Genesis 14:11

And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.

And they took {H3947} all the goods {H7399} of Sodom {H5467} and Gomorrah {H6017}, and all their victuals {H400}, and went their way {H3212}.

The victors took all the possessions of S'dom and 'Amora and all their food supply; then they left.

The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food, and they went on their way.

And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 14:11 details a crucial moment following the "Battle of the Kings," where a coalition of four eastern kings, led by Chedorlaomer of Elam, decisively defeated five kings from the Jordan plain, including the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities had rebelled after twelve years of servitude to Chedorlaomer. The battle took place in the Valley of Siddim, which was full of asphalt pits. This verse describes the immediate consequence of the victors' triumph: the systematic plundering of the defeated cities' resources.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Conflict: The verse vividly illustrates the harsh reality of ancient warfare, where the defeated faced complete expropriation of their wealth and sustenance. The taking of "all the goods" and "all their victuals" signifies a total stripping of resources, leaving the inhabitants vulnerable.
  • Vulnerability of Material Wealth: It highlights how quickly material possessions, even those of seemingly prosperous cities like Sodom and Gomorrah, can be lost in times of conflict. This serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of worldly riches.
  • Prelude to Divine Intervention: This act of plunder directly sets the stage for Abram's heroic intervention to rescue his nephew Lot, who had chosen to settle near Sodom (Genesis 13:10). This event propels Abram into a significant role, demonstrating his commitment to family and justice.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "goods" and "victuals." The Hebrew term for "goods" is rekush (ืจึฐื›ื•ึผืฉื), which refers to accumulated wealth, possessions, and movable property. "Victuals" comes from the Hebrew okel (ืึนื›ึถืœ), meaning simply "food" or "provisions." The inclusion of both terms emphasizes the thoroughness of the plunder: not only were valuable assets taken, but also the very means of survival for the inhabitants, underscoring the severity of their defeat.

Practical Application

Genesis 14:11 reminds us of the fragility of earthly security and possessions. While it describes a historical military conquest, its themes resonate today:

  • The Fleeting Nature of Riches: It underscores the biblical principle that material wealth can be swiftly lost, urging us to consider what truly endures.
  • The Ripple Effect of Choices: Lot's initial choice to settle near the prosperous but morally corrupt city of Sodom led him directly into this dangerous situation, highlighting the importance of wise associations and environments. Though not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the future destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19:24) is foreshadowed by its vulnerability here.
  • God's Sovereignty Amidst Chaos: Even in moments of human conflict and devastation, God's plan unfolds, as this event ultimately brings Abram into a position to demonstrate faith and encounter key figures like Melchizedek.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 14:16 (3 votes)

    And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

  • Genesis 14:21 (3 votes)

    ยถ And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.

  • Deuteronomy 28:35 (2 votes)

    The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.

  • Deuteronomy 28:31 (2 votes)

    Thine ox [shall be] slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine ass [shall be] violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep [shall be] given unto thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to rescue [them].

  • Genesis 12:5 (2 votes)

    And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

  • Deuteronomy 28:51 (2 votes)

    And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which [also] shall not leave thee [either] corn, wine, or oil, [or] the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.