Genesis Chapter 14 Bible Study – The Battle of the Kings

Genesis 14 opens with a historical account of a coalition of four kings from the east waging war against five kings in the region of the Jordan Valley (Genesis 14:1-2). The eastern kings—Amraphel of Shinar, Arioch of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer of Elam, and Tidal king of nations—are likely powerful rulers over vast territories. They fight against Bera of Sodom, Birsha of Gomorrah, Shinab of Admah, Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (Zoar).

This is the first recorded war in the Bible, showing that conflict among nations is as old as human civilization. It also foreshadows the many wars Israel will encounter in their history (Judges 3:8-10; 2 Kings 18:13-16).

The Rebellion of the Five Kings

The reason for the war is given in Genesis 14:4—these five kings served Chedorlaomer for twelve years but rebelled in the thirteenth year. In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and his allies come to suppress the rebellion.

The oppression of the five kings under the eastern coalition parallels later events when Israel is oppressed by foreign nations during the time of the Judges (Judges 4:1-3). In both cases, rebellion against the oppressor leads to direct confrontation.

The Eastern Kings’ Campaign

Before confronting the five kings, Chedorlaomer’s coalition conducts a sweeping military campaign, defeating various peoples along the way: the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, and the Horites in Mount Seir (Genesis 14:5-6). These groups are among the ancient giants and strong nations mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:10-12, 20-23.

Their military route extends to El-paran by the wilderness before circling back to Kadesh and striking the Amalekites and Amorites (Genesis 14:7). This shows the strength and reach of the eastern coalition, making their eventual defeat by Abram even more remarkable.

The Battle in the Valley of Siddim

Genesis 14:8-10 describes the battle in the Valley of Siddim, an area full of tar pits. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah flee, and some fall into the pits, while others escape to the mountains. The eastern kings plunder Sodom and Gomorrah, taking goods, food, and captives (Genesis 14:11).

The mention of tar pits connects to the region’s geological nature—possibly linked to the Dead Sea area. This setting will later be associated with God’s judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25).

Lot is Taken Captive

Genesis 14:12 notes that Lot, Abram’s nephew, is among the captives because he dwelt in Sodom. This fulfills the earlier warning in Genesis 13:12-13 about Lot’s proximity to wickedness. His capture serves as a turning point in the narrative, drawing Abram into the conflict.

This illustrates the dangers of compromising locations—similar to how Israel’s alliances with pagan nations later led to their downfall (2 Kings 17:7-18).

Abram’s Rescue Mission

When Abram hears that Lot has been taken, he mobilizes 318 trained servants born in his household and pursues the captors as far as Dan (Genesis 14:14). This shows Abram’s preparedness and leadership, as well as his loyalty to family.

Abram’s swift response parallels David’s pursuit of the Amalekites who raided Ziklag and took captives (1 Samuel 30:7-8). In both cases, God grants victory to a smaller, determined force.

Victory at Night

Abram divides his forces and attacks at night, pursuing the enemy to Hobah, north of Damascus (Genesis 14:15). This tactic of surprise and division mirrors Gideon’s nighttime attack on the Midianites (Judges 7:16-22). The victory underscores that God’s favor, not just numbers or weapons, determines the outcome (Psalm 44:3).

The Recovery of Goods and People

Genesis 14:16 states that Abram recovers all the goods and brings back Lot, his possessions, the women, and the people. This complete recovery mirrors the promise in Joel 2:25 that God can restore what has been lost.

It also foreshadows Jesus’ mission to recover those taken captive by sin and Satan (Luke 4:18).

The Meeting with the King of Sodom and Melchizedek

Upon Abram’s return, the king of Sodom comes out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (Genesis 14:17). Here, the narrative shifts to one of the most mysterious and significant figures in Scripture—Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18).

Melchizedek brings bread and wine and blesses Abram. His dual role as king and priest foreshadows Christ, who is both King and High Priest (Hebrews 7:1-3). The bread and wine also parallel the elements of the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19-20).

Abram Gives a Tithe to Melchizedek

Genesis 14:20 records that Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of all. This is the first mention of tithing in the Bible, predating the Mosaic Law. It establishes the principle of honoring God with a portion of one’s increase (Proverbs 3:9-10). Hebrews 7:4-10 explains that Levi, through Abram, also paid tithes to Melchizedek, showing Melchizedek’s superiority to the Levitical priesthood.

Abram Refuses the Spoils of Sodom

When the king of Sodom offers Abram the goods in exchange for the people, Abram refuses, saying he will not take even a “thread” or “shoelatchet” lest the king say, “I have made Abram rich” (Genesis 14:21-23). Abram’s refusal shows his dependence on God’s provision, not human generosity or questionable alliances.

This aligns with Psalm 121:2, “My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth,” and reinforces the principle of avoiding sources of gain that compromise one’s testimony.

Allowance for Allies

Abram clarifies that his allies—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre—can take their share of the spoils (Genesis 14:24). This shows fairness and integrity in dealing with others. It also reflects the principle in Deuteronomy 20:14 that those who fight in a battle are entitled to the spoils.