Genesis 14:7

KJV

And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which [is] Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they returned {H7725}, and came {H935} to {H413} Enmishpat {H5880}, which is Kadesh {H6946}, and smote {H5221} all the country {H7704} of the Amalekites {H6003}, and also the Amorites {H567}, that dwelt {H3427} in Hazezontamar {H2688}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next they turned back, came to 'Ein-Mishpat (which is the same as Kadesh), and defeated all the country of the 'Amaleki, and also the Emori, who lived in Hatzatzon-Tamar.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And they returned, and came to En-mishpat (the same is Kadesh), and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazazon-tamar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 14:7 meticulously traces the southward progression of the four Mesopotamian kings' military campaign, led by Chedorlaomer, as they "returned" to Enmishpat, which is identified as Kadesh. At this strategic location, they comprehensively subjugated the territory of the Amalekites and the Amorites residing in Hazezontamar (modern En-gedi). This verse offers vital geographical and demographic insights into ancient Canaan, underscoring the extensive reach of the invading forces and introducing peoples who would later play pivotal roles in Israel's history, all within the unfolding divine narrative that culminates in Abram's decisive intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 14 presents a unique historical account within the patriarchal narratives, detailing a significant military conflict involving powerful eastern kings and Canaanite city-states. Verses [Genesis 14:1-4](/genesis/14-1-4 "The Battle of the Kings and the Rebellion of Sodom") set the stage with the rebellion of five city-states against Chedorlaomer. The preceding verses, [Genesis 14:5-6](/genesis/14-5-6 "The Kings' Campaign: Initial Conquests"), meticulously chronicle the invaders' initial conquests to the north and east, systematically subduing various peoples. Verse 7 continues this itinerary, shifting the focus to their southwestward movement, demonstrating the thoroughness of their campaign to secure regional dominance and punish disloyal vassals. This strategic sweep ultimately positions them for the climactic confrontation in the [Valley of Siddim](/genesis/14-8 "The Battle in the Valley of Siddim"), which directly leads to Lot's capture and sets the stage for Abram's divinely empowered rescue.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Genesis 14 reflect the geopolitical realities of the ancient Near East during the early second millennium BCE, a period characterized by shifting alliances, regional conflicts, and the rise of powerful city-states and empires. The presence of kings from Mesopotamia (Elam, Shinar, Ellasar, Goiim) indicates a significant projection of power into Canaan, a region often serving as a land bridge and buffer zone between major powers. The mention of specific peoples like the Amalekites and Amorites, and locations such as Kadesh and Hazezontamar, provides a snapshot of the diverse tribal and ethnic landscape of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest. Military campaigns of this scale were common, often driven by tribute collection, territorial expansion, or punitive expeditions against rebellious vassals, underscoring the volatile nature of the region and the constant threat of external powers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the broader narrative of Genesis 14, contributes to several key themes. It highlights **God's Sovereignty** over human affairs, even in seemingly secular military conflicts, as the kings' actions inadvertently prepare the way for Abram's righteous intervention and the unfolding of God's covenant purposes. The meticulous geographical and demographic details reinforce the theme of **The Land and Its Inhabitants**, emphasizing the diverse peoples inhabiting Canaan, which God had promised to Abram and his descendants (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of the Land to Abram")). Furthermore, the early introduction of peoples like the Amalekites and Amorites serves as **Foreshadowing** for future interactions and conflicts with Israel, illustrating the long-term narrative design of Scripture and God's foreknowledge of the challenges His people would face in the promised land (cf. [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "The Iniquity of the Amorites Not Yet Complete")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies a decisive and forceful military action, indicating that the invading kings inflicted a severe defeat upon the Amalekites and Amorites, likely involving slaughter, plunder, and subjugation. This verb emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their conquest.
* **dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, a primitive root meaning "to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain." This word describes the established presence of the Amorites in Hazezontamar, indicating that this was their settled habitation. It highlights their rootedness in the land, making their defeat by the invading kings a significant disruption to their established way of life.
* **Enmishpat (Hebrew, _ʻÊyn Mishpâṭ'_):** From H5880, meaning "fountain of judgment." This proper noun refers to a specific geographical location, identified as Kadesh. The name itself suggests a place of legal or tribal arbitration, or perhaps a site where a significant judgment (military or judicial) occurred. Its identification with Kadesh underscores its strategic importance as a vital oasis and a point of decision or reckoning in the desert.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which [is] Kadesh"**: This clause marks a crucial directional shift in the campaign of the four kings. Having swept through regions to the east and north, their "return" indicates a pivot, likely westward or southwestward, bringing them into the arid wilderness regions. Enmishpat, meaning "Fountain of Judgment," is explicitly identified with Kadesh, a significant oasis and strategic location in the wilderness of Zin. This identification is vital for understanding the ancient geography and foreshadows Kadesh's immense importance in Israel's later history, notably as a primary encampment during the Exodus and the site from which the spies were sent into Canaan (cf. [Numbers 13:26](/numbers/13-26 "The Spies Sent from Kadesh-barnea")). The kings' arrival here demonstrates their deep penetration into the southern reaches of Canaan.
* **"and smote all the country of the Amalekites"**: This phrase details the invading forces' military action against the Amalekites, one of the earliest biblical mentions of this people group. The Amalekites are depicted as inhabiting the southern regions of Canaan, specifically the Negeb. The verb "smote" indicates a comprehensive and decisive defeat, suggesting a thorough subjugation of their territory. This early encounter foreshadows the long and bitter animosity that would characterize the relationship between the Amalekites and the nation of Israel for centuries, beginning with their unprovoked attack on the Israelites during the Exodus (cf. [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Amalek Attacks Israel at Rephidim")).
* **"and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar."**: This final clause identifies another significant people group, the Amorites, and their specific dwelling place. The Amorites were a widespread Semitic people, prominent throughout Canaan both before and during the Israelite conquest. Hazezontamar is widely identified with modern En-gedi, a fertile oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, renowned for its abundant springs and lush vegetation. The kings' campaign extending to this location on the Dead Sea coast highlights the vast geographical scope and methodical thoroughness of their military operations, designed to eliminate all potential resistance and secure the loyalty of the region's diverse inhabitants.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 14:7 employs several significant **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Geographical Specificity**, where precise place names like Enmishpat (Kadesh) and Hazezontamar are used. This detailed naming anchors the narrative in a verifiable historical and geographical reality, lending credibility to the account and allowing readers to trace the invaders' movements. Coupled with this is **Ethno-geographical Survey**, as the verse explicitly names the "Amalekites" and "Amorites" in conjunction with their dwelling places. This serves to introduce key peoples of the land, providing a demographic snapshot of Canaan during the patriarchal era. Furthermore, the early mention of the Amalekites functions as **Foreshadowing** or a **Proleptic Mention**. While seemingly a simple historical detail, their inclusion sets the stage for their significant and often hostile role in Israel's later history, subtly hinting at future conflicts and God's long-term plan for His people and the land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 14:7, while detailing a historical military campaign, subtly reveals God's overarching sovereignty even amidst human conflict and ambition. The movements of these powerful kings, seemingly driven by their own geopolitical interests, are implicitly part of a larger divine plan, preparing the stage for Abram's righteous act and the unfolding of God's covenant purposes. The early introduction of the Amalekites and Amorites, peoples who would become significant adversaries to Israel, highlights God's foreknowledge and the Bible's long-term narrative design, demonstrating that God's plan often involves navigating through hostile environments.

