And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.
Ver. 16. And he brought back all the goods.] The five kings were deprived of the whole victory, because they sparest not a man whom they should have spared. One act of injustice oft loseth much that was justly gotten. Beware, saith a reverend writer hereupon, a of swallowing ill-gotten wealth; it hath a poisonful operation; and, like some evil simple in the stomach, will bring up the good food together with the evil humours.
And also brought again his brother Lot.] Many a crooked nature would have thought of the old jar, and let Lot taste of the fruits of his departure. In a friend's distress, let former faults be forgotten, and all possible helps afforded.
And the women also, and the people.] The hope of this might haply move that officious messenger to address himself to the old Hebrew, Gen 14:13 little set by, till now that they were in distress. General Vere told the King of Denmark that kings cared not for soldiers (no more did the king of Sodom for Abram, and his soldiers) until such time as the crowns hang on the one side of their heads. b
a Mr Whateley's Archetypes.
b Spec. Belli Sacri, 253.