Genesis 14:5 - In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were with him, and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
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What does "Genesis 14:5" mean?
Genesis 14:5 is a terse and informative verse that outlines a military campaign undertaken by King Chedorlaomer and his allies. Let's break it down:
"In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were with him..." This sets the scene. Chedorlaomer was a powerful king from Elam (a region east of Mesopotamia) who had apparently established some sort of dominion over the kings of the region of Sodom and Gomorrah (mentioned later in the chapter). The "fourteenth year" likely refers to the fourteenth year since those kings became subject to Chedorlaomer. He is leading a coalition of kings, implying a significant military force.
"...and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim..." This begins listing the targets of the military campaign.
Rephaim: This refers to a people group. In the Old Testament, the Rephaim are often portrayed as giants or a particularly strong and fearsome people. Their exact origins and nature are debated.
Ashteroth Karnaim: This is a specific location, a city in the region of Bashan (northeast of the Sea of Galilee). It was a place known for worship of the goddess Ashtaroth (a Canaanite deity).
"...and the Zuzim in Ham..."
Zuzim: This is another people group, similar to the Rephaim, who inhabited the region east of the Jordan River. Their precise identity is also uncertain.
Ham: This is another place, likely a town or region where the Zuzim lived. Its exact location is unknown but is generally placed east of the Jordan River. Note that this Ham is not the son of Noah.
"...and the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim."
Emim: This is yet another people group, also described as giants or a powerful people. They were believed to be related to the Moabites and Ammonites.
Shaveh Kiriathaim: This is a place name, meaning "plain of the two cities." It was located east of the Dead Sea, within the territory later occupied by Moab.
In Summary:
The verse is describing a military campaign by Chedorlaomer and his allies to put down a rebellion by these various people groups. The places named - Ashteroth Karnaim, Ham, and Shaveh Kiriathaim - likely represent key locations where these groups were concentrated. By "striking" them, Chedorlaomer is asserting his dominance, likely suppressing a revolt and re-establishing his control.
Significance:
Historical Context: The verse provides a glimpse into the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East, showing how powerful kings exerted influence over smaller kingdoms and people groups.
Introduction to People Groups: It introduces the Rephaim, Zuzim, and Emim, who are mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament. These references help paint a picture of the pre-Israelite inhabitants of the land.
Setup for the Story: This verse sets the stage for the rest of Genesis 14, which tells the story of how Sodom and Gomorrah (and other cities) also rebelled against Chedorlaomer, and how Abraham's nephew Lot was captured in the ensuing conflict. This leads to Abraham's intervention to rescue Lot.
The verse serves as a historical marker and lays the groundwork for the larger narrative of Abraham's faith and actions.
Genesis 14:5 - In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were with him, and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
What does "Genesis 14:5" mean?
Genesis 14:5 is a terse and informative verse that outlines a military campaign undertaken by King Chedorlaomer and his allies. Let's break it down:
"In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were with him..." This sets the scene. Chedorlaomer was a powerful king from Elam (a region east of Mesopotamia) who had apparently established some sort of dominion over the kings of the region of Sodom and Gomorrah (mentioned later in the chapter). The "fourteenth year" likely refers to the fourteenth year since those kings became subject to Chedorlaomer. He is leading a coalition of kings, implying a significant military force.
"...and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim..." This begins listing the targets of the military campaign.
Rephaim: This refers to a people group. In the Old Testament, the Rephaim are often portrayed as giants or a particularly strong and fearsome people. Their exact origins and nature are debated.
Ashteroth Karnaim: This is a specific location, a city in the region of Bashan (northeast of the Sea of Galilee). It was a place known for worship of the goddess Ashtaroth (a Canaanite deity).
"...and the Zuzim in Ham..."
Zuzim: This is another people group, similar to the Rephaim, who inhabited the region east of the Jordan River. Their precise identity is also uncertain.
Ham: This is another place, likely a town or region where the Zuzim lived. Its exact location is unknown but is generally placed east of the Jordan River. Note that this Ham is not the son of Noah.
"...and the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim."
Emim: This is yet another people group, also described as giants or a powerful people. They were believed to be related to the Moabites and Ammonites.
Shaveh Kiriathaim: This is a place name, meaning "plain of the two cities." It was located east of the Dead Sea, within the territory later occupied by Moab.
In Summary:
The verse is describing a military campaign by Chedorlaomer and his allies to put down a rebellion by these various people groups. The places named - Ashteroth Karnaim, Ham, and Shaveh Kiriathaim - likely represent key locations where these groups were concentrated. By "striking" them, Chedorlaomer is asserting his dominance, likely suppressing a revolt and re-establishing his control.
Significance:
Historical Context: The verse provides a glimpse into the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East, showing how powerful kings exerted influence over smaller kingdoms and people groups.
Introduction to People Groups: It introduces the Rephaim, Zuzim, and Emim, who are mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament. These references help paint a picture of the pre-Israelite inhabitants of the land.
Setup for the Story: This verse sets the stage for the rest of Genesis 14, which tells the story of how Sodom and Gomorrah (and other cities) also rebelled against Chedorlaomer, and how Abraham's nephew Lot was captured in the ensuing conflict. This leads to Abraham's intervention to rescue Lot.
The verse serves as a historical marker and lays the groundwork for the larger narrative of Abraham's faith and actions.