Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

completely defeated. The victors plundered the cities of the plain
and left with rich spoils and many captives, among whom were Lot
and his family.
Abraham learned the story of his nephew's calamity from
someone who had escaped. All of his affection for Lot was
awakened, and he determined to rescue him. Seeking divine counsel,
Abraham prepared for war. He called up three hundred eighteen
trained servants from his own camp. These were men trained in the
fear of God, in the service of their master, and in the practice of
arms. His allies, Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner, joined him, and together
they started after the invaders. The Elamites had encamped at Dan,
on the northern border of Canaan. Proud and excited with victory,
they had given themselves up to celebrating. Abraham came upon
the encampment by night. His attack, so vigorous and unexpected,
resulted in speedy victory. The king of Elam was killed and his
panic-stricken forces fled in defeat. Lot and his family, with all the
prisoners and goods, were recovered, and the riches of the enemy
fell into the hands of the victors.
Abraham had not only performed a great service for the
country but had proved himself a strong and brave man. It was seen
that Abraham's religion made him courageous in upholding the right
and defending the oppressed. When Abraham returned, the king of
Sodom came out to honor the conqueror, asking only that the
prisoners be restored. The spoils belonged to the conquerors; but
Abraham refused to take advantage of the unfortunate, only
requiring that his allies receive the portion to which they were
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