Amraphel
אַמְרָפֶל/AM-ra-fel/
“Possibly 'sayer of darkness' or of uncertain meaning”
Summary
King of Shinar who joined Chedorlaomer's alliance in attacking the cities of the plain, leading to their defeat by Abraham.
☩The First Biblical War
Amraphel, king of Shinar (Babylonia), was one of four allied kings who made war against five kings of the plain, including the rulers of Sodom and Gomorrah. For twelve years these cities had served Chedorlaomer of Elam, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Amraphel and his allies defeated the rebellious kings and took captives, including Lot. This prompted Abraham to pursue and defeat the four kings, rescuing Lot and the other captives.
Key verses:Genesis 14:1-9
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Amraphel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Amraphel," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).