What Offer Did the King of Sodom Make to Abram?
After Abram rescued Lot and the captives taken by King Chedorlaomer and his coalition (Genesis 14), the king of Sodom approached Abram with an offer. This interaction reveals important lessons about integrity, generosity, and Abram’s commitment to honoring God above earthly gain.
1. The Context of the Offer
During the battle of the kings in Genesis 14, Sodom and Gomorrah were defeated, and their people and possessions were carried away. Abram, upon learning that his nephew Lot had also been taken captive, pursued the invading kings with his 318 trained men. He defeated them in a surprise nighttime attack and recovered:
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Lot
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The people who had been captured
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All the goods and possessions taken from Sodom
When Abram returned, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh.
2. The Offer Itself: “Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself”
In Genesis 14:21, the king of Sodom said to Abram:
“Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.”
This offer meant:
A. The king wanted the people back
He asked Abram to return the citizens of Sodom who had been rescued.
B. Abram was invited to keep all the material goods
This included:
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Livestock
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Valuables
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Merchant goods
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All property recovered from the plunder
Essentially, the king of Sodom was offering Abram a massive reward for his military victory.
3. Why the Offer Might Have Seemed Appealing
A. Abram rightfully could claim the spoils
In that era, rescuers commonly kept recovered goods as compensation for their efforts and risk.
B. It would greatly increase his wealth
Abram was already prosperous, but this would add enormous riches.
C. Political advantage
Accepting the offer could create a favorable relationship with Sodom’s king.
Materially and politically, this offer was very attractive.
4. Abram’s Response: A Refusal Grounded in Faith
Abram rejected the king’s offer and said:
“I will accept nothing … so you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’”
(Genesis 14:23)
His reasons show deep spiritual conviction:
A. He did not want anyone but God to receive credit for his prosperity
Accepting the goods could allow the king of Sodom—a symbol of wickedness—to claim influence over Abram’s success.
B. He had already made an oath to God
He had sworn not to take anything from the wicked cities.
C. He wanted to maintain moral purity
Taking wealth from Sodom could imply complicity with their corrupt lifestyle.
5. What This Teaches About Abram’s Character
1. Integrity
Abram refused wealth that would compromise his testimony or create obligations to a corrupt king.
2. Dependence on God
He trusted that God—not earthly rulers—would provide and bless him.
3. Courage to decline tempting offers
Abram had the strength to refuse a profitable deal because of his moral convictions.
4. Generosity
Abram allowed his allies (Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre) to take their portion, showing fairness and honor.
6. The Spiritual Significance of the King’s Offer
The episode reflects a deeper theme in Genesis:
A. Two kings, two choices
Abram met:
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Melchizedek, the righteous king-priest
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The king of Sodom, representing worldly corruption
Abram honors Melchizedek but rejects Sodom’s king—symbolizing a choice between God’s blessing and worldly gain.
B. God’s way vs. the world’s way
Abram refuses riches from a sinful source, choosing spiritual integrity above material reward.
Conclusion
The offer made by the king of Sodom—“give me the people, and take the goods for yourself”—was an attempt to reward Abram for rescuing the captives. Yet Abram’s bold refusal highlights his unwavering trust in God and his commitment to live above compromise.