Chedorlaomer, also known as Kedorlaomer, was an ancient king mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 14. He was the king of Elam, an ancient kingdom east of Babylon in what is now modern-day Iran. Chedorlaomer is described as having subjugated several peoples in the Transjordanian region, including the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. However, the Bible records that he was later defeated by Abraham and his allies when attempting to put down a rebellion by the conquered kingdoms.
The story of Chedorlaomer and his defeat by Abraham provides important context for understanding the geopolitical situation of the ancient Near East at the time, as well as highlighting Abraham’s rising status and influence. Though the account contains fantastical elements, most scholars believe there is a historical core relating a real military conflict between the kingdom of Elam and local Transjordanian rulers. The defeat of the powerful Elamite king would have been a major victory for the tribal confederation led by Abraham.
Chedorlaomer in the Bible
The story of Chedorlaomer is found in Genesis 14, which describes a rebellion of certain Transjordanian cities against his rule. The background provided is that, twelve years earlier, Chedorlaomer had asserted dominance over the region along with three other kings from nearby nations – Amraphel king of Shinar (Babylonia), Arioch king of Ellasar, and Tidal king of Goiim. The Bible states:
Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in their hill country of Seir as far as El-paran on the border of the wilderness. Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh) and defeated all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who were dwelling in Hazazon-tamar. (Genesis 14:4-7 ESV)
So after dealing with some other rebellious groups in the area, Chedorlaomer and his confederation of kings turn their sights on the central area near the Dead Sea, including the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The rebel kings engage them in battle at the Valley of Siddim:
Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out, and they joined battle in the Valley of Siddim with Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar, four kings against five. (Genesis 14:8-9 ESV)
According to the account, Chedorlaomer’s forces are victorious and plunder the cities, taking captives including Lot, Abraham’s nephew. When word of this reaches Abraham, he gathers a small army of his own followers and sets out to rescue Lot. In a surprise nighttime attack, Abraham defeats Chedorlaomer at Hobah north of Damascus and recovers the plundered goods and people.
When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people. (Genesis 14:14-16 ESV)
This victory over the powerful Chedorlaomer enhances Abraham’s reputation in the region. After his return, Abraham is blessed by the mysterious Melchizedek, priest-king of Salem (Jerusalem), and refuses to accept any of the recovered goods for himself.
Historical Background
There is debate among scholars as to whether Chedorlaomer was a real figure or not. The name does not match known Elamite names from other sources of the time. However, there are records that indicate Elamite military adventures and influence over parts of Mesopotamia and the Levant during the patriarchal period described in Genesis. Dominance over city-states like Sodom and Gomorrah would have fit with Elamite ambitions to control trade routes and expand access to natural resources.
Many scholars thus believe that while the account in Genesis 14 has legendary or folkloric elements, it preserves a memory of a real Elamite incursion into Canaan that was eventually repulsed. The rebellion of vassal kingdoms like Sodom after an initial period of submitting tribute is plausible political history. The number of fighting men on Abraham’s side (318) also reflects a realistic tribal militia, not a fanciful literary trope.
As such, a plausible historical scenario is that Chedorlaomer refers to a real Elamite king, or general, who asserted political dominance over Transjordan for a time but was unable to subdue tribal coalitions in the Canaanite hill country. The account in Genesis combines vague memories of these actual political dynamics with heroic legend about how Abraham’s tribe helped defeat the Elamite ruler and won freedom from vassalage and tribute payments.
Chedorlaomer’s Defeat and Abraham’s Rising Influence
Regardless of questions about historicity, Chedorlaomer’s defeat at Abraham’s hands has important implications within the internal storyline of Genesis. After migrating from Mesopotamia to Canaan, Abraham and his kin were relative newcomers establishing footholds in the land. Victory over Chedorlaomer, who had subjugated much of the local city-states, demonstrated that Abraham’s tribal coalition was becoming a power to be reckoned with.
In the patriarchal narratives, this battle signals a transition point where Abraham goes from sojourning in Canaan to actively participating in its political dynamics. His military success and recovery of captives enhances his status among other regional leaders. For example, the king of Sodom offers to let Abraham keep the recovered goods for himself as reward. This temptation foreshadows the later separation between Abraham’s monotheistic kindred and the pagan cities like Sodom which are ultimately destroyed.
The meeting with the mysterious Melchizedek, who blesses Abraham and receives a tithe from him, also connects Abraham with the holy city of Jerusalem. Scholars see this as part of establishing a theological claim to the land based on Abraham’s tribe’s rising political and economic strength in the region.
In sum, Chedorlaomer’s campaign provides a narrative backdrop for demonstrating Abraham’s growing tribal influence in Canaan. His victory fuels the momentum which will eventually make Abraham’s kin an established force in the Promised Land.
Chedorlaomer in Later Tradition
While Chedorlaomer is only mentioned in this one episode in Genesis 14, his story was elaborated in various ways in later tradition. For example:
- The apocryphal book Jasher has an expanded story about the battle, including naming some of Chedorlaomer’s officers.
- Jewish traditions theorized that Chedorlaomer and his allies represented each of the four kingdoms in the vision of Daniel 7. This contributed to eschatological interpretations of the episode as foreshadowing the final defeat of earthly powers.
- Some early Christian writers associated Chedorlaomer with Nimrod, the mighty hunter and king of Babel described in Genesis 10. This tied him to legends about the foundation of idolatrous kingdoms.
- In Greek sources like Josephus, he is called Chodollogomor or Kodollogomoros, reflecting variants of the Hebrew spelling.
- Mormon scripture in the Book of Abraham refers to Kedorlaomer as a righteous king in Abraham’s time who rejected the idolatry of Chaldea.
So while Chedorlaomer/Kedorlaomer receives limited treatment in the actual Genesis narrative, the striking story of his defeat by Abraham captured later imaginations and was expanded in various retellings and interpretations. The core memory of an Elamite ruler’s invasion and subsequent repulsion at the hands of the Hebrew patriarch survived, even as the details became more legendary and creative in different cultural traditions.
Key Points about Chedorlaomer
- Chedorlaomer was the king of Elam who subjugated parts of Canaan according to Genesis 14.
- After a rebellion, he waged a military campaign against cities like Sodom and Gomorrah.
- He plundered the cities and took captives, including Abraham’s nephew Lot.
- Abraham defeated Chedorlaomer in battle and rescued the captives.
- This victory marked Abraham’s tribe becoming a regional power.
- Later tradition expanded Chedorlaomer’s story in writings like Jasher.
- He came to represent idolatrous kingdoms opposed to Abraham’s monotheistic kin.
So in summary, Chedorlaomer/Kedorlaomer played the villain role in a Genesis battle narrative that highlighted the rising influence of Abraham and set the stage for the eventual emergence of the Hebrew nation. As an archetypal pagan king, his defeat foreshadowed future deliverance and victory for the people of Israel.
