They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way.
Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner. These were allies of Abram. When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.
Comment: These 5 verses make us realise that a lot more is going on than what is highlighted in the story as told in the Bible. What is needed to advance the story of God’s plan for the world (His redemptive plan) is included but there was a whole lot with many cultures, tensions and life experiences going on around the reported stories. Abram had obviously, living as and where he did, found it necessary to train a small, but efficient, private army. Reading between the lines they were obviously good tacticians and knew how to and when to surprise attack the people who had taken Lot and his community captive and they went on to win the battle.
Prayer: In my life, mixed up as it is with many who deny You, help me to be true to You!
As I read it! 