Introduction
How would you describe the feeling of being rescued from danger? Have you ever tried to rescue someone in distress?
In Genesis 13, Abraham and Lot separated, with Lot moving into the city of Sodom. At that time, Sodom was wicked and sinful and nearby cities were under the control of a king in Babylon. In Genesis 14, these cities rebelled against the Babylonian king, prompting him to retaliate with his army and allies—three other kings. The five kings of the cities fought the Babylonian kings, but the latter prevailed, attacking Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot, now a resident of Sodom, was taken captive.
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How Lot was rescued?
Through a report: A survivor of the attack informed Abram (v. 13). Abram's wealth and influence likely made him easy to locate.
Through his trained servants: Abram mobilized 318 skilled men born in his household, for he had a great influence like a king (v. 14).
Through a wise strategy: Abram divided his forces, attacking from multiple directions and during the night to create confusion. His efforts led to the recovery of all the goods and the rescue of Lot.
The salvation of Lot is a bigger picture of how God plans to save mankind through His Son Yeshua which connects to Abram. Colossians 1:13 declares, "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves." Just as Abram stepped in to rescue Lot, Yeshua steps in to rescue us. Baruch Hashem, we have a loving Rescuer and Savior, full of grace and mercy.
The part of Lot in our Torah portion is a reminder to us that the choice of path is crucial. Lot chose Sodom and he was lost, but hope and chance came. The question is, will Lot go with Abram, or stay on his desired path? People are often like that. God offered salvation but does not give value.
The second king, Melchizedek—the King of Salem—also came to meet Abram.
What can we learn from Abram's meeting with Melchizedek?
Melchizedek's name means "King of Righteousness." His encounter with Abram illustrates that, despite the wickedness of the world from Noah’s time to Abram’s, righteousness would reign through the Righteous One, Messiah Yeshua. Romans 5:17-18 reminds us that through one righteous act, justification and life came to all men.
As the King of Salem, Melchizedek represents peace, foreshadowing Yeshua as King, Prince of Peace, and Priest. Abram recognized Melchizedek's superiority, offering him a tithe as tribute.
Abram chose the blessing of Adonai over the riches offered by the King of Sodom, demonstrating that Adonai's blessings are far more precious than worldly wealth. After this encounter, Abram’s faith was strengthened, and he gave Adonai all the glory. Verse 22-23 says: "I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours."
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In the Haftarah, Adonai gave hope to His people regarding of His rescue and help. They need not fear, for He is their God—faithful and active on their behalf. In Isaiah 41:11-13, Adonai promises the defeat of Israel's enemies. In verse 14, He declares Himself their Redeemer, treating Israel as a family member in need of rescue.
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In Hebrews chapter 7, the supremacy of Melchizedek’s order over the Levitical priesthood is explained. Melchizedek’s priesthood is superior to that of Aaron, symbolizing the eternal priesthood of Yeshua. Unlike Levitical priests, who offered sacrifices for their own sins, Yeshua offered Himself once and for all (Heb. 9:25-27).
As we can see, Melchizedek was mentioned in our Torah portion without lineage or birth and death, and after that his name was mentioned again in Psalm 110:4 that says: 'The Lord has sworn and will not relent, "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."
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The Connection of Our Parasha
In the Torah, Abram rescues Lot.
In the Haftarah, Adonai assures Israel of His rescue and help.
In the Apostolic writings, Yeshua’s superior priesthood rescues us from the bondage of sin, offering a better hope that draws us closer to Adonai.
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