How did Abram respond to the king of Sodom’s offer?
a) He accepted the goods but refused the people
b) He refused to take anything, so no one could say they made him rich
c) He accepted everything offered
d) He negotiated for more goods
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b) He refused to take anything, so no one could say they made him rich.
In the Bible, specifically in Genesis 14:21-24, Abram (later known as Abraham) is offered goods by the king of Sodom after he has successfully rescued his nephew Lot and others who were taken captive. The king of Sodom offers Abram all the goods recovered during the battle. However, Abram refuses the offer. He tells the king that he will not take anything from him, not even a thread or a sandal strap, because he does not want anyone to claim that the king of Sodom made him rich.
Abram’s refusal was a way of maintaining his independence and ensuring that no one could take credit for his wealth. By rejecting the offer, Abram emphasized his reliance on God rather than any earthly king or man-made wealth. This also served to protect his integrity and witness to others, showing that he trusted in God’s provision instead of depending on the king’s generosity.
This incident illustrates Abram’s commitment to his values and his belief that his blessings and success came from God alone, not from any human source. It also highlights Abram’s leadership and wisdom, as he understood the potential consequences of accepting such an offer, both in terms of his own reputation and his relationship with God. His refusal set a powerful example of faith and humility.