Genesis 14:2

[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.

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}.

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).

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).

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

Commentary on Genesis 14:2 (KJV)

Genesis 14:2 introduces the key players in a significant regional conflict in the ancient Near East, setting the stage for one of Abram's most notable early actions. This verse details the five kings of the "Cities of the Plain" who allied against a coalition of Mesopotamian kings, establishing the historical backdrop for the subsequent events.

Context

This verse immediately follows Genesis 14:1, which names Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his allies who had subjugated these five kings for twelve years. Genesis 14:2 signals the beginning of their rebellion in the thirteenth year, leading to what is often called the "War of the Kings." The cities mentioned—Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (which is Zoar)—were located in the fertile plain of the Jordan, a region Lot had chosen to settle after his separation from Abram (Genesis 13:11). The conflict described here directly impacts Lot's safety and draws Abram into the fray.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Regional Conflict and Instability: The verse highlights the turbulent political landscape of Canaan during the patriarchal period, characterized by shifting alliances and frequent warfare between city-states and larger empires.
  • Introduction to the Cities of the Plain: It formally introduces the five cities that would later become infamous for their wickedness and subsequent divine judgment. Sodom and Gomorrah, in particular, are central to later biblical narratives regarding God's justice and wrath (Genesis 19:24).
  • Preparation for Abram's Intervention: While Abram is not yet mentioned in this verse, the war it describes directly precipitates the capture of Lot, prompting Abram's heroic rescue mission and his subsequent encounter with Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18).

Linguistic Insights

The names of the kings (Bera, Birsha, Shinab, Shemeber) and cities are largely Semitic in origin. The phrase "Bela, which is Zoar" is a parenthetical clarification, indicating that Bela was either renamed Zoar or was commonly known by both names. Zoar itself means "smallness," perhaps reflecting its lesser status or size compared to the other cities, or its later role as a refuge for Lot.

Practical Application

This verse, though a historical detail, underscores how seemingly isolated events can connect to a larger divine narrative. It reminds us that even in the midst of human conflict and political maneuvering, God's purposes are at work, often setting the stage for significant developments in the lives of His chosen people. The choices we make, like Lot's decision to settle near Sodom, can place us in vulnerable positions, requiring divine intervention or the help of others.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 13:10 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

    [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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,