After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
English Standard Version (ESV)
The most striking detail here is that the king of Sodom, whose people were just rescued from captivity, goes out to meet Abram with an offer: "Take the goods for yourself." This isn't just gratitude; it's a profound statement about the king's values, showing his primary concern is to reclaim his people, even if it means giving away all the material wealth.
After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abram has just achieved an incredible victory, rescuing his nephew Lot and all the captured people and goods from a coalition of powerful kings. As Abram returns from this successful campaign, the king of Sodom, whose people and possessions were recovered, comes out to meet him. This meeting occurs at the Valley of Shaveh, also known as the King's Valley, signifying a place of significance and potentially royal gatherings.
Imagine the scene: a victorious warrior returns, and a grateful king rushes out to meet him. What does the king offer, and why does Abram refuse it?
After rescuing Lot and the others, Abram returns to find the king of Sodom waiting for him at the Valley of Shaveh.
A King's Gratitude
The king of Sodom, Bera (or his successor, as some commentators suggest, since Bera might have perished in the bitumen pits), proposes a deal to Abram:
Abram's Noble Refusal
Abram, however, has a higher calling and a deeper understanding of true wealth. He makes a solemn oath, lifting his hand to the Lord, that he will not take anything from the king of Sodom, not even a thread or a sandal strap.
Why meet in this specific valley? This seemingly ordinary location becomes a stage for extraordinary encounters and deeper spiritual truths.
Ask a follow-up
The meeting between Abram and the king of Sodom takes place in the 'Valley of Shaveh,' which is also called the 'King's Dale.'
A Place of Royal Encounters
This valley held significance for several reasons:
A Plain for Meeting: The name 'Shaveh' itself means 'plain' or 'level ground,' making it a suitable, open place for such an important meeting between two kings and a victorious warrior.
A Place of Kings: The name 'King's Dale' suggests it was a place associated with royalty. Some traditions link it to Melchizedek, the King of Salem, while others believe it was a place for royal exercises or gatherings. Regardless, it sets the stage for a significant encounter.
A Point of Interruption: Interestingly, the narrative of Abram's return and the king of Sodom's proposal is interrupted by the appearance of Melchizedek. This juxtaposition highlights the contrast between earthly kings and their offerings, and the divine King and His blessing.
This event highlights the complex geopolitical landscape of Canaan in Abram's time, where regional powers exerted influence and military campaigns were a reality, setting the stage for God's unique covenantal relationship with Abram.
c. 1900-1800 BC
Chedorlaomer's Campaign
Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, leads a coalition of Mesopotamian kings on a military campaign westward into Canaan. They subjugate several city-states, including those in the Jordan valley, making them tributaries.
c. 1900-1800 BC
Rebellion and Lot's Capture
After twelve years of tribute, the kings of the Pentapolis (including Sodom and Gomorrah) rebel against Chedorlaomer. Chedorlaomer returns with his allies, defeats the rebels in the Valley of Siddim, sacks their cities, and takes captives, including Lot, Abram's nephew.
c. 1900-1800 BC— this verse
Abram's Pursuit and Rescue
Upon learning of Lot's capture, Abram mobilizes his household forces and allies, pursues the Mesopotamian kings north to near Damascus, defeats them in a night attack, and rescues Lot and the other captives, along with all the confiscated goods.
c. 1900-1800 BC
Meeting with Melchizedek
After his victory, Abram is met by Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, who blesses him and offers bread and wine. Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils, acknowledging his priestly authority.
c. 1900-1800 BC
Encounter with the King of Sodom
The king of Sodom also meets Abram in the King's Dale (Valley of Shaveh). He offers Abram the return of the goods taken from Sodom, but Abram refuses, seeking no personal gain and acknowledging God as the ultimate provider.
This passage mentions the 'pillar of Absalom' in the 'King's Dale', suggesting the same geographical location as the meeting place in Genesis 14:17, providing a later historical reference point for the site.
Romans 13:1Calvin's commentary notes that rebellion against established authority, even if unjustly imposed, can be seen as fighting against God. This connects to the context of kings and battles described in Genesis 14, highlighting the divine perspective on earthly rulers and conflicts.
Hebrews 7:1-3This New Testament passage directly references Melchizedek, the King of Salem who met Abram in the King's Dale, explaining his unique, timeless priesthood and connecting him to Christ. It adds significant theological depth to the encounter described in Genesis 14.
Genesis 14:21This verse immediately follows the encounter in the King's Dale and describes the king of Sodom's offer to Abram. It provides the direct dialogue and negotiation that occurred right after the meeting described in Genesis 14:17, showing Abram's integrity.
Psalm 110:4This Messianic psalm is quoted in Hebrews 7 and directly links the priesthood of Melchizedek, who met Abram in the King's Dale, to the eternal priesthood of Christ, underscoring the profound spiritual significance of this historical event.
gillGenesis 14:17: "And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale."
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him,.... While Abram was in pursuit of the four kings, the king of Sodom came down from the mountain whither he and those that escaped with him fled, and came to Sodom: and from hence he went out, not alone, but accompanied with his retinue, to meet Abram: af…
clarkeGenesis 14:17: "And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale."
The king of Sodom went out to meet him - This could not have been Bera, mentioned Genesis 14:2 , for it seems pretty evident, from Genesis 14:10 , that both he and Birsha, king of Gomorrah, were slain at the bitumen-pits in the vale of Siddim; but another person in the meantime might have succeede…
The most striking detail here is that the king of Sodom, whose people were just rescued from captivity, goes out to meet Abram with an offer: "Take the goods for yourself." This isn't just gratitude; it's a profound statement about the king's values, showing his primary concern is to reclaim his people, even if it means giving away all the material wealth.
Abram has just achieved an incredible victory, rescuing his nephew Lot and all the captured people and goods from a coalition of powerful kings. As Abram returns from this successful campaign, the king of Sodom, whose people and possessions were recovered, comes out to meet him. This meeting occurs at the Valley of Shaveh, also known as the King's Valley, signifying a place of significance and potentially royal gatherings.
Abram has just achieved an incredible victory, rescuing his nephew Lot and all the captured people and goods from a coalition of powerful kings. As Abram returns from this successful campaign, the king of Sodom, whose people and possessions were recovered, comes out to meet him. This meeting occurs at the Valley of Shaveh, also known as the King's Valley, signifying a place of significance and potentially royal gatherings.
"After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley)." — The most striking detail here is that the king of Sodom, whose people were just rescued from captivity, goes out to meet Abram with an offer: "Take the goods for yourself." This isn't just gratitude;…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026