Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 14:1-12
The four kings (Genesis 14:1) resided in the eastern part of the Fertile Crescent. They sought to dominate the land of Canaan by subjugating five kings (Genesis 14:2) who lived there. They probably wanted to keep the trade routes between Mesopotamia and Egypt open and under their control. It is interesting that people living around Babylon initiated this first war mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 14:2).Scholars have debated the identity of the Rephaim (Genesis 14:5; cf. Genesis 15:20; literally... read more
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 14:2
Genesis 14:2. Made war with Bera, &c.— These five kings were lords of the country, called Pentapolis, from their five cities, which stood in that rich and then fertile valley of Siddim, which is now the Salt-sea; so called from the great quantity of salt or bitumen wherewith it is impregnated. We call it the Dead-sea (Deuteronomy 29:23.); for it is of so strong a consistence, that the winds have not so much power over it, as over the waters, in common. The Hebrews call any large body of... read more