* [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Amalek Attacks Israel at Rephidim"): This passage vividly describes the Amalekites' unprovoked attack on Israel in the wilderness and God's subsequent command for their remembrance to be blotted out, fulfilling the foreshadowing in Genesis 14:7.
* [Numbers 13:26](/numbers/13-26 "The Spies Return to Kadesh"): This verse confirms Kadesh's crucial role as the base from which the twelve spies were sent into Canaan, underscoring its historical importance established in Genesis 14:7.
* [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "The Iniquity of the Amorites Not Yet Complete"): God tells Abram that his descendants will return to Canaan in the fourth generation because "the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete," highlighting God's patience and the eventual judgment upon these inhabitants, whose presence is noted in Genesis 14:7.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 14:7, though a verse rich in historical and geographical detail, offers a profound spiritual reflection on the nature of divine providence. It reminds us that even in the seemingly chaotic ebb and flow of human history—the rise and fall of empires, the clash of armies, and the pursuit of earthly power—God remains supremely sovereign. The meticulous account of the kings' campaign, leading them precisely to the strategic points where key peoples resided and where Lot would eventually be captured, illustrates that God's unseen hand guides and orchestrates events, ensuring that all things ultimately serve His perfect, redemptive purposes. For believers today, this truth provides immense comfort and encouragement: just as God was actively at work in the geopolitical complexities of ancient Canaan, He is intimately involved in the intricate circumstances of our modern world, ensuring that His will is accomplished. We are called to cultivate a deep trust in His sovereignty, even when the path ahead seems unclear or when powerful earthly forces appear to dominate the landscape. This trust enables us to live with confident hope, knowing that our lives and the grand narrative of history are securely held in the hands of an all-wise and all-powerful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed geographical and demographic information in this verse deepen your understanding of God's meticulous involvement in history?**
* **In what ways does the early mention of future adversaries like the Amalekites and Amorites encourage you about God's foreknowledge and long-term planning?**
* **How can recognizing God's sovereignty over global events, as depicted here, impact your prayer life and your response to current world affairs?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Enmishpat being identified as Kadesh?**

