The four regional kings of Shinar, Ellasar, Elam, and Goiim 2 declared war on the five kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bera (Zoar). 3 These latter kings met up in the Siddim Valley (that is, the Dead Sea area) and formed a Five King military alliance. 4 For twelve years the Five King Alliance had served the king of Elam, but in the thirteenth year they revolted. 5-7 In the fourteenth year, the Four King Alliance attacked tribal groups in the territories of the rebellious Five King Alliance.
8-9 Then the Five King Alliance went to battle in the Siddim Valley against the Four King Alliance.
10 As the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah retreated, they were defeated at some of the many tar pits in the Siddim Valley. However, the others in their alliance survived and fled to the hills.
11 The victorious Four King Alliance plundered Sodom and Gomorrah, carting off everything of value -- including the food. 12 Abram’s nephew Lot was living in Sodom at that time. So they took him and all his possessions, too.
13 One of the survivors showed up on the doorstep of Abram the Hebrew, who lived near the oaks of the Amorite Mamre, the brother of Eshcol and Aner. They were all treaty partners with Abram.
14 When Abram heard that his nephew had been captured, he mobilized all three hundred eighteen of the loyal household men trained in combat. They pursued the Four King Alliance army as far as Dan. 15 Then during the night, having split his men into small groups, Abram attacked and defeated the alliance army -- chasing them to Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 He recovered all of the loot -- including his nephew Lot, Lot’s possessions, wives, and people.
