Genesis 14:2

KJV

[That these] made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.

KJV (with Strong's)

That these made {H6213} war {H4421} with {H854} Bera {H1298} king {H4428} of Sodom {H5467}, and with Birsha {H1306} king {H4428} of Gomorrah {H6017}, Shinab {H8134} king {H4428} of Admah {H126}, and Shemeber {H8038} king {H4428} of Zeboiim {H6636}, and the king {H4428} of Bela {H1106}, which is {H1931} Zoar {H6820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

they made war together against Bera king of S'dom and against Birsha king of 'Amora, Shin'av king of Admah, Shem'ever king of Tzvoyim, and the king of Bela (which is the same as Tzo'ar).

Berean Standard Bible

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).

American Standard Version

that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar).

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 14:2 meticulously details the five rebellious kings of the Cities of the Plain—Bera of Sodom, Birsha of Gomorrah, Shinab of Admah, Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (Zoar)—who formed an alliance to defy the Mesopotamian overlord, Chedorlaomer. This verse precisely identifies the key players in the regional conflict, setting the immediate historical and geopolitical stage for the "War of the Kings" that will directly lead to Lot's capture and Abram's subsequent, divinely-ordained intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Genesis 14:1](/genesis/14-1 "The Kings of the East") which introduces the four powerful eastern kings—Chedorlaomer, Amraphel, Arioch, and Tidal—who had held the Cities of the Plain in subjugation for twelve years. [Genesis 14:2](/genesis/14-2 "The Rebellious Kings of the Plain") marks the beginning of the thirteenth year, signaling the moment of rebellion by the five western kings. This act of defiance directly precipitates the "War of the Kings" described in the subsequent verses, leading to the dramatic events that will draw Abram into the conflict, particularly through the capture of his nephew Lot. The narrative meticulously sets the stage for a major regional conflict, highlighting the precariousness of Lot's chosen dwelling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the patriarchs was characterized by shifting alliances and regional conflicts among city-states and emerging empires. The "Cities of the Plain"—Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar)—were likely prosperous due to their location in the fertile Jordan Valley, but they existed as vassal states under the dominion of powerful Mesopotamian rulers like Chedorlaomer. Rebellion against such overlords was a high-stakes gamble, often resulting in swift and brutal retaliation, as the narrative will soon demonstrate. The names of the kings and cities, though perhaps obscure to modern readers, would have been recognizable entities in the ancient Near East, painting a picture of a specific geopolitical landscape where power, tribute, and independence were constantly contested.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 14:2 contributes to several overarching themes within the broader narrative of Genesis. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **human conflict and its consequences**, illustrating how political rebellion can lead to widespread devastation and personal tragedy, as seen in Lot's capture. Secondly, it serves as a crucial **introduction to the "Cities of the Plain,"** particularly Sodom and Gomorrah, which will become archetypes of human depravity and the recipients of God's righteous judgment later in the narrative ([Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")). Their identification here sets the stage for future theological lessons on sin, justice, and mercy. Thirdly, this verse subtly prepares the way for **Abram's emerging role as a deliverer and a man of faith**. Though not directly mentioned, the conflict described here directly precipitates the capture of Lot, which in turn necessitates Abram's intervention, highlighting how seemingly unrelated geopolitical events align with God's overarching plan for His chosen people, as foreshadowed by Abram's separation from Lot in [Genesis 13:10-12](/genesis/13-10-12 "Lot chooses the Jordan Plain").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **war (Hebrew, _milchâmâh'_):** From the root meaning "to fight," this term refers to a battle, engagement, or generally, warfare. In this context, it signifies the armed conflict initiated by the rebellion of the five kings against their Mesopotamian overlords, setting the stage for the major confrontation described in the chapter.
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to rule" or "to reign," this word denotes a monarch, sovereign, or ruler of a city-state or kingdom. Its repeated use in this verse emphasizes the political structure of the region, highlighting the individual authority figures who are now uniting in defiance.
* **Bera (Hebrew, _Beraʻ'_):** A proper name of uncertain derivation, but often interpreted as meaning "in evil" or "with evil." As the king of Sodom, a city that becomes synonymous with wickedness and divine judgment, this name carries a potent, perhaps prophetic, significance, subtly hinting at the moral character of the city and its ruler.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That these made war":** This opening clause immediately establishes the central action of the verse: a military uprising. "These" refers to the five kings and their city-states, signifying their collective decision to rebel against the established authority of Chedorlaomer and his allies, setting in motion the conflict that will define the chapter.
* **"with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah":** This identifies the first two, and most prominent, of the rebellious kings and their infamous cities. The names themselves, "Bera" (possibly "in evil") and "Birsha" (possibly "with wickedness"), are often seen as reflecting the moral depravity for which Sodom and Gomorrah would become notorious, foreshadowing their eventual destruction.
* **"Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim":** These clauses continue the detailed enumeration of the rebellious leaders and their city-states. Admah and Zeboiim are consistently grouped with Sodom and Gomorrah in later biblical accounts of divine judgment, reinforcing the collective wickedness and shared fate of these cities of the plain.
* **"and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.":** This final clause identifies the fifth king and city. The parenthetical "which is Zoar" provides a crucial clarification, indicating that Bela was either renamed Zoar or was commonly known by both designations. The name "Bela" means "swallowing" or "destruction," while "Zoar" means "smallness" or "insignificance," a detail that becomes highly significant later when Zoar is spared from the destruction that befalls the other cities, specifically due to Lot's plea for it as a small refuge ([Genesis 19:20-22](/genesis/19-20-22 "Lot's plea for Zoar")).

