Topical Encyclopedia Gomorrah, one of the infamous cities of the plain, is frequently mentioned in the Bible alongside Sodom. Known for its wickedness, Gomorrah faced divine judgment and destruction. However, before its ultimate demise, Gomorrah played a role in the geopolitical conflicts of the ancient Near East, particularly in the narrative involving Chedorlaomer, king of Elam.Historical Context Gomorrah was part of a confederation of five cities in the Valley of Siddim, which included Sodom, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (also known as Zoar). These cities were under the dominion of Chedorlaomer, a powerful king who ruled over Elam. For twelve years, they served Chedorlaomer, paying tribute to him as a sign of their subjugation. Rebellion and Conflict In the thirteenth year, the kings of these cities, including the king of Gomorrah, rebelled against Chedorlaomer's rule. This rebellion set the stage for a significant military campaign. In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer, along with his allies—Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, and Tidal king of Goiim—marched against the rebelling cities to reassert their dominance. The Battle of Siddim The conflict culminated in the Battle of Siddim, where the forces of Chedorlaomer clashed with the armies of the five rebellious kings. Genesis 14:8-10 describes the scene: "Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and arrayed themselves for battle in the Valley of Siddim against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some men fell into them, but the rest fled to the hills." The battle resulted in a decisive victory for Chedorlaomer and his allies. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah were defeated, and their cities were plundered. The victors seized all the goods and provisions of Sodom and Gomorrah, taking many captives, including Lot, the nephew of Abram (later known as Abraham), who was living in Sodom at the time. Abram's Intervention The capture of Lot prompted Abram to take action. Upon hearing of his nephew's capture, Abram gathered 318 trained men from his household and pursued the invaders. In a daring night attack, Abram and his men defeated Chedorlaomer and his allies, rescuing Lot and recovering the plundered goods. Genesis 14:16 records, "He recovered all the goods, along with his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people." Significance The defeat of Gomorrah's king by Chedorlaomer highlights the city's vulnerability and foreshadows its eventual destruction due to its pervasive wickedness. This narrative also underscores the faith and courage of Abram, who, with God's help, was able to overcome formidable foes and rescue his kin. The episode serves as a testament to God's providence and the importance of righteous intervention in the face of injustice. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 14:2,8-11That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar. Nave's Topical Index Library Chapter xiv "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources Is hell literally a place of fire and brimstone? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Lot's wife turned into a pillar of salt? | GotQuestions.org Who was Chedorlaomer / Kedorlaomer? | GotQuestions.org Gomorrah: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |