And they— That is, the victors.
REFLECTIONS.—This is the first war recorded in sacred history. Chedorlaomer, with his confederates, attacks the kings who, refused to continue tributaries to him, routs their forces, plunders their cities, and, among the rest of the captives, carries away Lot, for whose sake this victory is recorded. And now Lot began to see the folly of his choice, and to share in the evil of his bad fellow-citizens. Observe, 1. Pride and ambition are the great causes of the desolations which are wrought on the earth. 2. When a nation is sunk in luxury, it becomes an easy prey to any ambitious neighbour. Let us beware! 3. We are to blame ourselves for the mischiefs we meet with in bad company. What doth Lot here? 4. In public calamities the righteous often suffer with the wicked: but the other world will set all things right. 5. Too many are like Lot; when in haste to be rich, only going the ready way to be undone.