Book of Genesis - Chapter 14 - Verse 9

The verse you are referring to is Genesis 14:9, which describes a historical event involving four kings who went to war against five kings. Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam, was the leader of this coalition. Elam was a region located in what is now southwestern Iran. Tidal, king of nations, is believed to be a title rather than a specific ruler. Amraphel, the king of Shinar, was the ruler of a city-state in Mesopotamia. Shinar is often associated with the southern region of Mesopotamia where Babylon was located. Lastly, Arioch, king of Ellasar, is thought to have ruled a city in either northern Mesopotamia or Asia Minor. This verse highlights the political landscape of the ancient Near East during the time of Abraham. It illustrates the power dynamics and conflicts between various city-states and kingdoms in the region. The mention of these kings serves as a historical reference point for readers to better understand the context of the narrative.

Genesis 14:9 introduces four kings who formed a coalition to go to war against five other kings in the region. Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam, is mentioned first, indicating his leadership role in the alliance. Elam was a powerful kingdom to the east of Mesopotamia. Tidal, king of nations, likely refers to a title rather than a specific name, suggesting his authority over various peoples. Amraphel, king of Shinar, ruled over the territory that later became Babylonia, with Shinar being the southern part of Mesopotamia. Finally, Arioch, king of Ellasar, was likely a ruler in northern Mesopotamia. The mention of four kings against five emphasizes the outnumbered nature of the opposing forces, setting the stage for the conflict that ensues in the subsequent verses. This verse provides valuable historical and geopolitical context for understanding the events that unfold in the narrative of Genesis.