Topical Bible: Abraham: Defeats Chedorlaomer

◄ Abraham: Defeats Chedorlaomer ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Background and Context:
The account of Abraham's defeat of Chedorlaomer is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 14. This event occurs during the early part of Abraham's journey in the land of Canaan, after he has settled there following God's call to leave his homeland. The narrative provides insight into the political landscape of the region during Abraham's time, highlighting the presence of various city-states and their kings.

The Kings' War:
The account begins with a coalition of four kings led by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam. This coalition also includes Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, and Tidal king of Goiim. These kings wage war against another coalition of five kings from the cities of the plain: Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). The conflict arises because the kings of the plain had served Chedorlaomer for twelve years and rebelled in the thirteenth year (Genesis 14:1-4).

The Battle and Capture of Lot:
In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and his allies launch a campaign to subdue the rebellious kings. They defeat the Rephaim, Zuzim, Emim, and Horites, and then turn their attention to the kings of the plain. The battle takes place in the Valley of Siddim, which is full of tar pits. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah flee, and their cities are plundered. During this raid, Lot, Abraham's nephew who was living in Sodom, is captured along with his possessions (Genesis 14:5-12).

Abraham's Response:
When Abraham learns of Lot's capture, he takes immediate action. He gathers 318 trained men from his household and sets out in pursuit of the invaders. Abraham's forces catch up with the coalition at Dan, and he divides his men to attack by night. This surprise assault results in a decisive victory, and Abraham is able to recover all the goods, as well as Lot and his possessions, along with the women and other captives (Genesis 14:13-16).

Meeting with Melchizedek:
After the victory, Abraham returns from the battle and is met by Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High. Melchizedek brings out bread and wine and blesses Abraham, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand." In response, Abraham gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything (Genesis 14:18-20).

The King of Sodom's Offer:
Following the encounter with Melchizedek, the king of Sodom offers Abraham the recovered goods, asking only for the return of his people. However, Abraham refuses to take anything for himself, declaring that he has sworn an oath to the LORD, God Most High, that he would not take even a thread or a sandal strap, lest the king of Sodom claim to have made Abraham rich. Abraham only requests that his allies, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, receive their share (Genesis 14:21-24).

Significance:
This episode highlights Abraham's role as a leader and protector of his family, as well as his faith and reliance on God. The encounter with Melchizedek is particularly significant, as it introduces a priestly figure who blesses Abraham and receives a tithe, prefiguring later biblical themes of priesthood and blessing. The narrative also underscores the theme of divine providence, as Abraham attributes his victory to God's intervention.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 14:5-24
And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emins in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 7:1
For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chapter xiv
... to have chronicles made of their defeats, and this ... his return from the defeat of
Chedorlaomer and the ... to the proper understanding of Abraham's victory would be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm