by Caryl McAdoo
Well-watered plains with grass and browse sustained his flocks and herds.
On the second day of the third moon in the same place, three men atop young bull camels, harnessed and belled, rode to the edge of his camp and caused their beasts to kneel. Abram waited until they started a fire and placed a tripod with a water pot over the blaze.
His steward—apparently waiting for the same sign—rushed out to inquire of the men’s intentions. Shorty he returned. “They are three brothers who come in peace, my lord. They desire a word with God’s prophet who humbled the Pharaoh of Egypt.”
“I will meet with them. Prepare a calf. We will feast with our guests.”
The way the brothers deferred to him pleased Abram. It tickled him some that they all had trouble keeping their eyes from staring at his wife, but then, who had beheld such beauty? They’d all three think him a liar were he to tell them her age. Maidens a third her years looked older and more weather worn than his Sarai.
Toward the shank of the evening, he dismissed all but his wife and Eliezer then poured his three new friends more wine. “Pray tell, now that we have supped, what’s in your hearts?”
Mamre smiled, took a sip, then looked to his brothers before facing Abram. “Aner conceived the idea, but Eshcol and I both agreed. You are a great prince. Your fame has spread far and wide through the land.”
Eshcol, the middle brother nodded and continued. “Your God is greater even than Pharaoh, strong and mighty. We want to be confederate with you.”
“Yes.” Aner the youngest grinned. “Even more now that we’ve seen with our own eyes how blessed you are.” He touched his turban then smiled at Sarai. “Having a wife so fair is beyond measure, but add your herds and flocks…the multitude of your servants. Only a fool could not see you are highly blessed. We desire no more than the crumbs that fall from your table.”
Both the older brothers nodded their agreement.
Abram stood and extended both hands. “If we are to be allies, you will enjoy more than crumbs, my new friends.”
Each in turn took his hand then bowed as though they considered him more than a prince. He liked these men. He liked the plain of Mamre. He would sojourn there until the Lord told him otherwise.
Late the following spring, on a fine morn, Eliezer sought a word. Abram gave him leave to speak, and the man opened his mouth with startling news. “Four kings are come to teach five a lesson, punish them.
“Amraphel, King of Shinar with Arioch, King of Ellasar; King Chedorlaomer of Elam, and Tidal, King of Nations from the north against Bera, King of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, and Shemeber, King of Zeboiim, and the King of Zoar.” He lifted one shoulder then continued.
“Twelve years the southern kings had paid tribute to Chedorlaomer then the last, they refused. So this past spring, the northern kings came south. On the way, they smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emins in Shaveh Kiriathaim. Also the Horites in Mount Seir, then smote all the country of the Amalekites and Amorites who dwelt in Hazezontamar.”
“How close are they?”
“Four day’s journey east, lord. They follow the trade route. It doesn’t appear they have any interest in us.”
“Any word from Bera or the other kings?”
“None that is certain, but it’s rumored they plan to meet them in the Vale of Siddim.”
When his steward could offer no more information, Abram dismissed him and all the other servants, then sought the Lord. A peace soon settled over his heart regarding the safety of his own household, but he remembered the son of his brother.
“Father, protect Lot and his family.”
Chapter Eight
A full moon passed with naught but more rumors and speculations, then one who had escaped from the war appeared in Abram’s camp. His thirst slaked, the man bore witness to the carnage.
“As soon as the armies engaged, the fighting became fierce, and the invaders prevailed against us. The Vale of Siddim is full of slime pits. But when the tide started turning, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled.” The man shivered, took another sip from the goat’s bladder, then wiped his mouth.
“Both fell there, and those of us who escaped fled to the mountains.” The man ducked his head and studied the wool rug he stood on.
Abram sensed bad news, but preferred letting the bearer tell the tale in his own way and time.
The man looked up. “I followed them, kept hidden as they sacked Sodom and Gomorrah.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “They took Lot and all his goods.”
