This sheet on Genesis 14 was written by Asa Kasher for 929 and can also be found here
The Background: A regional war of four kings against five kings, among them the king of Sodom. Abram does not participate in the war.
The Pretext: The four kings exploit their success in the war against the king of Sodom and act against Lot, who also "dwells in Sodom" (Genesis 14:12) and takes him captive. Lot is Abram's nephew.
The Significance: Lot was kidnapped because he is Abram's nephew. "The enemy came only for Lot" (in the language of Midrash Hagadol), because the enemy "expected Abraham to pay a heavy ransom for the release of his nephew" (in the language of Sforno).
Brotherhood: Abram quickly learned that "his kinsman (literally, his brother) had been taken captive” (Genesis 14:14)." In times of trouble, his nephew is like “his brother.” And a problem that his brother cannot solve himself is a problem for him and he must try to solve it.
Amassing the Troops: At Abram’s disposal are “his retainers, born into his household,” (Genesis 14:14) who learned to fight when necessary. Abram arms them ("he mustered" them).
Preference for the Military Option: Given that Lot is in enemy hands, Abram has the option to negotiate Lot’s release for a ransom, but he believes that Lot can be released in a military operation, without negotiations, with no ranson; and that is the better option.
The Campaign Strategy: Abram's force operates under two commands ("and he deployed--literally, divided, them") at the appropriate time ("night"). One force attacks and one force works for the release of the captive.
The use of force: One section of Abram's troops fights his enemies and beats them. In their flight, those troops chase after them in order to defeat those in retreat as well. The second force frees Lot "and also the women and the rest of the people” (Genesis 14:16).
Summary: The objectives of the operation were fully achieved, without losses on Abram’s side and without having to pay any ransom, in accordance with the appropriate rules of conduct in warfare.
The Pretext: The four kings exploit their success in the war against the king of Sodom and act against Lot, who also "dwells in Sodom" (Genesis 14:12) and takes him captive. Lot is Abram's nephew.
The Significance: Lot was kidnapped because he is Abram's nephew. "The enemy came only for Lot" (in the language of Midrash Hagadol), because the enemy "expected Abraham to pay a heavy ransom for the release of his nephew" (in the language of Sforno).
Brotherhood: Abram quickly learned that "his kinsman (literally, his brother) had been taken captive” (Genesis 14:14)." In times of trouble, his nephew is like “his brother.” And a problem that his brother cannot solve himself is a problem for him and he must try to solve it.
Amassing the Troops: At Abram’s disposal are “his retainers, born into his household,” (Genesis 14:14) who learned to fight when necessary. Abram arms them ("he mustered" them).
Preference for the Military Option: Given that Lot is in enemy hands, Abram has the option to negotiate Lot’s release for a ransom, but he believes that Lot can be released in a military operation, without negotiations, with no ranson; and that is the better option.
The Campaign Strategy: Abram's force operates under two commands ("and he deployed--literally, divided, them") at the appropriate time ("night"). One force attacks and one force works for the release of the captive.
The use of force: One section of Abram's troops fights his enemies and beats them. In their flight, those troops chase after them in order to defeat those in retreat as well. The second force frees Lot "and also the women and the rest of the people” (Genesis 14:16).
Summary: The objectives of the operation were fully achieved, without losses on Abram’s side and without having to pay any ransom, in accordance with the appropriate rules of conduct in warfare.
Prof. Asa Kasher is Professor Emeritus of Professional Ethics and Philosophy, Tel Aviv University, Israel Prize Laureate for Philosophy.
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