And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
The king of Sodom proposed the bargain to Abraham that Abraham should return the persons and keep the goods for himself. Although he could have claimed a share of the war spoils, Abraham refused to keep the goods, because he had fought to rescue others rather than to gain wealth. He would not turn the rescue into personal gain, and his refusal was just and considerate, refusing to take what belonged to the king and to enrich himself at another's expense. He refused in part so the king could not claim to have made him rich, leaving the credit for his prosperity with God.
While refusing for himself, he stipulated that his allies should receive their rightful share. The exchange belongs to Abraham's friendly dealings with neighboring rulers. By his integrity and unselfishness, as well as his courage and generosity in the affair, he revealed the character of God even to the people of Sodom.
The king of Sodom proposed the bargain to Abraham that Abraham should return the persons and keep the goods for himself. Although he could have claimed a share of the war spoils, Abraham refused to keep the goods, because he had fought to rescue others rather than to gain wealth. He would not turn the rescue into personal gain, and his refusal was just and considerate, refusing to take what belonged to the king and to enrich himself at another's expense. He refused in part so the king could not claim to have made him rich, leaving the credit for his prosperity with God.
While refusing for himself, he stipulated that his allies should receive their rightful share. The exchange belongs to Abraham's friendly dealings with neighboring rulers. By his integrity and unselfishness, as well as his courage and generosity in the affair, he revealed the character of God even to the people of Sodom.