Keraia
Genesis 14

Genesis 14:4

The War of the Kings · Genesis 14:1–9
Read Genesis 14

Translations

Modern
For twelve years they had been subject to Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
Traditional
Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
Literal
Two and ten years they had served Chedorlaomer, and in the three and tenth year they rebelled.
Latin
Duodecim enim annis servierunt Chodorlahomor, et tertiodecimo anno recesserunt ab eo.

Original

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

Notes

Genesis 14:4

King Chedorlaomer seems to have defeated the kings of the Siddim Valley earlier and made them pay tribute in asphalt, olive oil, and copper. In the thirteenth year, they stopped paying. In the fourteenth year (14:5), the invading kings returned to bring them under their rule again.

Genesis 14:4–5

This was Chedorlaomer’s war. Under the feudal system of tribal affiliations, those in covenant with him had to fight. It was also Abram’s battle to rescue Lot, and those under treaty with him had to accompany him.

Genesis 14:1–16

In this typical ancient political conflict, powerful kings allied to control smaller dependent states.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Lot Melchizedek Invasion Symbolic Numbers

People

Chedorlaomer: King of Elam, led coalition against Sodom and Gomorrah

Glossary

Admah Amraphel Arioch Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Chedorlaomer Cities of the Plain Ebla Tablets Ellasar Genesis, Book of Goiim Kedorlaomer King’s Highway Lot Melchizedek Palestine Patriarchs, Period of the Seir (Place) Siddim Valley Sodom and Gomorrah Tidal Travel Zeboiim Zoar

Topics

Armies: Antiquity of Birsha: A King of Gomorrah Chedorlaomer: King of Elam Lot: The Son of Haran: Taken Captive by Chedorlaomer; Rescued by Abraham Sodom: King of, Joins Other Kings of the Nations Resisting the Invasion of Chedorlaomer