Genesis14

Genesis 14 recounts a major war where four Eastern kings defeat five kings of the Jordan plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah, capturing Lot, Abram's nephew. Abram, upon learning of Lot's captivity, mobilizes his 318 trained servants and confederates, pursuing and defeating the victorious kings by night to recover all the captives and goods. Afterward, Abram is blessed by Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of the most high God, to whom Abram gives tithes. Abram then nobly refuses any spoils from the King of Sodom, affirming his reliance on the Most High God.

Listen to this chapter

The War of the Four Kings

In those days Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim

went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar).

The latter five came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea).

For twelve years they had been subject to Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim,

and the Horites in the area of Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is near the desert.

Then they turned back to invade En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar.

Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and arrayed themselves for battle in the Valley of Siddim

against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five.

Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some men fell into the pits, but the survivors fled to the hill country.

The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food, and they went on their way.

They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since Lot was living in Sodom.

Abram Pursues and Rescues Lot

Then an escapee came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were bound by treaty to Abram.

And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan.

During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer’s army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.

He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people.

Abram Blessed by Melchizedek

After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High—

and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,

and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

Abram Refuses the Spoils

The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.”

But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,

that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’

I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share for the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.”

Study Notes for Genesis 14

Verse 1

This chapter is a unique historical interlude, detailing an international conflict involving Mesopotamian rulers (Shinar, Elam) and local Canaanite city-states, providing a rare glimpse into the geopolitics of the region.

Verse 2

Sodom and Gomorrah are introduced as part of the rebellious coalition, highlighting their political vulnerability and setting the stage for their later judgment (cf. Gen 19).

Verse 3

The Vale of Siddim is identified as the Salt Sea (the Dead Sea), suggesting that the battle took place in a fertile valley that was later submerged or drastically altered.

Verse 5

Chedorlaomer's campaign route sweeps south along the Transjordanian plateau, targeting existing powerful indigenous groups (Rephaims, Zuzims, Emims) to secure dominance before confronting the rebellious city-states.

Verse 10

The 'slimepits' refer to asphalt or bitumen pits, common near the Dead Sea. These pits caused chaos for the fleeing kings, emphasizing the difficult and treacherous terrain of the battle.

Verse 12

Lot's capture establishes the immediate cause for Abram's involvement. This verse contrasts Abram, living safely in the highlands, with Lot, who chose the wealth and danger of Sodom (Gen 13:10-13).

Verse 13

Abram is first called 'Abram the Hebrew' (*ha-ivri*) here, likely meaning 'the one from across (the River Euphrates),' distinguishing him as a migrant. His Amorite allies demonstrate his established political strength.

Verse 14

Abram's ability to muster 318 trained, house-born servants shows he was not a simple nomad, but a powerful tribal leader (a *sheikh*) whose military capacity rivaled local kings.

Verse 17

The King of Sodom meets Abram first, setting the scene for the contrast between the corrupt secular authority and the pious priest-king who follows.

Verse 18

Melchizedek ('King of Righteousness') is a mysterious, pivotal figure, serving as both King of Salem (traditionally Jerusalem) and priest of *El Elyon*. He prefigures Christ (Hebrews 7).

Verse 19

The title *El Elyon* (God Most High) emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty over all earthly deities and rulers, acknowledging Him as the ultimate 'Possessor/Creator of heaven and earth.'

Verse 20

By giving Melchizedek a tithe (a tenth), Abram recognizes Melchizedek’s superior spiritual authority and acknowledges that God, not his own military strength, granted the victory.

Verse 22

Abram’s oath reinforces his commitment to God’s promise. He refuses the spoils of Sodom to ensure that no corrupt earthly king could claim responsibility for making him rich (cf. 12:2).

Verse 24

Abram maintains his personal integrity while ensuring his allies receive their due portion, demonstrating fairness and honoring the terms of their confederacy.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate

Genesis14

The War of the Four Kings

Abram Pursues and Rescues Lot

Abram Blessed by Melchizedek

Abram Refuses the Spoils

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options