He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people. (Gen 14,15-16)

Someone once said that Abram only needed two things to live: an altar and a tent. In some ways this is true, but somewhat idealized. In earthly life, he would not get along only with the spiritual side (worship of God), although of course that was the most important thing. However, he also had to master very practical skills - to be a farmer, operations manager, businessman, peace negotiator, family father... and perhaps few would expect that in critical moments like this he even had to become a warrior.

We have no idea if he needed such skills before or after, but it is certain that he did not do badly as a military leader. He repulsed the forces of those who had previously won at Sodom and who, as conquerors, were certainly more trained and accustomed to fighting. Of course, Abram was driven by the need to free the close Lot at any cost - in many wars it is the moral force, not just warlike superiority, that is the pointer on the scales.

In the Scriptures we find a number of great men who were the bearers of epoch-making spiritual change, a number of judges who fought for victory. Among them there are people of various skills and professions - shepherds, farmers, builders, winemakers, musicians, top waiters, educated courtiers, carpenters, fishermen, tent makers - but only exceptionally a priest! It is strange how God chooses His instruments, and it is not at all true that His work is based only on professional clergy. Once all that is happening among God's people becomes their domain, a paralyse and stiffening come, the once life-giving movement becomes a static denomination. If it is possible to learn something from the history of the Church, then at least this lesson.