Genesis 14:5

And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that [were] with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,

And in the fourteenth {H6240}{H702} year {H8141} came {H935} Chedorlaomer {H3540}, and the kings {H4428} that were with him, and smote {H5221} the Rephaims {H7497} in Ashteroth Karnaim {H6255}, and the Zuzims {H2104} in Ham {H1990}, and the Emims {H368} in Shaveh Kiriathaim {H7741},

In the fourteenth year K'dorla'omer and the kings with him came and defeated the Refa'im in 'Asht'rot-Karnayim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Eimim in Shaveh-Kiryatayim

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 in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim,

Commentary

Genesis 14:5 opens a crucial phase in the "War of the Kings," a significant military campaign detailed in this chapter. It describes the initial, devastating sweep of Chedorlaomer, King of Elam, and his allied Mesopotamian kings, as they reassert their dominance over rebellious city-states in the region.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse sets the stage for a dramatic conflict in ancient Canaan, preceding Abraham's direct involvement. For twelve years, the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, and their allies had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year, they rebelled (Genesis 14:4). The fourteenth year marks the retaliatory campaign. Chedorlaomer and his coalition first targeted groups in Transjordan and beyond, demonstrating their immense power and military reach before confronting the rebellious kings of the plain. The mention of specific tribes and locations – the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim – provides a historical snapshot of the diverse peoples inhabiting the land during this early period.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Orchestration: While seemingly a secular war, this conflict ultimately serves to bring Abraham into a pivotal role, leading to the rescue of Lot and a significant encounter with Melchizedek. It highlights how God can use geopolitical events to advance His purposes.
  • Ancient Power Dynamics: The verse powerfully illustrates the military might of the Mesopotamian empires (like Elam and Shinar) over the smaller city-states and indigenous tribes of Canaan.
  • Pre-Israelite Inhabitants: It introduces us to ancient, often formidable, peoples of the region, such as the Rephaims, Zuzims, and Emims, who are depicted as powerful and often associated with giant stature in other biblical texts.

Linguistic Insights

The names of the conquered peoples are significant:

  • Rephaims (Repha'im): This term often refers to ancient inhabitants of Canaan, sometimes described as giants or mighty warriors. Their defeat underscores the strength of Chedorlaomer's forces.
  • Zuzims: Another ancient people, possibly related to the Zamzummims mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:20.
  • Emims: Also described as a powerful, giant-like people, analogous to the Anakims (Deuteronomy 2:10).

These terms paint a picture of a land populated by formidable groups, making Chedorlaomer's victories all the more impressive.

Practical Application and Reflection

Genesis 14:5 reminds us that even before Abraham's direct involvement, the stage was being set for God's redemptive plan. The chaos and conflicts of the world, though seemingly random, can be part of a larger divine narrative. This historical account foreshadows God's active involvement in human affairs, even through the actions of pagan kings, to ultimately protect His chosen lineage and fulfill His promises. It encourages us to look for God's hand in the unfolding of history, recognizing that His purposes will prevail, even amid global turmoil.

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

  • Deuteronomy 3:11

    For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead [was] a bedstead of iron; [is] it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits [was] the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

  • Deuteronomy 2:10

    The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims;

  • Deuteronomy 2:11

    Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims.

  • Deuteronomy 1:4

    After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:

  • Genesis 15:20

    And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,

  • Deuteronomy 3:22

    Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.

  • Joshua 13:19

    And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley,
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