Genesis 14:9

9 They got ready to fight against Kedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Babylonia, and Arioch king of Ellasar. There were four kings against five.

Genesis 14:9 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 14:9

With Chedorlaomer king of Elam
Who is here mentioned first, being the principal in the war, and against whom the kings of Sodom had rebelled: and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and
Arioch king of Ellasar;
who were his allies, confederates, and auxiliaries: four kings with five;
those four last mentioned, with the other five before spoken of, that is, they fought with them; or rather four kings against five, as the Vulgate Latin and Tigurine versions, and some others.

Genesis 14:9 In-Context

7 Then they turned back. They went to En Mishpat. En Mishpat was also called Kadesh. They took over the whole territory of the Amalekites. They also won the battle against the Amorites who were living in Hazazon Tamar.

8 Then the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah marched out. The kings of Admah, Zeboiim and Bela went with them. Bela was also called Zoar. They lined up their armies for battle in the Valley of Siddim.

9 They got ready to fight against Kedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Babylonia, and Arioch king of Ellasar. There were four kings against five.

10 The Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah ran away from the battle. Some of their men fell into the pits. The rest escaped to the hills.

11 The four kings took all of the things that belonged to Sodom and Gomorrah. They also took all of their food. Then they went away.