Gen 14:1-9 | KingComments | STEP | In this chapter we see the consequences of the positions taken by Abram and Lot in the previous chapter. With Lot there is battle, with Abram there is rest. This is the first war mentioned in the Bible. Maybe there have been more, but this is mentioned because Lot and Abram are involved, although for quite different reasons. The war is between four kings on the one hand and five kings on the other. The four kings attack the five kings. Among the four kings are the king of Sinear, that is Babel, and that of Elam, that is Persia. The five attacked kings are kings of cities close together, in the valley of the Jordan. The cause of the war is the revolt of the five kings against Chedorlaomer they served for twelve years. Chedorlaomer provides himself with powerful allies and defeats various opponents before he submits the rebellious kings. The five rebellious kings also gather their armies and line up in battle order. But they are no match for Chedorlaomer and his allies. The army of the king of Sodom and his allies is defeated. Many of those who escape the sword die in tar pits. The cities are plundered and “all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food supply” are taken by the victors.

‏ Genesis 14:1-9

Introduction

In this chapter we see the consequences of the positions taken by Abram and Lot in the previous chapter. With Lot there is battle, with Abram there is rest.

War Between Five and Four Kings

This is the first war mentioned in the Bible. Maybe there have been more, but this is mentioned because Lot and Abram are involved, although for quite different reasons.

The war is between four kings on the one hand and five kings on the other. The four kings attack the five kings. Among the four kings are the king of Sinear, that is Babel, and that of Elam, that is Persia. The five attacked kings are kings of cities close together, in the valley of the Jordan. The cause of the war is the revolt of the five kings against Chedorlaomer they served for twelve years.

Chedorlaomer provides himself with powerful allies and defeats various opponents before he submits the rebellious kings. The five rebellious kings also gather their armies and line up in battle order. But they are no match for Chedorlaomer and his allies. The army of the king of Sodom and his allies is defeated. Many of those who escape the sword die in tar pits. The cities are plundered and “all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food supply” are taken by the victors.