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I. THE MARAUDING CHIEFTAINS.

1. Their names suggestive of character. Heads of savage and wandering tribes; having their headquarters in the plain of Shinar and neighbourhood.

2. Cause of this recorded war not given. Probably to be referred exclusively to the cause stated (James 4:1). Doubtless plunder and tribute the chief objects sought.

3. Falling upon the kings of the plain, most probably by surprise, they were victorious. Levied tribute and returned.

4. Tribute paid during twelve years; declined in the thirteenth year. By this time the kings of the plain thought they were strong enough to resist; had probably organized resistance.

5. Chedorlaomer and his confederates march to enforce payment, taking and plundering various cities on their way (vers. 5-7).

6. Battle of the Vale of Siddim. The kings of the plain hemmed in and destroyed. The nature of the ground facilitating their overthrow.

II. THE CAPTURE OF LOT.

1. He was in Sodom when it was taken (vers. 11, 12). He now suffers the penalty of his folly. "He that soweth to the wind shall reap the whirlwind."

2. Perils arising from worldly choice and ungodly companions. Young people often suffer through their companions. Lot lost the property for the increase of which he was so anxious. He trusted more to the strong walls and untried friends in Sodom than in the living God. "This their way is their folly."

3. A hopeless captivity and poverty are now before him. From what quarter could he expect deliverance?

III. THE BRAVERY OF ABRAM.

1. He hears the news.

2. Summons his confederates. This an alliance for mutual protection and defence.

3. Collects and arms his trained servants. These, with the retainers of his friends, make a numerous band.

4. Marches in pursuit of Chedorlaomer. Might have abandoned Lot to his fate. Hurries through the country and overtakes the spoilers and their captives at Daniel

5. The night attack. Surprise of Lot. Abram to the rescue. The forces divide, that the enemies' camp may be attacked from various sides at once. Consternation and rout of the confederate kings of the east, and the rescue of Lot.

6. The kings not only routed, but pursued and slain. A guarantee of freedom in the future from molestation. LEARN —

I. Evils of war; desolation carried through a great country and into many cities and homes. The innocent perish with the guilty.

II. Results of thoughtless choice of home and friends.

III. Friend in need is a friend indeed. Abram prosperous does not abandon Lot in adversity.

IV. Jesus, the great conqueror, delivers our captive souls.

(J. C. Gray.)

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KJV: And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;

WEB: It happened in the days of Amraphel, king of Shinar, Arioch, king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and Tidal, king of Goiim,