What is the meaning of Genesis 14:2? Went to war • Scripture presents a real military campaign: “they went out to wage war” (Genesis 14:2). • The clash shows that even mighty rulers are subject to God’s sovereign plans (Proverbs 21:1; Psalm 2:1-4). • This conflict sets the scene for Abram’s later rescue of Lot, revealing the Lord’s commitment to protect His covenant people (Genesis 14:14-16; Isaiah 41:10). Bera king of Sodom • Sodom’s ruler stands first in the list, highlighting the city’s prominence—and infamous wickedness later judged by God (Genesis 19:24-25; 2 Peter 2:6). • Bera joins forces with neighboring kings, illustrating how sin often unites people only temporarily and for self-interest (Psalm 1:1-4). Birsha king of Gomorrah • Gomorrah pairs with Sodom throughout Scripture as an emblem of extreme corruption (Deuteronomy 29:23; Jude 7). • God’s eventual judgment on this king underscores His holiness and the certainty of retribution for unrepentant evil (Romans 1:18-32). Shinab king of Admah • Admah, though lesser-known, is later destroyed alongside Sodom and Gomorrah (Deuteronomy 29:23; Hosea 11:8). • The mention reminds us that no city is too small to escape accountability before the Lord (Jeremiah 25:29). Shemeber king of Zeboiim • Zeboiim suffers the same fate as its sister cities, reinforcing the pattern of collective guilt and collective judgment (Genesis 19:28; Luke 17:29). • Their alliances could not shield them from divine justice, pointing us to the only true refuge—God Himself (Psalm 46:1). The king of Bela (that is, Zoar) • Zoar alone is spared when the other cities fall, strictly because the Lord hears Lot’s plea (Genesis 19:20-22). • God’s mercy toward Zoar foreshadows His willingness to save even a remnant who seeks Him (Isaiah 1:9; Romans 11:5). summary Genesis 14:2 records a historical coalition of five Canaanite kings who band together in war. Their cities—soon to be infamous for sin—expose the fragility of worldly alliances and the certainty of God’s judgment. At the same time, Zoar’s later deliverance hints at divine mercy for those who call on His name. The verse lays crucial groundwork for Abram’s intervention, reminding believers that the Lord rules over nations, judges wickedness, and preserves His people according to His faithful covenant promises. |
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