against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar--four kings against five. against Chedorlaomer king of ElamThe name "Chedorlaomer" is of Elamite origin, suggesting a historical connection to the ancient kingdom of Elam, located in what is now southwestern Iran. Elam was a significant power in the ancient Near East, often interacting with Mesopotamian civilizations. Chedorlaomer is depicted as a powerful king, leading a coalition of forces. His role in this narrative highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the time, where city-states and kingdoms frequently engaged in warfare for dominance and control. The mention of Elam underscores the historical reality of these events, grounding the biblical narrative in a real-world context. Tidal king of Goiim
The name "Tidal" is less clear in its etymology, but "Goiim" is a Hebrew term often translated as "nations" or "peoples." This suggests that Tidal may have been a ruler over a confederation of tribes or a multi-ethnic region. The inclusion of Tidal in this coalition indicates the widespread nature of the conflict, involving diverse groups and regions. It reflects the complexity of ancient Near Eastern politics, where alliances were often formed across ethnic and cultural lines for mutual benefit or survival. Amraphel king of Shinar
"Amraphel" is traditionally associated with the region of Shinar, which is often identified with ancient Sumer or Babylonia. Shinar is a significant location in the biblical narrative, known for its early civilization and the infamous Tower of Babel. The mention of Amraphel connects this account to the broader Mesopotamian cultural and historical milieu, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these ancient societies. It also serves as a reminder of the biblical theme of human ambition and the consequences of pride, as seen in the Babel narrative. Arioch king of Ellasar
The name "Arioch" may have Akkadian roots, and "Ellasar" is thought to be a city-state in Mesopotamia, possibly corresponding to the historical city of Larsa. This further situates the narrative within the context of Mesopotamian history, where city-states like Larsa played crucial roles in regional politics. Arioch's inclusion in the coalition highlights the alliances formed among these city-states, often driven by the need for mutual defense or territorial expansion. four kings against five
This phrase succinctly captures the essence of the conflict—a coalition of four kings waging war against a group of five. It underscores the theme of conflict and alliance, a recurring motif in the biblical narrative. The numerical aspect also invites reflection on the nature of power and the dynamics of warfare, where numbers do not always guarantee victory, as later biblical accounts will illustrate. This phrase sets the stage for the unfolding drama, where divine intervention and human agency intersect in the biblical worldview. Persons / Places / Events 1. Chedorlaomer- King of Elam, leading a coalition of kings against the cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah. 2. Tidal- King of Goiim, part of the coalition with Chedorlaomer. 3. Amraphel- King of Shinar, another ally in the coalition. 4. Arioch- King of Ellasar, also part of the coalition. 5. Bera- King of Sodom, leading the opposing coalition of the cities of the plain. 6. Birsha- King of Gomorrah, allied with Bera. 7. Shinab- King of Admah, part of the cities of the plain. 8. Shemeber- King of Zeboiim, also part of the cities of the plain. 9. Zoar (Bela)- A small city allied with the cities of the plain. 10. Valley of Siddim- The battleground where the conflict between the two coalitions took place. Teaching Points The Reality of Spiritual WarfareJust as the kings engaged in physical battle, Christians are engaged in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. God's Sovereignty in ConflictDespite the chaos of war, God's purposes prevail. This passage reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty, even in tumultuous times. The Importance of AlliancesThe alliances formed in Genesis 14 can be likened to the importance of Christian fellowship and accountability. Proverbs 27:17 emphasizes the sharpening effect of godly relationships. Faith in ActionAbraham's involvement in the rescue of Lot demonstrates faith in action. James 2:17 teaches that faith without works is dead, encouraging believers to act on their faith. The Role of LeadershipThe kings' leadership in battle reflects the importance of godly leadership in the church and community. Leaders are called to guide with wisdom and integrity, as seen in 1 Timothy 3. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the conflict in Genesis 14:9 illustrate the concept of spiritual warfare in the life of a believer? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events of Genesis 14, and how can this encourage us in our personal struggles? 3. What lessons can we learn from the alliances formed in this passage about the importance of Christian fellowship and accountability? 4. How does Abraham's response to the conflict demonstrate faith in action, and how can we apply this principle in our daily lives? 5. What qualities of leadership are evident in the actions of the kings, and how can these inform our understanding of godly leadership today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 13Provides context for the conflict, as Lot chose to settle in the fertile plains near Sodom, leading to his involvement in the war. Hebrews 7Discusses Melchizedek, who appears later in Genesis 14, highlighting the significance of Abraham's encounter with him after the battle. Psalm 110References Melchizedek, connecting the priestly order to the Messiah, which is significant in understanding the broader account of Genesis 14. Romans 4Discusses Abraham's faith, which is exemplified in his actions during and after the battle, showing his reliance on God. People Abram, Amalekites, Amorites, Amraphel, Aner, Arioch, Bela, Bera, Birsha, Chedorlaomer, Dan, Elam, Emites, Eshcol, Ham, Horites, Lot, Mamre, Melchisedec, Melchizedek, Rephaites, Seir, Shemeber, Shinab, Tamar, Tidal, Zoar, Zuzims, ZuzitesPlaces Admah, Ashteroth-karnaim, Bela, Damascus, Dan, Elam, Ellasar, El-paran, En-mishpat, Gomorrah, Ham, Hazazon-tamar, Kadesh-barnea, King's Valley, Oaks of Mamre, Salem, Salt Sea, Seir, Shaveh-kiriathaim, Shinar, Sodom, Valley of Shaveh, Valley of Siddim, Zeboiim, ZoarTopics Amraphel, Am'raphel, Arioch, Ar'ioch, Chedorlaomer, Ched-or-lao'mer, Elam, Ellasar, Ella'sar, Ellasar-four, Goiim, Goi'im, Goyim, Kings, Nations, Shinar, TidalDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 14:1-24 4224 cities of the plain Genesis 14:8-16 5076 Abraham, life of Library An Example of Faith
'Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureJerusalem
The first name of this city was Shalem, Genesis 14:18, Psalm 76:2, and it is still retained in the writing, however it is read Jerushalaim. "The name of that place is Jehovah-jireh. Abraham called the place Jireh; Shem called it Shalem. Saith God, If I shall call it Jireh, it will displease Shem the Just; if I shall call it Shalem, it will displease Abraham the Just. I will therefore put that name upon it which was put upon it by both, Jireh, Shalem,--Jerusalem."--"We do not, therefore, put Jod between …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Tithing
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Mal. 3:10). Down deep in the heart of every Christian there is undoubtedly the conviction that he ought to tithe. There is an uneasy feeling that this is a duty which has been neglected, or, if you prefer it, a privilege that has not been …
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing Bethphage
There is very frequent mention of this place in the Talmudists: and, certainly, a more careful comparison of the maps with those things which are said by them of the situation of this place is worthy to be made; when they place it in mount Olivet, these make it contiguous to the buildings of Jerusalem. I. In the place cited in the margin, the case "of a stubborn judge" (or elder) is handling. For when, by the prescript of the law, difficult matters, and such things as concerning which the lower councils …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
SYRIA AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EGYPTIAN CONQUEST NINEVEH AND THE FIRST COSSAEAN KINGS-THE PEOPLES OF SYRIA, THEIR TOWNS, THEIR CIVILIZATION, THEIR RELIGION-PHOENICIA. The dynasty of Uruazagga-The Cossseans: their country, their gods, their conquest of Chaldaea-The first sovereigns of Assyria, and the first Cossaean Icings: Agumhakrime. The Egyptian names for Syria: Khara, Zahi, Lotanu, Kefatiu-The military highway from the Nile to the Euphrates: first section from Zalu to Gaza-The Canaanites: …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals.
ABRAHAM, THE TRADITIONAL FATHER OF HIS RACE.--Gen. 12:1-8; 13:1-13; 16; 18, 19; 21:7; 22:1-19. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible I, 73-94. Prin of Pol., 160-175. Jehovah said to Abraham, Go forth from thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, to the land that I will show thee, that I may make of thee a great nation; and I will surely bless thee, and make thy name great, so that thou shalt be a blessing, I will also bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII The Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be …
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665 …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 14:9 NIVGenesis 14:9 NLTGenesis 14:9 ESVGenesis 14:9 NASBGenesis 14:9 KJV
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