The War of the Kings and Lot’s Capture
Genesis 14:1–12 (NASB95)
1And it came about in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, 2that they 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 (that is, Zoar). 3All these came as allies to the valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim and the Zuzim in Ham and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6and the Horites in their Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness. 7Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and conquered all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, who lived in Hazazon-tamar. 8And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah and the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they arrayed for battle against them in the valley of Siddim, 9against Chedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goiim and Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. 10Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country. 11Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food supply, and departed. 12They also took Lot, Abram’s nephew, and his possessions and departed, for he was living in Sodom.
Genesis 14 begins with a vivid story of an international conflict. Four eastern kings had ruled over the western lands for twelve years. The western kings, including those of Sodom and Gomorrah, grew tired of their oppression and rebelled.
The Eastern Alliance responded forcefully. They launched a military campaign, defeating several groups as they advanced. Their campaign demonstrated their strength and the threat they represented to the region. The decisive battle occurred in the Valley of Siddim. The terrain, filled with tar pits, hampered the western kings. The eastern coalition secured a complete victory, plundering Sodom and Gomorrah and taking captives.
Lot, Abram’s nephew, was among those captured. This is the first example where Lot’s decision will negatively impact him and his family. He chose to live near Sodom, despite its reputation for wickedness. Lot’s capture highlights the consequences of his choice to separate from Abram. Without the protection of the favored patriarch, Lot became vulnerable. The story shows how decisions driven by desire and worldly pursuits can lead to unforeseen danger.
The story serves a greater purpose. It sets the stage for Abram’s intervention and shows his growing influence. God uses these international events to fulfill His promises. The account also reveals that God’s people are not immune to world turmoil, but God remains active and in control of every situation.
I believe the lesson in this chapter is clear and will become even clearer. Our choices can bring blessings or problems. When others suffer due to poor decisions, God calls His people to act with courage and compassion, as we will see Abram do. The church should be prepared to rescue, restore, and point others back to God’s plans and promises amid uncertainty.