Topical Encyclopedia Chedorlaomer, also spelled Kedorlaomer, is a significant figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 14. He is identified as the king of Elam, an ancient kingdom located in what is now southwestern Iran. Chedorlaomer is notable for his role as the leader of a coalition of kings who waged war against the cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah.Biblical Account The narrative of Chedorlaomer is primarily found in Genesis 14:1-17. According to the text, Chedorlaomer, along with three other kings—Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, and Tidal king of Goiim—formed an alliance to subdue a rebellion by five Canaanite kings. These five kings were Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). For twelve years, these Canaanite kings had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year, they rebelled. In response, Chedorlaomer and his allies launched a military campaign to reassert their dominance. Genesis 14:5-7 describes their conquests, which included defeating the Rephaim, Zuzim, Emim, and Horites, as well as the Amalekites and the Amorites. The pivotal battle occurred in the Valley of Siddim, where Chedorlaomer's coalition defeated the rebellious kings. As a result, they seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and took Lot, Abram's nephew, captive along with his possessions (Genesis 14:11-12). Abram's Intervention The capture of Lot prompted Abram (later known as Abraham) to take action. Upon hearing of his nephew's plight, Abram gathered 318 trained men from his household and pursued Chedorlaomer's forces. In a surprise night attack, Abram and his men defeated the coalition, rescued Lot, and recovered the stolen goods (Genesis 14:14-16). This victory is significant as it demonstrates God's providence and favor upon Abram, who was able to overcome a formidable alliance of kings with a relatively small force. The account also highlights Abram's role as a protector of his family and a man of faith who trusted in God's guidance. Historical and Theological Significance Chedorlaomer's mention in Genesis provides insight into the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. Elam, his kingdom, was a powerful entity during this period, and the coalition he led reflects the complex alliances and conflicts that characterized the region. From a theological perspective, the account of Chedorlaomer underscores themes of divine justice and intervention. Abram's victory is seen as a testament to God's covenantal promises and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds. The narrative also foreshadows the future role of Abram's descendants, the Israelites, as a people chosen by God to fulfill His purposes. References in Scripture · Genesis 14:1-17 : The primary account of Chedorlaomer's campaign and Abram's subsequent victory. · Genesis 14:18-20 : Following the battle, Abram encounters Melchizedek, king of Salem, who blesses him, further emphasizing the divine favor upon Abram. Chedorlaomer's account, though brief, is a crucial part of the Genesis narrative, illustrating the interplay of human conflict and divine sovereignty in the unfolding of biblical history. Smith's Bible Dictionary Chedorlaomer or Chedorlaomer(handful of sheaves), a king of Elam, in the time of Abraham, who with three other chiefs made war upon the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboim and Zoar, and reduced them to servitude. (Genesis 14:17) Strong's Hebrew 3540. Kedorlaomer -- a king of Elam... Kedorlaomer. 3541 . a king of Elam. Transliteration: Kedorlaomer Phonetic Spelling: (ked-or-law-o'-mer) Short Definition: Chedorlaomer. ... Chedorlaomer. ... /hebrew/3540.htm - 6k Library The History after the Flood. "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . Chapter xiv Abraham's Faith Theophilus. The General Service of the Holy Fathers, in Remembrance of ... The Word that Scatters Fear The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources Questions about Genesis | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Abraham and Lot? | GotQuestions.org Who was Terah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |