Scripture Readings

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Genesis 14:14-20 (Vespers, 1st reading, Sunday Before)

14
Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.
15
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.
16
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.
17
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him.
18
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High.
19
And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;
20
And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all.