“You saw this with your own eyes?”
“Yes, my lord. We all know well your nephew and his family. The four northern kings took him along with all the surviving inhabitants of both cities.”
Having the man retell his account after a meal, Abram listened and discovered no discrepancies. Nothing changed. Neither was anything of worth added. He motioned for his steward to reward the stranger then escort him out. By the time Eliezer returned, Abram had made his decision.
His servant stood silent before him.
“Send word to Mamre that we have need of him and his brothers and any others of his young men who are willing to fight. Tell our smiths to bring out the weapons and arm my trained men.”
“Yes, my lord.” The steward’s face remained as stone, but Abram noted a gleam in his eyes. He backed away. At the tent’s door, he touched his turban then bowed even lower.
If only the same confidence flowed through Abram that he sensed in Eliezer.
But he had no choice.
His brother’s son and his wife and daughters could not remain slaves to some pagan king.
Sarai put both hands on her husband’s chest and pleaded with her eyes. One shoulder raised a fraction, questioning, then fell back into place.
“What else could I do? Lot is my brother.”
“Nephew.”
“It is the same. I can’t allow them to take him—enslave my brother’s son—and do nothing. You should know this.”
Her heart sank, sparking a fire in her belly. “That orange-headed harlot of his deserves anything that befalls her! And what of me? Who is to watch over those you leave behind? We’ll be vulnerable and at risk the entire time you’re gone.”
“I’m only taking the young men, those born of my house that Eliezer has been training. The herdsmen will remain, as well as the young and old men. I will arm a few. But I fully trust the Lord will watch over you, my love.”
Ah, there it was. “So I see. Your God can watch over me, but not Lot?”
“You heard the man. My brother lives, and his family. So yes, He is watching over him. But I must rescue him and his. The pagan kings cannot be allowed to prevail. The whole of this land is for our sons, and they now count it theirs.”
Sons, he said. Could he believe for even one? She hated his logic, could barely stand that he would leave her and go running off to war. And no one, save his God, knew how long he might be gone. It could be years, if he indeed won the fight and survived to come home to her. If only she had a child to comfort her in her distress.
“I love you, Husband.”
“And I you, beloved. I hate leaving, too. Understand, dear, that I must do this.”
She filled her lungs then exhaled slowly. What could she say? Since only a child she’d known him to be special in God’s sight. The Lord promised His prophet so many heirs that they could not be numbered, as many as the grains of sand on the sea’s edge. Beyond measure.
So…if truly, he’d heard the Lord’s Word…nothing, no one could harm a hair on his head. Shame she could not say the same of her own scalp. Maybe that was it. Perhaps she would be killed and her husband could marry a young woman, one with a fertile womb who could bear him many heirs.
The deadness of her womb mocked her.
She kissed him. “Go with God then, but hurry back to me.”
Ten days out, Abram reached Dan and called for a day of rest. If his stewar
d knew of what he spoke, Tidal and the other kings would be spending more time celebrating their great victory than hurrying home. Abram needed his men and beasts fresh. His scouts had spotted their rear guard less than a day’s march ahead.
The next morn, to his steward’s obvious surprise, he continued letting the camels graze and the young men rest in the lushness of Mount Dan.
Entering the little tent, Eliezer bowed, waited for acknowledgement, then stepped closer when Abram bade him. “My lord, the day is half spent. Should we not press on?”
“Yes, my friend, and so we will, but not for a while yet. Wake me when the shadows grow long.”
The man appeared surprised, then, like someone had kindled a fire in his heart, he appeared to understand. He smiled. “Yes, my lord. Of course. And I will encourage the young men to rest likewise.” He held a finger up. “I will also post sentries.”
“Good.”
Just as the day waned, Abram split his forces. By the moon’s light, his army quietly approached the four kings’ camp. Wine flowed. Tinkling tambourines accompanied the shrill, playful flutes, joined by ringing bells and banging cymbals. The sweet notes hid the footfalls of his armed servants.
