That these made warre with Bera King of Sodome, and with Birsha King of Gomorrah, Shinab King of Admah, and Shemeber King of Zeboiim, and the King of Bela, which is Zoar. Genesis 14:2 (KJV)
Genesis 14:2 belongs to the larger narrative of Genesis 14, which records a war among several regional kings during the time of Abraham, who was called Abram at the beginning of the chapter. The chapter opens by naming the four kings who formed a coalition—Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations—and then introduces the opposing alliance of city‑state rulers.
In verses 1‑2 the text specifies that Bera, king of Sodom, together with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (which is Zoar), formed an alliance that fought against the four‑king coalition. This conflict is often referred to as the “Battle of the Kings.”
Sodom and Gomorrah are repeatedly described in Scripture as cities of great wickedness. Genesis 13:13 (KJV) records, “And the men of Sodom were wicked, and the men of Gomorrah exceedingly wicked.” Their rulers’ participation in the war underscores the political and moral climate of the region.
The significance of this verse lies in its illustration of the turbulent environment surrounding Abraham in Canaan. During the battle Lot, Abraham’s nephew who had settled near Sodom, was captured (Genesis 14:12). Abraham’s subsequent rescue of Lot demonstrates his loyalty, courage, and willingness to intervene on behalf of his family.
The mention of the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah also foreshadows the later divine judgment on those cities. Genesis 19 recounts God’s destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as a consequence of their persistent sin.
Overall, Genesis 14:2 provides a concise snapshot of the geopolitical strife of Abraham’s era, introduces the opposing royal alliances, and sets the stage for the rescue of Lot and the eventual judgment on the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
