Bible Word of the Day
ChedorLaomer (Kedorlaomer, King of Elam)
Meaning
Chedorlaomer was a king of Elam. Elam was located east of Babylon in the time of Abraham. Chedorlaomer joined up with three other kings the Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar. They battled against the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah who had rebelled against king Chedorlaomer.
Chedorlaomer’s forces were successful, capturing and looting Sodom and Gomorrah, and taking the people of the cities into captivity, including Abraham’s nephew Lot, who had chosen to live there with his wife and two daughters.
Abraham’s response was swift and decisive; leading 318 servants of his own household into battle, he defeated Chedorlaomer’s military coalition forces and rescued Lot and his family. The name Chedorlaomer means “Follower of the Ax” which translates to “Worshipper of War.” The battle took place in the Valley of Siddim which is located at the south end of the Dead Sea area. The word “Siddim” means “Salt Sea” and is in reference to the Dead Sea and its high salt content.
“And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea).” (Genesis 14:1-3)