham's successful military campaign to rescue his nephew Lot and the other captives taken by Chedorlaomer's coalition. Abraham defeated Chedorlaomer, a powerful king who had previously subdued the region.
"...at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).": This specifies the location of the meeting. The Valley of Shaveh, also known as the King's Valley, was a known geographical location at the time of writing. The parenthetical note "(that is, the King's Valley)" may have been added for clarification, perhaps if the name 'Shaveh' was less familiar to the audience.
Significance and Context:
Recognition of Abraham's Power: The King of Sodom's act of meeting Abraham signifies recognition of Abraham's strength and authority. Abraham had just defeated a powerful alliance of kings and rescued the people and possessions of Sodom. The King's action acknowledges Abraham's importance.
Setting the Stage for the Next Encounter: This verse sets the stage for the encounter between Abraham and the King of Sodom in the following verses, where the King of Sodom offers Abraham the recovered possessions, which Abraham refuses. It also sets the stage for Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek, King of Salem, who blesses Abraham.
Valley of Shaveh: The location itself may have been a significant place. It is also possible that it was named "King's Valley" because it was a place where kings typically met or conducted important business.
In summary, Genesis 14:17 is a transitional verse that highlights Abraham's victory and sets the scene for his interactions with the King of Sodom and Melchizedek, all of which are significant in the broader narrative of Genesis and Abraham's faith.