Why did Abram react to the King of Sodom by saying, “I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal” (Genesis 14:23)?
21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself." 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.' 24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share."
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Asked January 17 2024
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Anonymous
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Tim Maas
Sodom was notorious for its wickedness, even though Abram's nephew Lot chose to live there. After Lot was abducted from Sodom (with the kidnappers also taking much plunder from Sodom along with them), Abram pursued them, rescuing Lot and recovering the plundered loot. In gratitude, the king of Sodom offered to let Abram keep the recovered plunder as a reward, but Abram refused because he did not want to be in any way indebted to the king, both from the standpoint of appearing to have been made rich through their association, and avoiding giving a tacit impression of his approval of the city's sinfulness.
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