What does Genesis 14:4 mean?
The previous few verses set the stage for a battle. The rebellious kings of five cities grouped at the southern end of the Sea of Galilee had gathered their forces in the Valley of Siddim to await the attack of the kings of four eastern cities. In response, the four kings were coming west to attack. These four were from city-states loyal to the ruling regime.Apparently, these five kings (and perhaps other city-states in the region) had rebelled against the twelve-year rule of the four kings of the east, headed by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam. This control probably involved taxes and other contributions, rather than direct military occupation.