Aner was one of the three Amorite chiefs who were allied with Abram (later Abraham) during the time of the War of the Kings, one of the earliest military conflicts recorded in the Bible. His importance is established by his role in supporting Abram’s daring rescue mission.
🤝 The Covenant of Alliance
Aner, along with his brothers Eshcol and Mamre, was a local Amorite chieftain who lived in the vicinity of Hebron. The Scripture specifically notes the strong relationship these men had with Abram:
“And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the King’s dale. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.” (Genesis 14:14-24, KJV)
Aner and his brothers lived in a covenant of alliance with Abram, which afforded Abram safety and regional stability during his nomadic life.
⚔️ The Rescue of Lot
When the eastern coalition of kings (including Amraphel) defeated the kings of the Jordan plain and carried off Abram’s nephew Lot, Aner and his brothers honored their alliance. They joined Abram’s pursuit, confirming their loyalty and shared risk in attacking the mighty armies of the east.
Aner’s participation was crucial, adding their forces and local knowledge to Abram’s 318 trained servants. This combined force successfully executed a surprise night attack, recovering Lot and all the stolen goods.
🔑 The Portion of Loyalty
The final mention of Aner is significant. After the victory, the King of Sodom offered Abram all the recovered spoils. Abram, demonstrating his faith and integrity, refused to take any booty, swearing that the Lord alone had made him wealthy.
However, Abram explicitly set aside a portion for his allies, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.
“…Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.” (Genesis 14:24, KJV)
This act shows that while Abram maintained his spiritual distinction, he fully respected his human agreements and alliances. Aner and his brothers were recognized and rewarded for their courage, loyalty, and commitment to stand with Abram in a time of great danger.