Shinab: King of Admah
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Topical Encyclopedia
Shinab is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. He is identified as the king of Admah, one of the five cities of the plain, which also included Sodom, Gomorrah, Zeboiim, and Zoar. These cities are often associated with the narrative of God's judgment due to their wickedness.

Biblical Reference:

Shinab is mentioned in Genesis 14:1-2, which provides the context of a significant military conflict during the time of Abram (later Abraham). The passage states:

"In those days Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar)." (Genesis 14:1-2)

This coalition of kings, led by Kedorlaomer, waged war against the kings of the cities of the plain, including Shinab. The conflict is known as the Battle of the Valley of Siddim, where the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar joined forces to resist the invading coalition.

Historical and Theological Context:

The narrative of Genesis 14 is significant for several reasons. It provides a glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, illustrating the alliances and conflicts among city-states and regional powers. The mention of Shinab and the other kings highlights the existence of organized city-states with their own rulers and political structures.

From a theological perspective, the account underscores the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and kings. The subsequent rescue of Lot by Abram, who intervenes in the conflict, demonstrates God's providential care for His chosen people. Abram's victory over the coalition of kings is attributed to divine intervention, reinforcing the theme of God's faithfulness and protection.

Admah and Its Fate:

Admah, the city over which Shinab reigned, is one of the cities that faced divine judgment due to its wickedness. Although the specific sins of Admah are not detailed in the Genesis account, it is grouped with Sodom and Gomorrah, which were notorious for their immorality and rebellion against God. The destruction of these cities is later recounted in Genesis 19, where God rains down sulfur and fire, obliterating them as a demonstration of His righteous judgment.

Legacy and Lessons:

The brief mention of Shinab in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God over human history. The account of the kings of the plain, including Shinab, invites reflection on the themes of justice, divine judgment, and the importance of aligning with God's purposes. The account also foreshadows the broader biblical narrative of redemption and the establishment of God's kingdom through His chosen people.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 14:2
That 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

Strong's Hebrew
8134. Shinab -- a king of Admah
... 8133, 8134. Shinab. 8135 . a king of Admah. Transliteration: Shinab Phonetic
Spelling: (shin-awb') Short Definition: Shinab. Word ...
/hebrew/8134.htm - 6k
Library

The History after the Flood.
... And the names of their kings are these: Bera, king of Sodom; Birsha, king of Gomorrah;
Shinab, king of Admah; Shemeber, king of Zeboiim; Bela, king of Zoar ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxxi the history after the.htm

Chapter xiv
... 2. They made war with Bera, king of Sodom, and Birsha, king of Gomorrah, Shinab,
king of Admah, and Shemeber, king of Zeboyim; and the king of Bela (that is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... of Samaria, an ally of Damascus against the Assyrian invader, and we hear of two
others, one of whom bears the same name as "Shinab, King of Admah." The storm ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

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Subtopics

Shinab

Shinab: King of Admah

Related Terms

Nimrod (4 Occurrences)

Amraphel (2 Occurrences)

Tidal (2 Occurrences)

Arioch (6 Occurrences)

Chedorlaomer (5 Occurrences)

Goiim (3 Occurrences)

Goyim (7 Occurrences)

Goi'im (3 Occurrences)

Ella'sar (2 Occurrences)

Ellasar (2 Occurrences)

Dispersion (4 Occurrences)

Mantle (35 Occurrences)

Babylonish (1 Occurrence)

Ched-or-lao'mer (5 Occurrences)

Ar'ioch (2 Occurrences)

Accad (1 Occurrence)

Am'raphel (2 Occurrences)

Erech (2 Occurrences)

Chaldea (8 Occurrences)

Shinab (1 Occurrence)

Cush (31 Occurrences)

Chaldeans (82 Occurrences)

Kedorlaomer (4 Occurrences)

Ur (5 Occurrences)

Underneath (19 Occurrences)

Journeying (36 Occurrences)

Journeyed (111 Occurrences)

Living-place (83 Occurrences)

Islands (32 Occurrences)

Isles (32 Occurrences)

Traveled (104 Occurrences)

Tower (74 Occurrences)

Treasure-house (6 Occurrences)

Reclaim (1 Occurrence)

Eden (19 Occurrences)

Eastward (72 Occurrences)

El-lasar (1 Occurrence)

Migrated (1 Occurrence)

Pul (3 Occurrences)

Pathros (6 Occurrences)

Pedestal (4 Occurrences)

Building (249 Occurrences)

Ba'bel (2 Occurrences)

Confusion (71 Occurrences)

Coastlands (29 Occurrences)

Wandering (120 Occurrences)

Akkad (1 Occurrence)

Acquire (18 Occurrences)

Settled (112 Occurrences)

Sea-lands (24 Occurrences)

Calneh (2 Occurrences)

Stretch (73 Occurrences)

Dwelt (307 Occurrences)

Store-house (23 Occurrences)

Euphrates (36 Occurrences)

Flat (33 Occurrences)

Tongues (67 Occurrences)

Hers (15 Occurrences)

Extend (35 Occurrences)

Babel (3 Occurrences)

Elam (24 Occurrences)

Shine (62 Occurrences)

Addeth (44 Occurrences)

Jehoi'akim (34 Occurrences)

Bar (27 Occurrences)

Asshur (133 Occurrences)

Hammurabi

Babylon (270 Occurrences)

Recover (37 Occurrences)

Lower (72 Occurrences)

Babylonia (17 Occurrences)

Dwell (474 Occurrences)

Treasury (25 Occurrences)

East (228 Occurrences)

Ephah (55 Occurrences)

Basket (40 Occurrences)

Zechariah (55 Occurrences)

Articles (78 Occurrences)

Shinab
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