The King of Sodom is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis, specifically in the context of the narrative surrounding the patriarch Abraham (then Abram) and the events following the Battle of the Valley of Siddim. The King of Sodom is a representative of the city of Sodom, one of the five cities of the plain, which also included Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar).

Biblical Account

The primary account involving the King of Sodom is found in Genesis 14. In this chapter, a coalition of four kings, led by Chedorlaomer of Elam, waged war against the five kings of the plain, including the King of Sodom. The conflict is known as the Battle of the Valley of Siddim. The four kings defeated the five kings, and as a result, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were plundered, and many inhabitants, including Lot, Abram's nephew, were taken captive.

Genesis 14:11-12 states: "The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food, and they went on their way. They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom."

Upon hearing of Lot's capture, Abram mobilized 318 trained men from his household and pursued the invaders. He successfully defeated them and rescued Lot, along with the other captives and their possessions.

Encounter with Abram

After Abram's victory, the King of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh, also known as the King's Valley. This meeting is significant as it highlights the contrast between the King of Sodom and Melchizedek, the King of Salem, who also met Abram at this time.

Genesis 14:17 records: "After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley)."

Melchizedek, a priest of God Most High, blessed Abram and offered him bread and wine. In contrast, the King of Sodom's interaction with Abram was more transactional. He offered Abram the goods recovered from the battle, requesting only the return of his people.

Genesis 14:21 states: "The king of Sodom said to Abram, 'Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.'"

Abram's response to the King of Sodom is noteworthy. He refused to accept any of the goods, expressing his reliance on God for provision and his desire to avoid any association with the King of Sodom's wealth. Abram declared that he had sworn an oath to the LORD, God Most High, that he would not take anything belonging to the King of Sodom, lest the king claim to have made Abram rich.

Genesis 14:22-23 records Abram's words: "But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, 'I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’"

Theological Implications

The King of Sodom's interaction with Abram serves as a narrative device to highlight Abram's faith and integrity. By refusing the king's offer, Abram demonstrated his trust in God's promises and his commitment to maintaining a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked. The King of Sodom, representing a city later known for its wickedness and eventual destruction, contrasts with Abram's righteousness and reliance on God.

The account also foreshadows the eventual judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing the moral and spiritual decline of these cities. The King of Sodom's role in the narrative underscores the themes of divine justice and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.