This verse from Genesis 14:7 describes a military campaign conducted by a coalition of kings who were allied with Chedorlaomer (king of Elam) against various groups in the region of Canaan. Let's break it down:
"They returned": This refers to the coalition of kings led by Chedorlaomer. They were in the midst of a larger military expedition to subdue rebellious vassal kings.
"and came to En Mishpat (also called Kadesh)": En Mishpat is a place name, also known as Kadesh. It was a significant location in the Negev desert (southern part of Canaan). It often appears later in the Bible as a key stopping point during the Israelites' wanderings.
"and struck all the country of the Amalekites": The Amalekites were a nomadic people known for their hostility towards the Israelites. The verse says the kings defeated the Amalekites in their territory. This likely signifies a significant defeat and subjugation.
"and also the Amorites, that lived in Hazazon Tamar.": The Amorites were a powerful group of people who inhabited Canaan before the Israelites. Hazazon Tamar (later known as En Gedi) was a specific location where some Amorites lived. The kings also attacked and defeated these Amorites.
In essence, the verse describes a military victory by the coalition kings against two distinct groups: the Amalekites and the Amorites in Hazazon Tamar. The significance of this verse lies in:
Establishing the power dynamics of the region: It shows the influence and military strength of Chedorlaomer and his allies, who were able to conduct campaigns and subdue various groups.
Highlighting the presence of these groups: It provides a historical context, showing the existence and location of the Amalekites and Amorites in the land of Canaan, groups who would later play significant roles in the history of the Israelites.
Setting the stage for future conflicts: It foreshadows later conflicts between the Israelites and the Amalekites and Amorites, suggesting a long-standing pattern of rivalry and warfare in the region.
In context of Genesis 14: This verse is part of a larger narrative about a war between several kings in the ancient Near East. Abram (later Abraham) becomes involved when his nephew Lot is captured in the conflict. Abram then pursues the victorious kings and rescues Lot, further establishing his importance and righteousness in the biblical narrative.
This verse from Genesis 14:7 describes a military campaign conducted by a coalition of kings who were allied with Chedorlaomer (king of Elam) against various groups in the region of Canaan. Let's break it down:
"They returned": This refers to the coalition of kings led by Chedorlaomer. They were in the midst of a larger military expedition to subdue rebellious vassal kings.
"and came to En Mishpat (also called Kadesh)": En Mishpat is a place name, also known as Kadesh. It was a significant location in the Negev desert (southern part of Canaan). It often appears later in the Bible as a key stopping point during the Israelites' wanderings.
"and struck all the country of the Amalekites": The Amalekites were a nomadic people known for their hostility towards the Israelites. The verse says the kings defeated the Amalekites in their territory. This likely signifies a significant defeat and subjugation.
"and also the Amorites, that lived in Hazazon Tamar.": The Amorites were a powerful group of people who inhabited Canaan before the Israelites. Hazazon Tamar (later known as En Gedi) was a specific location where some Amorites lived. The kings also attacked and defeated these Amorites.
In essence, the verse describes a military victory by the coalition kings against two distinct groups: the Amalekites and the Amorites in Hazazon Tamar. The significance of this verse lies in:
Establishing the power dynamics of the region: It shows the influence and military strength of Chedorlaomer and his allies, who were able to conduct campaigns and subdue various groups.
Highlighting the presence of these groups: It provides a historical context, showing the existence and location of the Amalekites and Amorites in the land of Canaan, groups who would later play significant roles in the history of the Israelites.
Setting the stage for future conflicts: It foreshadows later conflicts between the Israelites and the Amalekites and Amorites, suggesting a long-standing pattern of rivalry and warfare in the region.
In context of Genesis 14: This verse is part of a larger narrative about a war between several kings in the ancient Near East. Abram (later Abraham) becomes involved when his nephew Lot is captured in the conflict. Abram then pursues the victorious kings and rescues Lot, further establishing his importance and righteousness in the biblical narrative.