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 14:2 primarily employs **Listing** or **Cataloguing**, a common biblical device used to provide detailed information, often to establish the scope or participants of an event. Here, it meticulously lists the five kings and their respective city-states, serving as a roster for the impending conflict. This precise enumeration lends an air of historicity and specificity to the narrative. Additionally, the verse utilizes **Nomenclature** or **Etymology**, as the names of the kings and cities themselves carry symbolic or prophetic weight (e.g., Bera, Birsha, Bela/Zoar). These names subtly hint at the character of the rulers and the ultimate fate of their cities, adding a layer of ironic **Foreshadowing** to the narrative, particularly concerning the future judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 14:2, while seemingly a mere historical record of alliances, serves as a foundational stone for deeper theological insights. It underscores the reality of human rebellion, not only against earthly powers but implicitly against the moral order God established. The detailed listing of these kings and cities, particularly Sodom and Gomorrah, sets the stage for their role as archetypes of human depravity and the recipients of divine judgment, illustrating God's righteous wrath against sin. Yet, amidst this human conflict and impending judgment, God's sovereign hand is subtly at work, orchestrating events to prepare for Abram's intervention, which will demonstrate His protection over His chosen servant and the unfolding of His covenant purposes.

* [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")
* [Deuteronomy 29:23](/deuteronomy/29-23 "The Desolation of the Land")
* [Genesis 14:14-16](/genesis/14-14-16 "Abram's Rescue of Lot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 14:2 reminds us that even in the midst of complex geopolitical struggles and human rebellion, God's overarching plan is at work, often using the choices and conflicts of humanity to advance His purposes. The detailed identification of these morally compromised cities and their leaders serves as a subtle warning: the environments we choose and the company we keep can significantly impact our lives, sometimes placing us in vulnerable positions that entangle us in the world's conflicts and consequences. Lot's decision to settle near Sodom, though seemingly advantageous, ultimately exposed him to the dangers of a corrupt society. This verse, therefore, encourages us to exercise discernment in our associations and dwelling places, recognizing that while God can deliver us from any situation, wisdom dictates we avoid unnecessary exposure to sin's entanglements, trusting in God's providence to guide our paths and provide faithful brethren for support in times of trouble.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the names of the kings and cities in this verse subtly foreshadow their character or fate, and what does this teach us about the consequences of wickedness?**
* **In what ways might our own choices of environment or association, like Lot's, expose us to spiritual or physical dangers?**
* **How does God's sovereignty operate even amidst seemingly chaotic human conflicts, as seen in this chapter's setup for Abram's role?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Bela, which is Zoar"?**

Answer: The phrase "Bela, which is Zoar" is a parenthetical clarification indicating that the city originally known as Bela was either renamed Zoar or was commonly known by both names at the time of Genesis's writing. The original name "Bela" likely means "swallowing" or "destruction," potentially reflecting its initial character or a past event. However, the alternative name "Zoar" means "smallness" or "insignificance." This dual naming is highly significant because Zoar was the only city of the plain that was spared from the divine destruction that befell Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim. This sparing occurred specifically because Lot pleaded for it as a refuge, highlighting its relatively lesser status or size compared to the other major cities of the plain, as detailed in [Genesis 19:20-22](/genesis/19-20-22 "Lot's plea for Zoar"). Thus, the name "Zoar" serves as a poignant reminder of God's mercy amidst judgment and the specific circumstances of its preservation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 14:2 primarily sets the historical stage for a regional conflict, it indirectly points to Christ through the subsequent actions of Abram, who emerges as a type of kinsman-redeemer. The plight of the kings and their cities, leading to Lot's captivity, vividly illustrates humanity's universal bondage to sin and the desperate need for a deliverer. Abram's heroic and selfless rescue of Lot, a seemingly impossible feat against overwhelming odds, foreshadows Christ's ultimate redemptive work. Just as Abram, a man of faith, intervenes in a war of earthly kings to liberate those held captive, so Christ, the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of kings"), enters into the spiritual battle against the powers of sin and death. He does not merely rescue a few, but through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He delivers all who are held captive by the enemy, bringing them out of the dominion of darkness and into [His marvelous light](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called out of darkness"). Christ's victory over sin and death, as described in passages like [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness"), offers true and eternal freedom, fulfilling the ancient foreshadowing of Abram's courageous act.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 13:10

¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Genesis 10:19

And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.

Hosea 11:8

¶ How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

Isaiah 1:9

Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, [and] we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

Isaiah 1:10

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Nehemiah 11:34

Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,