Chedorlaomer
Summary
A king of Elam who led a coalition of four kings against the cities of the plain in Abraham's time, taking Lot captive before being defeated by Abraham.
☩The Campaign of the Four Kings
Chedorlaomer was king of Elam who, along with Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, and Tidal king of nations, made war upon the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar. For twelve years these five kings of the plain served under Chedorlaomer's domination, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and his allies marched against them, first defeating the Rephaim, Zuzim, Emim, Horites, Amalekites, and Amorites along their route before encountering the five kings in the Vale of Siddim.
☩Defeat and Abraham's Rescue
The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, falling into the bitumen pits of the valley, while Chedorlaomer's forces seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and their provisions, taking Lot captive as well. When Abraham heard of his nephew's capture, he armed 318 trained servants born in his household and pursued the coalition to Dan, then beyond to Hobah, north of Damascus. Abraham defeated them, recovered all the goods, and rescued Lot with his possessions. According to some scholars, Chedorlaomer may be identified with Kudur-Lagamar found in Babylonian inscriptions, bearing the title 'Ravager of the West.'
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Chedorlaomer," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Chedorlaomer," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.George Morrish, "Chedorlaomer," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.James Orr (ed.), "Chedorlaomer," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 5.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Chedorlaomer," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).