Genesis 14:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This knowledge encourages us to aspire to emulate the virtuous behaviors of the faithful, urging us not to falter in our good deeds, but to diligently trust in God’s promises as we await their fulfillment. Therefore, let us dedicate ourselves to reading the Holy Scriptures with utmost care. In doing so, we will gain a deeper understanding of their content if we continually reflect on what they convey. Indeed, it is impossible for someone who diligently engages with the word of God to be overlooked by Him; rather, even without human guidance, the Lord, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, enlightens our minds and reveals profound truths, provided we earnestly seek to contribute our part.

“Ye shall not be called,” Scripture says, “teachers” (Matthew 23:8). Thus, when we take a spiritual book in our hands, we must focus our minds, consolidate our thoughts, and rid ourselves of worldly distractions. We should read with great respect and full attention, so that we may be deemed worthy to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit in our understanding and to reap significant benefits from our reading. Consider the eunuch from Ethiopia, a foreigner, who, even while traveling in a magnificent chariot, did not neglect to read the Scriptures. With the book of the prophet in his hands, he read attentively, despite not fully comprehending its message. Because he applied himself with effort and diligence, he was graciously provided with guidance. Reflect on the significance of his commitment to reading while traveling; this should resonate with those who dismiss the practice at home, believing that the reading of divine texts is unnecessary or inconvenient due to their commitments, whether to family, military service, or other responsibilities. Here was a eunuch, a foreigner, with all the potential distractions of wealth and status; yet his good disposition and earnest diligence overcame these challenges. He persisted in reading and did not echo the common sentiments of today: “I do not understand the content, I cannot grasp its depth, why should I engage in such toil with no one to guide me?” This humble man thought none of these things. Aware he would not be disregarded by God, he sought help from above, diligently reading as he could.

Thus, the loving Lord, recognizing his sincere intent, did not overlook him or leave him without assistance but promptly sent him a teacher. Notice the wisdom of God, how He first allowed the eunuch to do all he could before providing him with help. Once the eunuch had taken the necessary steps, the angel of the Lord instructed Philip to approach him on the deserted road from Jerusalem to Gaza, noting, “behold, the Ethiopian man, the eunuch, the nobleman of Candace, queen of Ethiopia, the keeper of all her treasures, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot, was reading the prophet Isaiah” (Acts 8:26-28). Observe how thoroughly the author describes him: first identifying him as Ethiopian, indicating his foreign status, and then emphasizing his nobility and significant standing—“coming to Jerusalem to worship.” This journey underscores the God-fearing nature of his soul, for at that time, worship was believed to be confined to one location—Jerusalem—requiring considerable effort to visit for prayer. Thus, he traveled to the temple and Jewish worship to honor God. After fulfilling his devotion, Scripture tells us, “he returned, and, sitting in his chariot, read.”

Philip approached him, asking, “Do you understand what you read?” (Acts 8:30). Here is a thoughtful soul, striving to grasp the meaning of a text yet eager to find a guide. Philip’s question stirs this desire in him. His readiness to receive understanding is evident in his response. When Philip, clad in humble attire, inquired, “Do you understand?” the eunuch neither showed distress nor indignation, nor any inclination towards offense as many do when confronted with their ignorance; rather, he responded with gentleness and respect, revealing his character: “How can I understand,” he asked, “unless someone instructs me?” (Acts 8:31). Not only did he reply with humility, but he also went further to demonstrate his openness by inviting Philip, a seemingly poor and lowly man, to join him in his chariot. Do you see his eagerness? His profound reverence? His God-honoring spirit, embodied in the counsel of a wise saying, “If thou seest a wise man, go to him from early morning, and let thy foot grind down the thresholds of his doors” (Sir. 7:36)? Notice how justly God favored him. Observe how rightfully he received divine assistance and lacked nothing in his pursuit of knowledge.