Answer: The identification of Enmishpat with Kadesh (later Kadesh-barnea) is profoundly significant because it establishes a vital geographical and historical link between the patriarchal narrative and the foundational events of the nation of Israel. Kadesh was not merely an oasis; it was a strategically crucial point in the wilderness of Zin, serving as a major encampment for the Israelites during their Exodus journey. It was from Kadesh that Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan (cf. [Numbers 13:26](/numbers/13-26 "The Spies Sent from Kadesh-barnea")), and it was a site of both rebellion against God's command and divine judgment for the generation that wandered in the wilderness (cf. [Numbers 20:1-13](/numbers/20-1-13 "Moses Strikes the Rock at Kadesh")). Its mention here in [Genesis 14:7](/genesis/14-7 "Genesis 14:7 - The Kings' Campaign Continues") underscores its ancient importance and provides a geographical anchor that connects the earliest history of God's chosen family to the pivotal events of their national formation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 14:7 describes a specific historical military campaign, its Christ-centered fulfillment is woven into the broader tapestry of God's redemptive plan, which finds its ultimate culmination in Jesus Christ. The meticulous detailing of the land and its inhabitants, including the early mention of future adversaries like the Amalekites and Amorites, underscores God's sovereign preparation of the stage for the lineage through whom the Messiah would come. This very campaign, by leading directly to the capture of Lot, prompts Abram's righteous and victorious intervention, an act that powerfully foreshadows Christ's ultimate and perfect act of rescue for humanity from the dominion of sin and death (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Redemption Through Christ")). The establishment of God's covenant with Abram, which is further solidified by these events and Abram's subsequent encounter with Melchizedek, is the foundational promise through which all nations would ultimately be blessed in Christ (cf. [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Seed is Christ")). Thus, even the seemingly secular movements of ancient history, as recorded in this verse, are intricately woven into the fabric of God's eternal purpose to bring forth His Son as the world's Redeemer and King, demonstrating that He "works all things according to the counsel of His will" (cf. [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "God Works All Things According to His Will")).

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

2 Chronicles 20:2

Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they [be] in Hazazontamar, which [is] Engedi.

Genesis 16:14

Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, [it is] between Kadesh and Bered.

Genesis 20:1

¶ And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.

Numbers 20:1

¶ Then came the children of Israel, [even] the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

Numbers 14:43

For the Amalekites and the Canaanites [are] there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.

Deuteronomy 1:46

So ye abode in Kadesh many days, according unto the days that ye abode [there].

Numbers 13:26

¶ And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.