Abstract

DEKEN, Alice. Genesis 14 and "The Four Quarters". Old testam. essays [online]. 2018, vol.31, n.1, pp.66-89. ISSN 2312-3621.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2312-3621/2018/v31n1a5.

The first twelve verses of this episode describe an event which was representative of the relationship of the Assyrian Empire with vassal states. Four kings invade a rebel state, subdue it, and take hostages. These events reflect what the writer regards as the typical behaviour of kings both invaders and defenders, who reject the role of the priesthood and hence their subordination to God. These kings are opposed to, and compared to an alliance comprising the king of Sodom, Melchizedek who is both priest and king, and Abram who is not a king. The final member of this opposing foursome is God. This episode takes place within the ongoing debate both within the Bible and in the ANE on the relationship between palace and temple. This text itself becomes evidence for a reconfigured "four corners of the world" presided over by the God of Abram.

Keywords : Genesis 14; four quarters; Melchizedek; Abram; Lot.

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