Genesis 14:5
“In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the kings who were with him, and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim,”
What does Genesis 14:5 mean?
This verse shows the beginning of a military campaign by a powerful coalition of kings led by Chedorlaomer, who invaded the region and defeated several groups of people. The specific names of places and peoples might sound unfamiliar, but the main point is that this was a significant show of force that set the stage for what comes next in the story, when these same invaders will capture Abraham's nephew Lot. Understanding that Chedorlaomer had already conquered other regions helps explain why Abraham felt compelled to rescue his relative, even though he was outnumbered, because he knew these kings were a serious threat.