Like a pride of lions on a flock of sheep, Abram’s young men fell upon the horde of invaders. Those sober enough fled. The rest didn’t last long. In less than half the stretch it took to break camp, the enemy was routed. Abram and his men pursued the rest all the way to Hobah on the left of Damascus.
The outnumbered forces of Abram slaughtered the four kings and their armies.
The next day he pointed his camel’s nose south.
Instead of a forced march, he took ease for the sake of the huge company of men, women, and children, plus more goods and animals than could be counted for their great numbers. It took Abram a full moon’s worth of shepherding to reach the valley of Shaveh. The desire to rest overrode his longing for home and his wife.
That morn after prayers, he sent a young man to fetch Lot and Eliezer then kindled a fire outside his new tent, a fine thick linen one, well oiled, that had belonged to Tidal, the former King of Nations. His steward arrived soon after the wood blazed, and the nephew sauntered in a good bit later.
“Uncle, should we not be about breaking camp?”
Abram motioned for Lot to sit at his fire. “No, we will stay here a few days in the Vale of Kings. The ample grass and plentiful water for the beasts is a blessing, and we need rest.”
His nephew hiked both shoulders, then allowed his lips to spread a thumb nail’s worth. “At your word, Uncle. I will inform the herdsmen.”
Eliezer, who had been standing out of the way beside a tent pole, came forward. “I will spread the news, sire, get the maidens to boiling laundry water. Shall we feast this night?”
“Yes, indeed. A celebration is in order. We will make merry and rejoice once more in our victory.”
His steward backed away then hurried off, but Lot seemed content to sit by the fire. After a period of silence, his brother’s son spoke, not meeting Abram’s eyes, but staring into the fire. “I’ve decided that I will return to Sodom. I prefer city life to following the sheep.”
The thought to ask how much of his decision centered on the desires of his impatient wife and daughters remained silent. Keeping that in his heart, he only nodded. “After you speak with the herdsmen, ask Mamre and his brothers to grace me with a visit.”
That day and the next passed pleasantly enough until his sleep of the third night got interrupted. A light tap on his tent pole sounded before the entrance flap pulled back enough to let in a ray of lamplight. “My lord.”
“Yes, Eliezer. You may enter.”
The man knelt beside Abram’s sleeping mats. “Sire, the new king of Sodom has entered the vale. The scouts report that he comes in peace with only a few guardsmen.”
“Wake the cooks. We will break our fast with the ruler and his men.”
“As you want, my lord. There is more news.”
Abram sat all the way up, but didn’t stand. “Speak on then.”
“The King of Salem, Melchizedek has sent word. He, too, comes into the vale, speaking of his desires to bless you.”
A chill rode the steward’s words. Abram stood then raised his hand heavenward. “Yes, Lord, at your word.”
What a day.
First the new king of Sodom reached the camp. Abram put him and his men under a canopy to his left hand. The pompous man didn’t seem too pleased, but neither offered a complaint or question about it. He’d barely settled before the next guests arrived. Riding the lead camel of three, bedecked with beads and bells, Melchizedek the King of Peace, entered the encampment.
Without a word or sign, his beast knelt. The priest of the Most High dismounted and strode forward, bearing bread and wine which he offered to Abram. He took the loaf, broke off a piece, then gave it back to the king. His visitor poured and extended a cup full of wine, and he received that as well.
He chewed the bread thoroughly then swallowed the fruit of the vine in one gulp.
The king laid his hand on Abram’s head. “Blessed be you, servant of the Most High God, Possessor of Heaven and Earth. And blessed be the Most High God, Who has delivered your enemies into your hands.”
Abram smiled then turned toward his steward. “Give a tenth of all to the priest of my God.”
Eliezer bowed. “Yes, my lord.”
Once his steward had complied, and the great man on his way back to Salem, Abram bid the king of Sodom to come near, and the man obliged.
