Genesis 14:7
Then they turned back to invade En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar.
Then they turned back to invade En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh)
En-mishpat, later known as Kadesh, is a significant location in biblical history. It is often associated with the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. Kadesh was a major encampment site for the Israelites and a place where Moses struck the rock to bring forth water (Numbers 20:1-13). The turning back to invade suggests a strategic military maneuver, indicating the importance of this location as a crossroads or a place of resources. Kadesh is also linked to the patriarchal narratives, as it is near the area where Hagar encountered the angel of the Lord (Genesis 16:7).

and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe often in conflict with Israel. They are descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and are first mentioned in Genesis 36:12. Their territory was in the Negev, a desert region south of Canaan. The conquest of the Amalekite territory signifies a significant victory, as the Amalekites were known for their guerrilla warfare tactics and hostility towards Israel, as seen in Exodus 17:8-16. This victory foreshadows future conflicts between Israel and the Amalekites, culminating in their eventual defeat under King Saul and King David (1 Samuel 15, 1 Samuel 30).

as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar
The Amorites were a prominent Canaanite people known for their fortified cities and influence in the region. Hazazon-tamar is identified with the area around En-gedi, near the Dead Sea. This location is significant for its strategic and fertile oasis, providing resources and a defensive position. The Amorites' presence here indicates their widespread influence and control over key areas in Canaan. The mention of their defeat highlights the extent of the military campaign and sets the stage for future Israelite interactions with the Amorites, including the conquest of Canaan under Joshua (Joshua 10:5-10). Hazazon-tamar is also noted in 2 Chronicles 20:2 as a place where Jehoshaphat faced a coalition of enemies, emphasizing its ongoing strategic importance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. En-mishpat (Kadesh)
A significant location in the biblical account, often associated with pivotal events in Israel's history. It is a place of judgment and decision.

2. Amalekites
A nomadic tribe frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as adversaries of Israel. Their territory was conquered in this passage.

3. Amorites
Another group of people living in the region, often depicted as opponents of the Israelites. They were also defeated in this event.

4. Hazazon-tamar
A location identified with the area around the Dead Sea, known for its palm trees. It is later associated with the city of Engedi.

5. The Kings' Campaign
This event is part of a larger military campaign by a coalition of kings, which sets the stage for Abram's involvement in rescuing Lot.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The conquest of the Amalekites and Amorites demonstrates God's control over nations and His ability to execute judgment according to His purposes.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' later struggles with these groups highlight the consequences of incomplete obedience to God's commands.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as the physical battles were fought against these nations, believers today are engaged in spiritual warfare, requiring vigilance and reliance on God's strength.

Historical Context and Faith
Understanding the historical context of these events can strengthen our faith, showing how God's plans unfold through history.

God's Faithfulness to His People
Despite the challenges and opposition, God remains faithful to His covenant people, providing deliverance and victory.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the conquest of the Amalekites and Amorites in Genesis 14:7 reflect God's sovereignty and justice?

2. In what ways can the historical conflicts with the Amalekites and Amorites inform our understanding of spiritual warfare today?

3. How does the location of En-mishpat (Kadesh) play a significant role in the broader account of Israel's history?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' interactions with these nations about obedience and trust in God?

5. How does the theme of God's faithfulness in delivering His people in Genesis 14:7 connect with other instances of divine deliverance in the Bible?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 17
The Amalekites' opposition to Israel is a recurring theme, as seen in their attack on the Israelites during the Exodus.

Deuteronomy 25
Provides further insight into the Amalekites' actions and God's command to remember their hostility.

Judges 11
The Amorites' historical conflict with Israel is highlighted, showing the longstanding enmity between these peoples.

