Genesis 14: The War of the Kings

The first recorded battle between two multi-city alliances in the Bible.

Eastern Alliance (Invaders)

Led by King Chedorlaomer, these four kings sought to enforce their rule over the rebelling city-states.

  • Chedorlaomer: King of Elam
  • Amraphel: King of Shinar
  • Arioch: King of Ellasar
  • Tidal: King of Goiim

Western Alliance (Rebels)

These five city-state kings rebelled after 12 years of servitude to Chedorlaomer.

  • Bera: King of Sodom
  • Birsha: King of Gomorrah
  • Shinab: King of Admah
  • Shemeber: King of Zeboiim
  • King of Bela (also called Zoar)

Sequence of Events

1
Rebellion and Retaliation: After 12 years of servitude, the five western kings rebel against Chedorlaomer. In response, Chedorlaomer and his allies march through the region, defeating various tribes on their way to the rebelling city-states.
2
Battle in the Valley of Siddim: The two alliances clash in the Valley of Siddim, which was filled with "bitumen pits." The western kings are defeated, and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fall into the pits while fleeing. The victorious eastern kings plunder Sodom and Gomorrah.
3
Lot's Capture: Among the captives and possessions taken by the eastern alliance is Abram's nephew, Lot, who was living in Sodom.
4
Abram's Pursuit: A fugitive tells Abram about Lot's capture. Abram, with 318 trained men from his household and his allies Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, pursues the kings to Dan.
5
The Rescue: Abram and his men launch a surprise **night attack**, dividing their forces to defeat the eastern kings and pursue them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. They successfully recover all the goods, women, and Lot along with his possessions.
6
Return and Tithe: Upon his return, Abram is met by the king of Sodom and by Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. Melchizedek blesses Abram, who in turn gives him a tithe (a tenth) of everything.
7
Abram's Refusal: The king of Sodom offers Abram all the recaptured goods, but Abram refuses, swearing an oath to God that he will not take anything, "lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.'" He only allows his allies to take their share.