Abraham

===Chedorlaomer===
{{Main|Battle of Siddim}}
[[File:Meeting of abraham and melchizadek.jpg|thumb|upright=.8|''Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek'', canvas by [[Dieric Bouts|Dieric Bouts the Elder]], {{Circa|1464}}–1467]]

During the rebellion of the Jordan River cities, [[Sodom and Gomorrah]], against [[Elam]], Abram's nephew, Lot, was taken prisoner along with his entire household by the invading Elamite forces. The Elamite army came to collect the spoils of war, after having just defeated the king of Sodom's armies.<ref>{{bibleverse|Genesis|14:8–12|niv}}</ref> Lot and his family, at the time, were settled on the outskirts of the Kingdom of Sodom which made them a visible target.<ref>{{bibleverse|Genesis|13:12|niv}}</ref>

One person who escaped capture came and told Abram what happened. Once Abram received this news, he immediately assembled 318 trained servants. Abram's force headed north in pursuit of the Elamite army, who were already worn down from the [[Battle of the Vale of Siddim|Battle of Siddim]]. When they caught up with them at [[Dan (Bible)|Dan]], Abram devised a battle plan by splitting his group into more than one unit, and launched a night raid. Not only were they able to free the captives, Abram's unit chased and slaughtered the Elamite King [[Chedorlaomer]] at Hobah, just north of [[Damascus]]. They freed Lot, as well as his household and possessions, and recovered all of the goods from Sodom that had been taken.<ref>{{bibleverse|Genesis|14:13–16|niv}}</ref>

Upon Abram's return, Sodom's king came out to meet with him in the [[King's dale|Valley of Shaveh]], the "king's dale". Also, [[Melchizedek]] king of Salem ([[Jerusalem]]), a priest of [[Elyon|El Elyon]], brought out bread and wine and blessed Abram and God.<ref>Noth, Martin. ''A History of Pentateuchal Traditions'' (Englewood Cliffs 1972) p. 28</ref> Abram then gave Melchizedek a [[tithe|tenth]] of everything. The king of Sodom then offered to let Abram keep all the possessions if he would merely return his people. Abram declined to accept anything other than the share to which his allies were entitled.