**Who Were the Kings Involved in the War of Genesis 14?
A Detailed Biblical Explanation**
Genesis 14 describes the earliest recorded war in Scripture—a conflict involving two alliances of kings. This chapter provides historical context behind Lot’s capture and Abram’s rescue. Understanding the identities of the kings gives insight into ancient Near Eastern politics, power dynamics, and God’s protection of Abram.
The war features four eastern kings invading five Canaanite kings.
I. The Four Eastern Kings (Invading Coalition)
These kings came from regions east of the Jordan, primarily Mesopotamia. They were powerful rulers who dominated the area for twelve years.
1. Chedorlaomer – King of Elam (Leader of the Alliance)
Identity:
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Likely from ancient Elam, located in modern-day southwestern Iran
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Name suggests Elamite origin; a ruling empire known for military strength
Role in the war:
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Commander of the eastern coalition
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The five Canaanite kings had served him for 12 years but rebelled in the 13th year (Genesis 14:4)
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Led the invasion to suppress the rebellion
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Captured Lot and his possessions
Significance:
Chedorlaomer is portrayed as the dominant figure—a powerful ruler whose authority the Canaanite kings rejected.
2. Amraphel – King of Shinar
Identity:
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Ruler of Shinar (Babylonia), the region of ancient Babylon
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Possibly connected to early Babylonian kings
Role in the war:
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Joined Chedorlaomer in the campaign
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Shinar was a major Mesopotamian center, giving the alliance great political strength
Significance:
Shinar’s involvement shows that this was not a small tribal conflict but an international military campaign.
3. Arioch – King of Ellasar
Identity:
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Ruler of Ellasar (likely associated with the ancient city-state of Larsa in southern Mesopotamia)
Role in the war:
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Joined the eastern coalition, possibly contributing troops and resources
Significance:
Ellasar’s inclusion indicates the broad geographic spread of the alliance and its shared interest in maintaining control over western vassal states.
4. Tidal – King of Nations (or “Goiim”)
Identity:
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“King of Nations” suggests a ruler of multiple ethnic groups or tribes
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Possibly a king over mixed peoples in northern Mesopotamia or Anatolia
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The Hebrew word goyim means “nations” or “peoples”
Role in the war:
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Another member of the eastern coalition
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Likely ruled over a confederation rather than a single city-state
Significance:
His title suggests he commanded a diverse army, contributing to the might of the invading force.
II. The Five Canaanite Kings (Rebel Coalition)
These kings ruled in the area around the Dead Sea and served Chedorlaomer for years before rebelling.
1. Bera – King of Sodom
Identity:
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Ruler of Sodom, one of the richest and most corrupt cities (Genesis 13:13)
Role in the war:
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Led the rebellion against Chedorlaomer
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Fought in the valley of Siddim
Outcome:
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Fled during the battle
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His city was plundered
Lot, living in Sodom, was taken captive during this event.
2. Birsha – King of Gomorrah
Identity:
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Ruler of Gomorrah, paired with Sodom as a city known for wickedness
Role in the war:
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Joined Sodom in rebellion
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Fought in the same valley
Outcome:
Also defeated and plundered.
3. Shinab – King of Admah
Identity:
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Ruler of Admah, one of the cities of the plain
Role in the war:
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Fought alongside the other southern kings
Outcome:
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Defeated
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City later destroyed in the same judgment that fell on Sodom and Gomorrah (Deut. 29:23)
4. Shemeber – King of Zeboiim
Identity:
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King of Zeboiim, another city-state near the Dead Sea
Role in the war:
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Part of the rebellious coalition
Outcome:
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Also defeated
5. The King of Bela (Zoar)
Identity:
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Ruler of Bela (later known as Zoar)
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The smallest of the cities of the plain
Role in the war:
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Joined the rebellion
Outcome:
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Fled the battle; city itself survived longer than the others
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Zoar later served as Lot’s refuge when Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed (Genesis 19)
III. Summary of the War
A. The Eastern Alliance
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Chedorlaomer – King of Elam (leader)
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Amraphel – King of Shinar
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Arioch – King of Ellasar
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Tidal – King of Nations
These kings invaded Canaan to punish rebellion and reassert dominance.
B. The Western (Canaanite) Alliance
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Bera – King of Sodom
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Birsha – King of Gomorrah
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Shinab – King of Admah
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Shemeber – King of Zeboiim
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King of Bela (Zoar)
These kings rebelled after 12 years of vassalage.
IV. Why the War Matters in the Biblical Story
1. It explains how Lot was captured
Lot lived in Sodom, so when the city was plundered, he and his possessions were taken away (Genesis 14:12).
2. It sets the stage for Abram’s heroic rescue
Abram pursued the eastern kings with only 318 trained men and defeated them—showing God’s protection and Abram’s strength (Genesis 14:14–16).
3. It introduces Melchizedek
After the victory, Abram meets Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High—a significant spiritual figure in Scripture (Genesis 14:18–20).
4. It demonstrates God’s covenant faithfulness
Despite international conflict, God protected Abram’s family and blessed him, reaffirming His promise.
Conclusion
The war of Genesis 14 involved four powerful eastern kings seeking to reassert control over five rebellious Canaanite kings. Their clash led to Lot’s captivity, Abram’s rescue mission, and the appearance of Melchizedek. These kings represent the political landscape of the ancient Near East and highlight how God sovereignly guided Abram through international conflict to fulfill His purposes.