Abram had just won a great battle and was standing at a spiritual crossroads. He stood face to face with two kings who brought two opposing offers:
The King of Salem (Melchizedek)
- Meaning of the Name: “King of Peace” and Priest of God Most High.
- Abram’s Response: Abram gave a tithe of everything. This was a radical declaration of faith that all his victory, strength, and glory came from God.
The King of Sodom (Bera)
- Meaning of the Name: In Hebrew, Bera means “The Evil One” or “In Evil”—very fitting for the condition of Sodom at that time (Genesis 13:13).
- His Offer: “Give me the people, and take the possessions for yourself.” (Genesis 14:21)
The Spiritual Picture Behind the Original Language (Hebrew)
If we read the King of Sodom’s sentence in the original text, its meaning can send chills down our spine:
(Ten-li ha-nephesh, ve-ha-rekhush kakh-lakh.)
Literally, the roots used are:
- Bera: The Evil One.
- Ha-Nephesh: Soul / Life / Breath of Life.
- Ve-ha-rekhush: Wealth / Possessions / Material Goods.
Therefore, an alternative reading of the King of Sodom’s words is:
“The Evil One said to Abram: ‘Give me the soul, and take the wealth of the world for yourself.’”
A Reflection for Us Today
Abram’s meeting with these two kings is not merely past history, but a symbol of the choices in life that we face.
- Will we submit ourselves to the King of Peace, acknowledge His authority, and offer our lives to Him?
- Or will we be enticed by the wealth of Sodom offered by The Evil One at the cost of our souls?
Abram rejected Sodom outright (“I will not take even a thread or a sandal strap...”), and this surely pleased God’s heart, because after that event (Gen. 15:1) God spoke to Abram in a vision, “...your reward will be very great.”
I sincerely hope that this new insight opens your eyes to how rich the Bible God has given us is, so that we never stop seeking the many good things God has prepared for us.
God bless you, family in Christ!