Last week’s reflection is a foundation for this week’s since the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13-14 is an enlargement upon the way tribal responsibility was actually practiced.

Lot, Abraham’s nephew, has shared in the growth of their common flocks to the point where their herdsmen have quarreled over the grazing space. So Abraham generously proposes that they separate. He gave Lot first choice of the land available. Lot chose the fertile Jordan plain and Abraham moved his livestock to the west. It certainly seemed as if Lot had the best of the deal until his new territory was overrun by enemy raiders. Lot and his entire family were kidnapped. When the news came to Uncle Abraham, he needed to reflect. He rounded up his men and set out in pursuit. He was successful.

It is interesting the way that Genesis 14:16 speaks of the rescue: “He brought back his nephew Lot with his goods, and the women and the people.” Men and goods first, women and household servants second. And the third point here is that Abraham is hailed by the King of Salem (early Jerusalem). Melchisedech brings out bread and wine, and blesses Abraham by God Most High. In return, Abraham offers him a tithe of everything he and his men have carried away after their conquest of the enemy.

We do not really know who this God Most High is whom, Melchisedech worships. The bloodless offering he makes is an intriguing foreshadowing of a communion tale yet to be set. Why does Abraham gift him so generously?

This is all to be thought about today.