Speak His Word Only

Genesis chapter 13 describes Abram’s return from Egypt, the separation of his household from Lot’s, and God’s reaffirmation of His promise. As their possessions increase, the land cannot support both households together, and strife develops between their herdsmen. Abram responds by seeking peace and allowing Lot to choose where he will settle. After their separation, God speaks to Abram about the land and descendants He has promised him. The chapter invites us to consider how we handle conflict, make decisions, and trust God when another person appears to receive the better opportunity. Abram Returns to the Place of Worship Genesis 13:1–2 (KJV) “And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.” Following the events of Genesis 12, Abram leaves Egypt with Sarai, Lot, and his possessions. He travels back toward Bethel, returning to the place where he had previously pitched hi...

Genesis chapter 14 recounts a war between rival kings, the capture of Lot, and Abram’s courageous response to rescue him. The chapter also records Abram’s encounter with Melchizedek and his refusal to accept riches from the king of Sodom. Together, these events reveal family loyalty, compassion, dependence upon God, and integrity after victory. The Conflict Between the Kings The chapter begins with four kings making war against five kings in the region of the plain. For twelve years, the kings of the plain had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and his allies carried out a military campaign and eventually confronted the rebellious kings. The armies met in the vale of Siddim, which contained slimepits. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and the invading forces seized the goods and provisions of their cities. Among those taken captive was Lot, Abram’s nephew. Genesis 14:12 (KJV) “And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son,...

Genesis chapter 15 describes a vision in which the Lord reassures Abram, answers his concerns about an heir, and confirms His covenant. Although Abram has already received promises from God, he remains childless and has not yet seen their fulfillment. Through this encounter, God strengthens Abram’s faith and reveals what lies ahead for his descendants. The chapter follows Abram’s rescue of Lot and his refusal to accept riches from the king of Sodom. Now the Lord speaks directly to him: Genesis 15:1 (KJV) “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” God begins with reassurance: “Fear not.” He declares Himself to be Abram’s shield and exceeding great reward. Abram’s protection and hope rest in the Lord who called him. Before explaining the future, God directs Abram’s attention to His own presence and faithfulness. Abram’s Question About the Promise Genesis 15:2–3 (KJV) “And Abram said, Lor...

Genesis chapter 15 records the Lord’s appearance to Abram in a vision and His confirmation of the covenant concerning Abram’s descendants and their inheritance. Abram had received God’s promises, yet he remained childless. In this chapter, God answers his concerns, declares the future of his seed, and solemnly confirms His commitment. The passage teaches us about faith, righteousness, waiting, and the certainty of God’s Word. God Speaks to Abram in a Vision Genesis 15:1 (KJV) “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” This encounter follows Abram’s rescue of Lot and his refusal to accept the king of Sodom’s goods in Genesis 14. God addresses Abram with reassurance: “Fear not.” The Lord Himself would be Abram’s shield and exceeding great reward. A shield provides protection. God’s declaration directs Abram’s confidence toward His presence and care. Having refused an earthly king’s offer...

Genesis chapter 14 records a conflict between kings, Lot’s capture, Abram’s rescue of his nephew, and Abram’s encounter with Melchizedek. The chapter reveals Abram’s courage and loyalty while emphasizing that God was the source of his victory. It also introduces Melchizedek as both king of Salem and priest of the most high God—a figure whose significance is developed in Psalm 110 and Hebrews. The chapter begins with four kings going to war against five kings in the region of the plain. The kings of the plain had served Chedorlaomer for twelve years but rebelled in the thirteenth year. In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and his allies launched a campaign that eventually brought them into battle with the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela, which is Zoar. The battle took place in the vale of Siddim, a valley containing slimepits. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and the invading forces took the goods and provisions of their cities. They also captured Lot. Genesis 14...

Genesis chapter 15 reveals God’s promise to Abram concerning his seed, their future affliction, and their inheritance of the land. Although Abram remained without a child, God assured him that His promise would be fulfilled through a son born from his own body. This chapter teaches us about faith, God’s covenant faithfulness, and His knowledge of events long before they unfold. After the events of Genesis 14, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision: Genesis 15:1 (KJV) “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” God’s first words addressed Abram’s fear. The Lord Himself would be his protection and reward. Before revealing the future of Abram’s descendants, God reminded him of the One in whom he could trust. Abram then expressed his concern that he had no child. He considered whether the steward of his household, Eliezer of Damascus, would become his heir. God answered clearly: Genesis 15:4 (...

Romans 12:14 (KJV) “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” It is easy to speak kindly when others treat us well. The greater test comes when we face insults, rejection, or unfair treatment. In Romans 12:14, Paul instructs believers to bless even those who persecute them. Our response should reflect the character of Christ rather than the anger stirred up by another person’s actions. This instruction appears in a passage about sincere love and daily Christian conduct. Paul calls believers to show kindness, remain faithful in prayer, and refuse to repay evil with evil. Blessing those who persecute us is part of putting that love into practice, especially when doing so is difficult. To bless someone means seeking their good before God instead of calling for harm to come upon them. We can pray that they repent, receive God’s mercy, and turn from wrongdoing. We can also refuse to use our words to humiliate them or encourage others to hate them. The command “curse not” challe...