Genesis 14:4

Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

Twelve {H6240}{H8147} years {H8141} they served {H5647}{H853} Chedorlaomer {H3540}, and in the thirteenth {H7969}{H6240} year {H8141} they rebelled {H4775}.

They had served K'dorla'omer twelve years, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

For twelve years they had been subject to Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

Commentary

Genesis 14:4 provides the immediate historical backdrop for the significant conflict that unfolds in this chapter, setting the stage for Abraham's involvement. It succinctly explains the reason for the ensuing "War of the Kings."

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse plunges us into the complex geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, specifically Mesopotamia and Canaan. For twelve years, a coalition of five city-states in the Jordan Valley—Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (later called Zoar), whose kings are named in Genesis 14:2—were vassals to Chedorlaomer, the powerful King of Elam. Elam was a significant kingdom located east of Sumer and Akkad (modern-day Iran). Such vassalage typically involved paying tribute (taxes) and providing military support to the dominant power.

The rebellion in the thirteenth year by these "kings of the plain" was a direct challenge to Chedorlaomer's authority and a refusal to continue paying the imposed tribute. This act of defiance inevitably provoked a retaliatory campaign by Chedorlaomer and his allies, described in the subsequent verses of Genesis 14, leading to widespread conflict and the capture of Lot, Abraham's nephew.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rebellion and Consequences: The verse highlights a pivotal act of rebellion against an established, albeit oppressive, authority. While the desire for freedom is understandable, this rebellion directly triggers a devastating war, demonstrating that human actions, even those born of desperation, often have far-reaching and severe consequences.
  • Sovereignty Amidst Conflict: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the rebellion and subsequent war serve as a divine setup for Abraham's heroic intervention. This conflict ultimately positions Abraham to demonstrate his faith and valor, and to receive a blessing from Melchizedek, foreshadowing greater spiritual truths (see Genesis 14:18-20).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "served" is 'avad (עָבַד), which often denotes working or serving, but in this context, it clearly implies servitude or forced labor, specifically the payment of tribute. The word for "rebelled" is marad (מָרַד), signifying a breaking away from authority or a revolt. These terms effectively convey the nature of the relationship and the subsequent defiance.

Practical Application and Reflection

Genesis 14:4 reminds us that human history is often marked by cycles of oppression and resistance, power dynamics, and the pursuit of freedom. While the context is ancient, the themes resonate today: decisions to defy authority, whether just or unjust, carry significant weight and can set in motion a chain of events with profound implications. For believers, this account, despite its focus on political conflict, ultimately points to God's sovereign hand at work, positioning His chosen servants (like Abraham) in critical moments to fulfill His purposes and reveal His character.

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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

  • Ezekiel 17:15 (3 votes)

    But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such [things]? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

  • Genesis 9:25 (3 votes)

    And he said, Cursed [be] Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.

  • Genesis 9:26 (3 votes)

    And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.