1 Samuel 15
God's command to Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites, emphasizing the ongoing conflict and divine judgment against them.
Hints for TeachingThe Congregational PulpitGenesis 14:1-12
HoritesW. Adamson.Genesis 14:1-12
KiriathaimW. Adamson.Genesis 14:1-12
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 14:1-12
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 14:1-12
Mountain FlightW. Adamson.Genesis 14:1-12
The Battle of the Kings MelchizedekThe Congregational PulpitGenesis 14:1-12
The Dead Sea a Special Memento of the Doom that Awaits the WickedT. Williston.Genesis 14:1-12
The First War on RecordT. H. Leale.Genesis 14:1-12
WarJ. C. Gray.Genesis 14:1-12
WarJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 14:1-12
The Kingdom of God in its Relation to the Contending Powers of the WorldR.A. Redford Genesis 14
People
Abram, Amalekites, Amorites, Amraphel, Aner, Arioch, Bela, Bera, Birsha, Chedorlaomer, Dan, Elam, Emites, Eshcol, Ham, Horites, Lot, Mamre, Melchisedec, Melchizedek, Rephaites, Seir, Shemeber, Shinab, Tamar, Tidal, Zoar, Zuzims, Zuzites
Places
Admah, Ashteroth-karnaim, Bela, Damascus, Dan, Elam, Ellasar, El-paran, En-mishpat, Gomorrah, Ham, Hazazon-tamar, Kadesh-barnea, King's Valley, Oaks of Mamre, Salem, Salt Sea, Seir, Shaveh-kiriathaim, Shinar, Sodom, Valley of Shaveh, Valley of Siddim, Zeboiim, Zoar
Topics
Amalekite, Amalekites, Amal'ekites, Amorite, Amorites, Conquered, Dwelling, Dwelt, En, Enmishpat, En-mishpat, Enmish'pat, Field, Hazazon, Hazazon-tamar, Haz'azon-ta'mar, Hazezontamar, Hazezon-tamar, Kadesh, Making, Mishpat, Returned, Smite, Smote, Struck, Subdued, Tamar, Territory, Turn, Waste
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 14:1-24

     4224   cities of the plain

Library
An Example of Faith
'Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Jerusalem
The first name of this city was Shalem, Genesis 14:18, Psalm 76:2, and it is still retained in the writing, however it is read Jerushalaim. "The name of that place is Jehovah-jireh. Abraham called the place Jireh; Shem called it Shalem. Saith God, If I shall call it Jireh, it will displease Shem the Just; if I shall call it Shalem, it will displease Abraham the Just. I will therefore put that name upon it which was put upon it by both, Jireh, Shalem,--Jerusalem."--"We do not, therefore, put Jod between
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Tithing
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Mal. 3:10). Down deep in the heart of every Christian there is undoubtedly the conviction that he ought to tithe. There is an uneasy feeling that this is a duty which has been neglected, or, if you prefer it, a privilege that has not been
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

Bethphage
There is very frequent mention of this place in the Talmudists: and, certainly, a more careful comparison of the maps with those things which are said by them of the situation of this place is worthy to be made; when they place it in mount Olivet, these make it contiguous to the buildings of Jerusalem. I. In the place cited in the margin, the case "of a stubborn judge" (or elder) is handling. For when, by the prescript of the law, difficult matters, and such things as concerning which the lower councils
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
SYRIA AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EGYPTIAN CONQUEST NINEVEH AND THE FIRST COSSAEAN KINGS-THE PEOPLES OF SYRIA, THEIR TOWNS, THEIR CIVILIZATION, THEIR RELIGION-PHOENICIA. The dynasty of Uruazagga-The Cossseans: their country, their gods, their conquest of Chaldaea-The first sovereigns of Assyria, and the first Cossaean Icings: Agumhakrime. The Egyptian names for Syria: Khara, Zahi, Lotanu, Kefatiu-The military highway from the Nile to the Euphrates: first section from Zalu to Gaza-The Canaanites:
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals.
ABRAHAM, THE TRADITIONAL FATHER OF HIS RACE.--Gen. 12:1-8; 13:1-13; 16; 18, 19; 21:7; 22:1-19. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible I, 73-94. Prin of Pol., 160-175. Jehovah said to Abraham, Go forth from thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, to the land that I will show thee, that I may make of thee a great nation; and I will surely bless thee, and make thy name great, so that thou shalt be a blessing, I will also bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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