### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name **Kᵉdorlâʻômer**, represented by `{{H3540}}`, refers to **Chedorlaomer**, an early king of foreign origin. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the narrative of a major regional conflict. He is presented as a powerful monarch whose actions drive the events of Genesis chapter 14.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Chedorlaomer** `{{H3540}}` is identified as the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Elam** `{{H5867}}`, who leads an alliance of four kings ([[Genesis 14:1]], [[Genesis 14:9]]). The conflict begins when several city-kings who had **served** `{{H5647}}` **Chedorlaomer** `{{H3540}}` for twelve **years** `{{H8141}}` decided to **rebel** `{{H4775}}` in the thirteenth year [[Genesis 14:4]]. In response, **Chedorlaomer** `{{H3540}}` and his allies **came** `{{H935}}` and **smote** `{{H5221}}` the Rephaims, Zuzims, and Emims [[Genesis 14:5]]. The account concludes after the "slaughter of **Chedorlaomer**" `{{H3540}}` and the kings who were with him [[Genesis 14:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the context of Chedorlaomer's story:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is consistently applied to **Chedorlaomer** `{{H3540}}`, defining his status as a ruler over a nation and other kings [[Genesis 14:1]]. The narrative is framed as a war between two groups of kings.
* `{{H5867}}` **ʻÊylâm** (Elam): This identifies the country over which **Chedorlaomer** `{{H3540}}` ruled, situating him as a significant foreign power [[Genesis 14:9]].
* `{{H4775}}` **mârad** (to rebel): This action serves as the catalyst for the entire military campaign. The rebellion of the vassal kings against **Chedorlaomer** `{{H3540}}` prompts his swift and decisive retaliation [[Genesis 14:4]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This word describes both the initial military success of **Chedorlaomer** `{{H3540}}` in smiting his enemies [[Genesis 14:5]] and his eventual defeat, which is called a "slaughter" [[Genesis 14:17]].
### Theological Significance
The brief appearance of **Chedorlaomer** `{{H3540}}` carries significant weight within its narrative context.
* **Imperial Dominion:** He represents a formidable foreign power who held other kingdoms in subjugation, as they were forced to **serve** `{{H5647}}` him for twelve **years** `{{H8141}}` [[Genesis 14:4]].
* **Catalyst for Abram's Heroism:** The war initiated by the rebellion against **Chedorlaomer** `{{H3540}}` leads directly to the capture of Lot, which in turn prompts Abram to intervene, showcasing his faith and leadership.
* **Coalition of Kings:** The conflict is portrayed as a battle between two powerful alliances, with **Chedorlaomer** `{{H3540}}` leading a coalition of **four** `{{H702}}` kings against **five** `{{H2568}}` others, illustrating the scale of the conflict [[Genesis 14:9]].
* **Defeat of Earthly Power:** Despite his military might, **Chedorlaomer** `{{H3540}}` and his allied kings are ultimately defeated, an event described as "the slaughter of **Chedorlaomer**" [[Genesis 14:17]].
### Summary
In summary, **Kᵉdorlâʻômer** `{{H3540}}` is more than just a name in a king list. He is the central antagonist in a foundational story of conflict and deliverance in Genesis. As the king of **Elam** `{{H5867}}`, his dominion, the subsequent rebellion against him, and his ultimate defeat frame a narrative that establishes Abram as a decisive military and spiritual figure.
TRV