Definition: With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse. Itβs a fascinating and somewhat mysterious passage from Genesis 14:9! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive group of powerful, ancient rulers who were involved in a very significant event β the creation of a new kingdom. Letβs unpack it piece by piece: "Genesis 14..." : This refers to a story within the book of Genesis, specifically part 15, which tells about a significant conflict between angels and humanity. "...the king of Elam..." : Elam was a kingdom in southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The "king" here is a powerful ruler. "...and with Tidal king of nations..." : This is where it gets a little more complex. βTidalβ likely refers to a significant, influential figure from ancient Mesopotamia β possibly a priest or leader known for their wealth and power. "...Amraphel king of Shinar..." : Amraphel was a ruler in the region of present-day Iraq (Shinar is often associated with the biblical story of the Tower of Babel). "...and Arioch king of Ellasar..." : Arioch was another powerful ruler, and Ellasar was located in a region known for its craftsmanship. "Four kings with five..." : This is the really strange part! The verse states that these four kings were joined by a fifth β a βkingβ who was essentially a "royal advisor." So, whatβs the significance? This verse describes a group of incredibly influential and powerful rulers from ancient Mesopotamia. It's like a royal council or a group of key figures who played a huge role in establishing and shaping the early history of the region. Important Note: The exact meaning of this clause is debated by scholars, but it suggests a very large and interconnected network of power during a pivotal period in ancient history. --- To help me explain further or answer any specific questions you have about this verse, let me know: Are you curious about the context of the story in Genesis 14? Do you want to understand why this verse is considered significant historically?