Genesis 14:1

¶ And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;

And it came to pass in the days {H3117} of Amraphel {H569} king {H4428} of Shinar {H8152}, Arioch {H746} king {H4428} of Ellasar {H495}, Chedorlaomer {H3540} king {H4428} of Elam {H5867}, and Tidal {H8413} king {H4428} of nations {H1471};

When Amrafel was king of Shin'ar, Aryokh king of Elasar, K'dorla'omer king of 'Elam and Tid'al king of Goyim;

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

And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim,

Commentary

Genesis 14:1 introduces the key players in the first significant military conflict recorded in the Bible involving Abraham. This verse sets the stage for a dramatic rescue narrative, highlighting the turbulent geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East during the time of the patriarchs.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Abraham and Lot's separation, detailing a shift to a wider regional conflict. It lists four powerful kings from the East who had held sway over the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah for twelve years. The mention of "Shinar" immediately evokes connections to ancient Mesopotamia, a region historically significant in biblical narratives, including the plain where the Tower of Babel was constructed. This introduction prepares the reader for the ensuing war that will directly impact Abraham's family.

Key Themes

  • Geopolitical Realities: The verse paints a vivid picture of a world with established kingdoms and complex power dynamics. It demonstrates that Abraham's life was lived within a real historical and political context, not in isolation.
  • Introduction to Conflict: It serves as the opening act to a major regional war, which will directly impact Abraham's family through the capture of Lot. This conflict sets the stage for Abraham's first military intervention in the biblical narrative.
  • Divine Orchestration (Implicit): While not explicit in this verse, the unfolding events, initiated by these kings, ultimately provide an opportunity for Abraham to demonstrate his faith and leadership, and for God's protective hand over His chosen servant to be seen.

Linguistic Insights

The names of the kings and their kingdoms offer glimpses into ancient history. "Shinar" (שִׁנְעָר, Shin'ar) is a Hebrew term for Babylonia or Mesopotamia, a region central to early biblical history. "Elam" (עֵילָם, 'Eylam) refers to a powerful kingdom located east of Sumer and Akkad, known for its military prowess. The title "king of nations" for Tidal (תִּדְעָל מֶלֶךְ גּוֹיִם, Tid'al Melech Goyim) suggests a ruler over various peoples or tribes, perhaps a confederation rather than a single established kingdom, reflecting the diverse groups inhabiting the region.

Significance and Application

Genesis 14:1, though seemingly just a list of names and places, is crucial for understanding the unfolding narrative. It grounds the biblical story in real-world history, showing that the patriarchs were not mythical figures but lived amidst genuine political and social turmoil. For us today, it reminds us that God's plan often unfolds within the complexities of human history and global events. Even seemingly distant geopolitical conflicts can have personal implications, as seen in the subsequent capture of Lot in the war and Abraham's valiant response to rescue him (Genesis 14:14). It highlights how God uses various circumstances, even wars, to shape the path of His chosen people and reveal His overarching purpose.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 10:10 (7 votes)

    And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.

  • Genesis 10:22 (4 votes)

    The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.

  • Genesis 11:2 (4 votes)

    And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.

  • Isaiah 11:11 (3 votes)

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

  • Isaiah 37:12 (3 votes)

    Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed, [as] Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which [were] in Telassar?

  • Ezekiel 32:24 (2 votes)

    There [is] Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.

  • Isaiah 22:6 (2 votes)

    And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men [and] horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.