When he finally received a teacher, he comprehended the prophet's words, illuminating his understanding. Do you see the value in attentively reading the sacred Scriptures? This example of the Ethiopian eunuch is to encourage us all—not to feel embarrassed about emulating someone who valued Scriptural reading even amidst travel. This foreigner serves as a guide for everyone—those leading private lives, those in military service or noble positions, and indeed for all people, regardless of gender or lifestyle choices, whether family-oriented or monastic. We can glean from this that there is no time that cannot be dedicated to the reading of God’s word; whether at home or on the move, in bustling markets or during travels, we can immerse ourselves in such reading. When we do our best, we can trust we’ll receive guidance. In recognizing our desire for spiritual enlightenment, the Lord will not abandon us but will provide insight from above and illuminate our understanding. Therefore, let us not neglect to read the Scriptures; whether we grasp their contents fully or not, let us engage with them as often as possible. Regular reading etches the words into our memory, and often, insights that elude us today will suddenly become clear tomorrow as God, in His loving kindness, enlightens our understanding.

Having discussed the continual reading of the divine Scriptures, let us remember that the Lord acts similarly in all matters. When we do our part, He generously grants us His assistance; just as he sent a tutor to the foreigner for his reading, He similarly assists those who strive for virtue. To illustrate this further, let us reflect on the story of the patriarch and revisit some of yesterday’s teachings. Recall how Abraham, in his profound humility towards Lot by giving him the choice of the best land, was rewarded abundantly with a promise far exceeding his merits. Let us examine the virtue of this righteous man, that we may comprehend God’s immeasurable care. God consistently grants the patriarch righteousness of spirit first and subsequently rewards him, wishing to illuminate our path through his example. Thus, we too, should endeavor first to act virtuously and then await our rewards from God.

Now it is time to turn to the present reading, which requires little explanation; simply reading the text reveals the elevated nature of the righteous man's virtue: “And it came to pass,” Scripture states, “in the days of Amraphel king of Sennair, Arioch king of Ellasar, Cedorlaomer king of Elam, and Fidal king of Goim, that they went forth to make war against Bera king of Sodom, against Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemaver king of Seboim, and against the king of Bela, which is Sihor. All these were joined together in the valley of Siddim, where now is the Salt Sea.” Notice the meticulous way the Scripture mentions the names of kings and nations—not without purpose, but to help you recognize their barbarity. They “went” and “made war” against the king of Sodom and others.

Furthermore, the 'valley of the salt pits,' as recorded in the book of Genesis, was once home to tar pits; after experiencing God’s judgment and the rain of sulfur, it transformed into what is now known as the Dead Sea, referred to by the Greeks as 'the lake of tar.'

They are deemed kings in a just sense because sin reigns supreme, holding its vast dominion. Accordingly, the apostle cautions, “Let not sin reign in your mortal body” (Rom. 6:12). Thus, our senses are easily ensnared by physical delights and worldly distractions, becoming subject to their influence. Indeed, the sensual pleasures and temptations of this present age can only be vanquished by a spirit that is resolutely committed to God and distinctly separates itself from earthly matters, for every deviation can ensnare it. Consequently, John declares, “Woe to those who dwell on the earth” (Rev. 8:13). This does not imply that all individuals caring for earthly matters are intended, for there exist those who live on earth yet have their true home in heaven; rather, it denotes those ensnared by the allure of earthly existence and the deceitful nature of this age. Therefore, we are not permanent residents, but pilgrims in this world. A pilgrim places his hopes in a temporary dwelling, whereas a resident appears to anchor his hopes in the possessions he believes he rightfully owns. Hence, the one who is a pilgrim on earth is a citizen of heaven, while the one who is rooted in earthly existence is a subject of death.

The compassionate God, who does not desire the death and downfall of those who sin—even though they deserve eternal judgment—does not swiftly enact His wrath. Instead, He may allow them to experience various calamities, such as foreign incursions, discord, famine, disease, or affliction, hoping they will awaken to their wrongdoing and rehabilitate. Yet, should they remain unrepentant after enduring such hardships, He ultimately relinquishes them to their demise. This was the case with the Sodomites, whom He initially punished through a severe scourge, and when they failed to repent, He consumed them with fire, as will be further discussed. Furthermore, this illustrates how God uses sinfulness to administer justice, as wicked individuals become instruments of divine discipline against others who sin against Him. Hence, He brought punishment upon the Jews through the Chaldeans, the Chaldeans through the Persians, the Persians through the Greeks, the Greeks through the Romans, and the Romans through the Goths. Currently, He disciplines Christians through the Hagarians, evident in places like Greece.