What’s In A Name Part 6

What's In A Name Part 6 The kings of the north were victorious in the battle and led off captives, including Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who by this time was actually living in Sodom (Genesis 14:12). One who escaped came and told “Abram the Hebrew” what had happened to Lot (Genesis 14:13). This is the first time that the word “Hebrew” occurs in the Bible. It means “one who has crossed over”. It was a title given to Abram because he had crossed over the Euphrates, having left his country and kindred in obedience to God (Genesis 12:1 and following) In Genesis 14 King Chedorlaomer had ruled over several other kingdoms, including Sodom, for twelve years before they rebelled, leading to the Battle of the Nine Kings. In this war, Chedorlaomer's forces captured Lot, Abraham's nephew who lived in Sodom. Upon hearing this, Abraham, backed by his trained servants, defeated Chedorlaomer and his allies in a night raid, thus rescuing Lot his nephew and other captives. John 3 makes it clear that we must be born again of the Spirit of GOD. If not we remain in the kingdom of darkness and under the wrath of GOD. See John 3:1-7, 16-18 and 36. Through Christ we are delivered from the power and kingdom of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of GOD's dear Son See Colossians 1:13 The Meeting at The Valley Of The Kings The king of Sodom and Melchizedek with Abraham in the Valley of Shaveh, also known as the King's Valley after his defeat of Chedorlaomer to welcome him back. This meeting, although brief in narrative, was important as it marked a pivotal moment in the life of Abraham. In the King's Valley, Abraham was not only met by the king of Sodom but also by Melchizedek, the king of Salem (the early Jerusalem), who was also a "priest of God Most High" " El Elyon"(Genesis 14:18). It is important to note that there were three people at this meeting. Abram/Abraham The King of Sodom and Melchizidek Priest of The Most High Remember the King of Sodom 's name was King Bera. His name means "son of evil" Sodom means "to burn" The name "Melchizedek" is composed of two Hebrew words : "melech" meaning "king" and "zedek" meaning "righteousness." Therefore, the name Melchizedek can be interpreted as "king of righteousness." and we are told that he was the priest of GOD Most High -El Elyon in Hebrew. Melchizedek is mentioned in Psalm 110:4, a Messianic psalm that prophesies about a future priest-king: "The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" (Psalm 110:4) Melchizedek represents The LORD GOD The Lord Jesus Christ Himself In the New Testament, the author of Hebrews elaborates on the significance of Melchizedek, particularly in chapters 5 to 7. Hebrews 7:1-3 provides a summary of Melchizedek's encounter with Abraham and highlights his unique priesthood: "This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means 'king of righteousness.' Then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.' Without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest forever." These three met in the Valley Of Shaveh. The name Shaveh comes from the verb שוה (shawa), meaning to be like or agree with. This was a valley of pivitol decision. To which king was he going to give his allegiance? To The Son Of Evil , the King of Sodom or to the King Of Righteousnes and priest of GOD Most High -El Elyon? The king of Sodom said to Abram, give the people to me and take the goods for yourself (v 21). According to custom, as their rescuer, Abram had a right to both the people and the property that he had recovered. The king of Sodom was bargaining for a portion of the spoils, although he had no legal claim. Although Abram had the right to retain all, he replied in a manner that showed amazing insight and a great commitment to principle. He said he had sworn that he wouldn't take anything not even a thread or a sandal thong (v 23). He knew that accepting the offer of the king of Sodom would make them allies and Abram did not want to be in his debt. He was happy for the king of Sodom to be in his debt. But Abram wanted no allegiance with the corrupt kingdom of Sodom. Faith looks beyond the riches of the world to the greater blessings that GOD has in store. Abram will not be indebted in any way to the king of Sodom for fear you would say, 'I have made Abram rich' (v 23). Abram wanted everyone to know he had not acted as a mercenary (a warrior for hire). He makes it clear that he will take nothing from the King Of Sodm. He will have no allegiance with him. This reminds me of Satan's offer to the LORD Jesus in Matthew 4:8-10 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Abram/Abraham received a covenant meal of bread and wine from Melchizedek and in doing so showed his covenant allegiance to him and GOD Most High. The presentation of wine by Melchizedek foreshadows the use of wine in the Passover meal and, ultimately, in the The Lord's Supper or Communion where wine represents the blood of Christ, the new covenant. Luke 22:19-20 ESV " And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood" In forgoing his normal share of the booty, Abram speaks only for himself. Any goods or possessions he is to have will come from GOD except what the young men have eaten and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, andAner means "light" or "lamp" symbolizing guidance and illumination Esccol means "cluster" as in a cluster of grapes , which make wine, and symbolises fruitfulness Eg A valley in which the spies obtained a fine cluster of grapes ( Numbers 13:23 Numbers 13:24 ; "the brook Eshcol," A.V.; "the valley of Eshcol," ) Mamre means "strong" or "firmness" and the name Mamre brings to mind the "oaks of Mamre" in Genesis 18:1. The three friends who helped Abram/Abraham represent: The WORD of GOD which is light and a lamp to instruct and guide us. Psalm 119:105 (KJV) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The fruit of the Holy Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law and thirdly spiritual strength and resolve. The Oak of Mamre - The Terebinth tree of Genesis 18:1 symbolizes strength, endurance, and longevity in pursuing the purposes of GOD throughout our lives. Isaiah 61:1-3 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor;[a] he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;[b] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified " Abraham gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, consecrating his victory to God. Shalom shalom