Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh) and defeated all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who were dwelling in Hazazon-tamar.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The invaders, after their long march south, "turned back" not just geographically, but also in their target. They struck the Amalekites and Amorites after passing their lands, suggesting a deliberate return to conquer those who may have previously posed a threat or simply stood in their way on the return journey.
Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh) and defeated all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who were dwelling in Hazazon-tamar.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After their initial victory, the invading kings continued their pursuit, turning back towards the land of Canaan. They struck down the Amalekites and the Amorites in their territories, specifically mentioning Hazazon-tamar, as they pushed deeper into the region before heading towards the battle at the Valley of Siddim. This action demonstrates the comprehensive sweep of their campaign against the cities and peoples of the Jordan plain and surrounding areas.
The kings' invasion wasn't just a quick raid; it reached deep into territories that would become significant later. Where did they go after defeating the southern kingdoms?
Genesis 14:7 shows the extent of Chedorlaomer and his allies' military campaign. After their initial victories, they didn't just turn back home.
What do ancient place names like 'En-mishpat' and 'Hazazon-tamar' tell us about the people and the land?
The specific names mentioned in Genesis 14:7 offer insights into the region and its inhabitants:
Ask a follow-up
These kings raided far and wide, even reaching territories close to Abram. How does this invasion context set the stage for Abram's later actions?
Genesis 14:7 describes the military activities of the four kings after they had plundered the southern cities and taken Lot captive. This sets a backdrop of significant conflict and instability in the region:
Understand the original words
'Eyn Mishpat · Hebrew Proper Noun
Literally 'Spring of Judgment'; a site associated with divine justice, later identified with Kadesh, a significant location in the wilderness wanderings.
Amaleqiy · Hebrew Proper Noun
A nomadic people group of the Negev region, frequently portrayed as enemies of Israel and symbolic of opposition to God's people.
Emoriy · Hebrew Proper Noun
A prominent Canaanite people group inhabiting the hill country and regions east and west of the Jordan; they represent the idolatrous nations that God judged through the Israelite conquest.
This verse captures a moment during the immediate aftermath of a major military campaign and Abram's pivotal rescue mission, showing the shifting territorial control and the presence of various groups like the Amalekites and Amorites in southern Canaan.
c. 2000 BC - 1900 BC
Early Mesopotamian Hegemony
Powerful Mesopotamian kings, like Chedorlaomer of Elam, established dominance over regions stretching to Canaan, often demanding tribute.
c. 2000 BC - 1900 BC
Rebellion of Five Cities
The kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela revolted against Chedorlaomer's rule after 12 years of tribute.
c. 2000 BC - 1900 BC
Chedorlaomer's Campaign
Chedorlaomer and his allies launched a military campaign to quell the rebellion, defeating various peoples in their path.
c. 2000 BC - 1900 BC
Invasion Reaches Southern Canaan
The invading army reached the vicinity of the Dead Sea, conquering cities like Sodom and Gomorrah and taking captives, including Lot.
c. 2000 BC - 1900 BC
Pursuit and Counter-Attack
Abram, alerted to Lot's capture, mustered his forces and pursued the invaders, eventually defeating them and rescuing the captives.
c. 2000 BC - 1900 BC— this verse
Return Route Through Amalekite and Amorite Territory
After their victory, the returning invaders (and later Abram's pursuing forces) passed through and subdued regions inhabited by the Amalekites and Amorites near Kadesh and Hazazon-tamar.
c. 2000 BC - 1900 BC
Melchizedek's Encounter with Abram
Following his victory, Abram met Melchizedek, king of Salem, who blessed him and received tithes, highlighting a significant religious and political encounter.
This passage names Kadesh as the place where Israel camped, and it's identified with En-mishpat in Genesis 14:7, connecting the location to a significant event in Israel's history.
Genesis 36:12This verse identifies Amalek as a grandson of Esau, linking the Amalekites mentioned in Genesis 14:7 to the broader genealogy and future conflicts involving the descendants of Abraham.
Joshua 15:62This verse mentions the city of Engedi (also called Hazazon-tamar), showing the geographical significance of the area where the Amorites resided, as stated in Genesis 14:7.
1 Samuel 15:7This passage describes Saul defeating the Amalekites, highlighting the long-standing conflict between Israel and this people, who were encountered by the early patriarchs in Genesis 14.
Jeremiah 49:20This prophetic passage refers to Edom being astonished by events in Teman and Bozrah, indirectly referencing the broader regional conflicts and powers that existed from Abraham's time, including those involving Amorites and other groups mentioned in Genesis 14.
gillGenesis 14:7: "And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar."
And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh,.... Pursuing their victories as far as Elparan by the wilderness, they had passed by the country of the Amalekites; wherefore they "returned", or came back to fall upon them, and they came to a place called Enmishpat, or the "fountain of judgment"; which was not its fu…
clarkeGenesis 14:7: "And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar."
En-mishpat - The well of judgment; probably so called from the judgment pronounced by God on Moses and Aaron for their rebellion at that place; Numbers 20:1-10 . Amalekites - So called afterwards, from Amalek, son of Esau; Genesis 36:12. Hazezon-tamar - Called, in the Chaldee, Engaddi; a city in the land of Canaan, which fell…
The invaders, after their long march south, "turned back" not just geographically, but also in their target. They struck the Amalekites and Amorites after passing their lands, suggesting a deliberate return to conquer those who may have previously posed a threat or simply stood in their way on the return journey.
After their initial victory, the invading kings continued their pursuit, turning back towards the land of Canaan. They struck down the Amalekites and the Amorites in their territories, specifically mentioning Hazazon-tamar, as they pushed deeper into the region before heading towards the battle at the Valley of Siddim. This action demonstrates the comprehensive sweep of their campaign against the cities and peoples of the Jordan plain and surrounding areas.
After their initial victory, the invading kings continued their pursuit, turning back towards the land of Canaan. They struck down the Amalekites and the Amorites in their territories, specifically mentioning Hazazon-tamar, as they pushed deeper into the region before heading towards the battle at the Valley of Siddim. This action demonstrates the comprehensive sweep of their campaign against the cities and peoples of the Jordan plain and surrounding areas.
"Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh) and defeated all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who were dwelling in Hazazon-tamar." — The invaders, after their long march south, "turned back" not just geographically, but also in their target. They struck the Amalekites and Amorites after passing their lands, suggesting a delibera…
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Last reviewed October 2026