Genesis 14:11-12
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The text highlights that the victors "took all the goods" and "all their victuals," emphasizing the completeness of the plunder. This wasn't just a raid; it was a total stripping of the cities, leaving them utterly destitute and vulnerable.
So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a coalition of four kings defeated the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and their allies, they plundered all the possessions and food from the cities and departed. This devastating raid also resulted in Lot, Abram's nephew, being taken captive along with his property. The narrative then shifts to Abram, who, upon hearing of Lot's capture, immediately mobilizes his forces to pursue the victorious invaders.
Imagine your life's work vanishing in a single day. This verse paints a stark picture of a swift, devastating raid.
The kings who attacked Sodom and Gomorrah weren't interested in long-term occupation. Their goal was plunder.
A Quick, Brutal Sweep
This wasn't a prolonged siege, but a lightning strike designed to maximize loot and minimize risk. It serves as a reminder of how quickly life can change when chaos erupts.
Why were Sodom and Gomorrah so easily plundered? This verse hints at a deeper story of misplaced priorities.
The ease with which the raiders seized everything points to a city unprepared for conflict, likely due to a focus on comfort over security.
The Price of Complacency
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Their vulnerability was a direct consequence of their choices. Their focus on material possessions and perhaps a life of ease left them exposed when danger arrived.
Understand the original words
rekush · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the goods, wealth, or property belonging to an individual or group. In a biblical context, possessions are often viewed as blessings from God, but they can also become idols or sources of temptation.
okel · Hebrew Noun
A general term for edible goods or food supplies necessary for survival and sustenance. Biblically, these emphasize God's role as the Provider and the necessity of dependence upon Him.
This verse describes the immediate aftermath of a military campaign by a coalition of ancient Near Eastern kings. The plundering of Sodom and Gomorrah wasn't just about taking goods; it was a common practice for ancient armies to seize provisions and valuables during such raids, often carried out by nomadic or semi-nomadic groups.
c. 2000-1900 BC
Chasor-Laomer's Dominion Established
Chedorlaomer of Elam, along with allied kings, established a regional hegemony, demanding tribute from various city-states in the Levant.
c. 2000-1900 BC
Rebellion of Five Cities
The kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar) rebelled against Chedorlaomer's rule after twelve years of servitude.
c. 2000-1900 BC
Chedorlaomer's Military Campaign
Chedorlaomer and his allies marched to quell the rebellion, defeating various tribes and peoples in their path before reaching the Vale of Siddim.
c. 2000-1900 BC
Battle in the Vale of Siddim
The rebel kings of the five cities fought Chedorlaomer and his allies in the Vale of Siddim. The rebel army was routed, with many fleeing into the slime pits.
c. 2000-1900 BC— this verse
Sacking of Sodom and Gomorrah
The victorious allied forces plundered Sodom and Gomorrah, seizing all their possessions, provisions, and capturing people, including Lot, Abram's nephew.
c. 2000-1900 BC
Abram's Pursuit and Rescue
Abram gathered his men and allies, pursued the retreating army, and rescued Lot, the captives, and the possessions from the hands of the enemy.
c. 2000-1900 BC
Encounter with Melchizedek
After the rescue, Abram met Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of the Most High God, who blessed him and to whom Abram gave a tenth of the spoils.
This passage describes a similar outcome of conquest and plunder, where the produce of the land and the fruits of labor are taken by enemies, highlighting the devastating consequences of disobedience and judgment.
Jeremiah 52:11This verse details the plundering of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, mirroring the actions of the invading kings who took all the possessions and provisions, illustrating a recurring theme of nations suffering loss due to sin and judgment.
Lamentations 1:10This verse graphically portrays the enemy entering the sanctuary and seizing possessions, reflecting the severe loss and desolation experienced by Jerusalem, similar to what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah.
Matthew 13:22Jesus uses the parable of the sower to describe how worries of the world and the deceitfulness of riches can choke the word of God, which resonates with the material focus of Sodom and Gomorrah that ultimately led to their downfall.
2 Peter 2:6-7This passage explicitly recounts the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah for their sin, mentioning that righteous Lot was distressed by their lawless deeds, connecting the events of Genesis 14 to their ultimate fate.
gillGenesis 14:11: "And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way."
And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah,.... They entered these cities and pillaged them, and carried off everything valuable in them, that was portable or could be driven, as their cattle, &c. they did not burn these cities, nor take possession of them, and leave garrisons in them, which shows them to be petty princes that came for plunder, and to get an equivalent for nonp…
calvinGenesis 14:1-24: "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;"
And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;
Et egressus est rex Sedom, et rex Hamorah, et rex Admah, et rex Seboim, et rex Belah, ipsa est Sohar, et ordinaverunt cum eis…
The text highlights that the victors "took all the goods" and "all their victuals," emphasizing the completeness of the plunder. This wasn't just a raid; it was a total stripping of the cities, leaving them utterly destitute and vulnerable.
After a coalition of four kings defeated the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and their allies, they plundered all the possessions and food from the cities and departed. This devastating raid also resulted in Lot, Abram's nephew, being taken captive along with his property. The narrative then shifts to Abram, who, upon hearing of Lot's capture, immediately mobilizes his forces to pursue the victorious invaders.
After a coalition of four kings defeated the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and their allies, they plundered all the possessions and food from the cities and departed. This devastating raid also resulted in Lot, Abram's nephew, being taken captive along with his property. The narrative then shifts to Abram, who, upon hearing of Lot's capture, immediately mobilizes his forces to pursue the victorious invaders.
"So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way." — The text highlights that the victors "took all the goods" and "all their victuals," emphasizing the completeness of the plunder. This wasn't just a raid; it was a total stripping of the cities, leavi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
