Genesis 14:10 - Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there, and those who remained fled to the hills.
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What does "Genesis 14:10" mean?
This verse from Genesis 14:10 describes a disastrous battle in the Valley of Siddim, a region known for its abundance of natural asphalt pits, often called "tar pits" or "slime pits" in translations. Let's break down the meaning:
"Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits": This sets the scene. The Valley of Siddim was a dangerous and treacherous place due to the presence of numerous natural tar pits. These pits would have been sticky and difficult to escape once someone fell into them.
"and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled": The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, who were part of the losing alliance in the battle, attempted to escape the conflict.
"and some fell there": During their flight, some of the soldiers, including likely some of the kings themselves, fell into the tar pits. This implies that the chaotic retreat led to people accidentally stumbling into these traps.
"and those who remained fled to the hills": The survivors of the losing army, including the remaining leaders, continued their escape, seeking refuge in the hills surrounding the valley. This suggests a desperate attempt to avoid capture or death after their defeat and the treacherous terrain claimed some of their own.
In summary, this verse depicts a chaotic and desperate retreat following a military defeat. The tar pits in the Valley of Siddim added to the disaster, trapping some of the fleeing soldiers and leaders, while the rest sought safety in the surrounding hills. It emphasizes the vulnerability and peril faced by the defeated armies of Sodom and Gomorrah. It also sets the stage for the subsequent events in the chapter, including the capture of Lot and his rescue by Abraham.
Genesis 14:10 - Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there, and those who remained fled to the hills.
What does "Genesis 14:10" mean?
This verse from Genesis 14:10 describes a disastrous battle in the Valley of Siddim, a region known for its abundance of natural asphalt pits, often called "tar pits" or "slime pits" in translations. Let's break down the meaning:
"Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits": This sets the scene. The Valley of Siddim was a dangerous and treacherous place due to the presence of numerous natural tar pits. These pits would have been sticky and difficult to escape once someone fell into them.
"and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled": The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, who were part of the losing alliance in the battle, attempted to escape the conflict.
"and some fell there": During their flight, some of the soldiers, including likely some of the kings themselves, fell into the tar pits. This implies that the chaotic retreat led to people accidentally stumbling into these traps.
"and those who remained fled to the hills": The survivors of the losing army, including the remaining leaders, continued their escape, seeking refuge in the hills surrounding the valley. This suggests a desperate attempt to avoid capture or death after their defeat and the treacherous terrain claimed some of their own.
In summary, this verse depicts a chaotic and desperate retreat following a military defeat. The tar pits in the Valley of Siddim added to the disaster, trapping some of the fleeing soldiers and leaders, while the rest sought safety in the surrounding hills. It emphasizes the vulnerability and peril faced by the defeated armies of Sodom and Gomorrah. It also sets the stage for the subsequent events in the chapter, including the capture of Lot and his rescue by Abraham.