Four kings in the north (near Damascus) defeated five kings in the Sodom area, and the northern kings demanded a tribute.  The five kings in Sodom paid the tribute for 12 years and then rebelled and refused to pay the tribute in the 13th year.  In the 14th year, the four northern kings banded together and came down from Damascus area and defeated six other nations first (Rephaim, Zuzim, Emim, Horites, Amalekites and Amorites).  Interestingly, Amalekites were present prior to Esav’s birth.  The four northern kings then defeated the five Sodom nations and took Lot’s family, other people, and spoils to the north.  Abraham was informed of this outcome, and he chose and led 318 men and two confederates, and attacked the four kings at night.  He defeated the four northern kings and chased them back to Damascus. Abraham returned Lot and family, the other people, and the spoils back to Melchizedek, king-priest, who represented the five Sodom kings.

Why did it say Abraham attacked with 318 trained men and not Abraham attacked with around 300 trained men?  18 is a special number for Jews, and it is associated with Chai (life), because its gematria equals 18 (8 +10).  The 318 means that Abraham had God on his side.  God determines the outcome, and God is not affected by numbers or power.  Clearly, Abraham defeated four experienced kings who had already destroyed 11 kingdoms.  Abraham knew his victory was because of God and when he returned the spoils to Melchizedek, a king-priest, who represented the five Sodom kings, Abraham did not want to benefit from the spoils.  Therefore, he said he didn’t want anything because it would be said he became

wealthier from the war.

We see from this story that God can do anything, and there are no limits to his power.