Genesis 14:24

I just wanted to jot a brief bookmark on this verse for an area of personal interest - capitalism and ideology. It will be a helpful place to begin shaping a biblical view of property and labour as well as providing a foundation from which to consider various idealogical positions. Abram's statement seems to affirm the idea that people should be fairly reimbursed for the work they do and the risks they take. It is also implicit within this affirmation that it is entirely reasonable for the worker to have rights over the possessions they earn through that labour and risk. It is also important to recognise the righteous example Abram sets in his position as a leader within this community - a position that would seem to be on a par with a King. Abram appears not to have exploited those under his jurisdiction. He could have denied the soldier his wage, he could have tried to levy a heavy tax and used it to grow richer himself. Instead Abram models faith, integrity and restraint - an important quality for the father of a nation.