Genesis 14:8 - Kings unite against evil

Context of the Battle in the Vale of Siddim

The verse (Bereishit 14:8) describes the alliance of five Canaanite kings—Sedom, Amora, Adma, Tzevoyim, and Bela (Tzoar)—mobilizing for war against the four invading kings led by Kedorlaomer. Rashi explains that these five kings were vassals who had previously served Kedorlaomer for twelve years but rebelled in the thirteenth year (Bereishit 14:4), prompting this military confrontation.

The Significance of the Five Kings

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 42:5) notes that these five cities were steeped in wickedness, particularly Sedom and Amora, whose sins later warranted their destruction (Bereishit 18:20). Ramban suggests their alliance reflects their shared moral corruption, as they united not for righteous defense but to resist subjugation to a foreign power.

The Location: The Vale of Siddim

The battle took place in Emek HaSiddim (the Valley of Siddim), which Rashi identifies as the future site of the Dead Sea (Yam HaMelach). The Talmud (Eruvin 19a) associates this valley with the "Valley of Gehinnom," symbolizing divine judgment. The Midrash (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 25) elaborates that this region was later overturned due to the sins of Sedom.

Military Strategy and Outcome

Ibn Ezra observes that the five kings chose the valley for battle, likely assuming the terrain would favor them. However, the verse (Bereishit 14:10) reveals their defeat, as the valley was full of tar pits—a detail the Radak interprets as divine intervention, trapping the wicked in their own battlefield.

Moral Lessons

• Divine Justice: The Sforno emphasizes that the alliance of corrupt kings was doomed from the outset, as their collective sins invited retribution.
• Historical Irony: The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) notes that the very valley where they sought victory became their undoing, foreshadowing the eventual destruction of Sedom and Amora.