“Gracious host, give me the people, and take the stocks and goods for yourself.”
“No. I have lifted up my hand unto the Lord, the High and Almighty One True God that I will not take even a shoe latchet or anything that is yours save only that which the young men have eaten. May it never be said that you made me rich, for my God alone is my provision.
“I also expect that the young men who supported me and fought beside my men, namely Aner, Eshol and Mamre, will receive their portions. Let them take their due.”
The next day, the new king of Sodom took his leave. Abram gave his men and beasts an extra day of rest. Once again, the Lord showed Himself mighty. Filled with undeserved pleasure beyond his imaginations of the Almighty’s bestowed honor upon his head, Abram surveyed the land he’d truly inherited according to the Word of the Lord.
The Promised Land. Master of all the places where he had trod. Just as Pharaoh couldn’t resist, the great kings of the north could not stand before his God.
Free of the horde of the people, their goods, and beasts, Abram and his servants covered the three hundred sixty furlongs to the plains of Mamre in four days. It took him almost as long to inform his wife of all the happenings. It appeared she especially liked how he’d treated the new king of Sodom—and that his nephew had not accepted his invitation to return.
It seemed though, with each new moon back in his encampment, Abram’s joy waned. For all that the Almighty had done for him, he still lacked an heir. And Sarah, in bitter tears, had wept upon each retelling that her time of fertility was gone forever.
Oh, Lord, what does any of it matter if I pass from this life without a son?
His prayer remained the same, year from year, as God continued to multiply everything he possessed.
Then when he’d been in the land ten years, everything changed.
Chapter Nine
One spring day—like so many others, except for the longing in Abram’s heart—of their own, his feet took him away from his encampment to the place where he’d built an altar so many years before. But oddly, he sensed no need for a sacrifice. Instead, he sank to his knees and worshiped the Almighty.
A warmth spread from his heart, engulfed him. He rose to his feet just as the Lord appeared.
Fear not Abram I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward
“Lord God, what will You give me as a prize? I go childless, and the steward of my house is Eliezer of Damascus. You’ve give
n me no seed and one born in my house is my heir.”
Without another Word, the Lord vanished. Abram fell back to his knees and worshiped. Again he’d seen the Lord God face to face yet still drew breath. The sun sank into the west while Abram continued his exaltation of the One True God. As a whole array of countless twinkling stars joined the evening star, again the Word of the Lord came to him.
This one born in your house shall not be your heir but he that shall come forth out of your own bowels shall be your heir
Suddenly, he stood on the top of a knoll, brought to the spot by the Lord and not his own feet.
Look now toward heaven and tell the stars if you be able to number them So shall your seed be
For the longest, in amazement, he stared at the night sky. “Yes, Lord. At your word. My seed shall be as numerous. Bless Your Holy Name.”
Abram lay on his back, imagined a circle he outlined with his fingers, and attempted to count just those lights. But he could not number even those. Again he tried, but his eyes grew salty. A peace settled over him, and he rested in the Lord’s great mercy.
The next morning, he returned to his tent but refrained from telling Sarai about seeing the Lord in the vision. God had not mentioned his wife, only assured him that his heir would come from his loins. The usual troubles of every day distracted him some, but the vision of the previous night lingered as embers in an unstoked fire.
Two hand’s worth of sun after short shadow, a knowing in his heart propelled him back to his altar.
I am the Lord that brought You out of Ur of the Chaldees to give you this land to inherit it
A boldness filled Abram’s soul. “Lord God, how will I know that I shall inherit it?
Take me an heifer of three years old and a she goat of three years old and a ram of three years old and a turtledove and a young pigeon
Abram hurried to comply; with his own hands, he slaughtered each. With a knowing that had come upon him, he divided the beasts in the middle, and laid each piece one against the other, but the birds he kept whole. Once he finished, the fowl swooped down upon the carcasses, but he drove them away.
