Genesis 14:4 - Years of servitude, then rebellion?

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Hebrew Text

שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה עָבְדוּ אֶת־כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר וּשְׁלֹשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה מָרָדוּ׃

English Translation

Twelve years they served Kedorla῾omer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

Transliteration

Shtem esre shana avdu et-Kedarla'omer ushlosh-esre shana maradu.

Hebrew Leining Text

שְׁתֵּ֤ים עֶשְׂרֵה֙ שָׁנָ֔ה עָבְד֖וּ אֶת־כְּדׇרְלָעֹ֑מֶר וּשְׁלֹשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה שָׁנָ֖ה מָרָֽדוּ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bereishit

The verse (Bereishit 14:4) describes the political dynamics between the kings of Sodom and its allies and King Kedorlaomer of Elam, setting the stage for the War of the Kings. This rebellion ultimately leads to Avraham's intervention to rescue Lot.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the twelve years of service were imposed by Kedorlaomer as a form of taxation or vassalage upon the five kings (including the king of Sodom). The rebellion in the thirteenth year was an attempt to throw off this subjugation. Rashi notes that this follows a pattern where oppressors are given temporary dominion before their downfall (based on Midrashic interpretations).

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra observes that the number twelve may symbolize completeness in governance, as seen in Yaakov's twelve sons and the twelve months of the year. The rebellion in the thirteenth year represents an attempt to break from this established order.

Midrashic Interpretation (Bereishit Rabbah)

The Midrash connects the twelve years to the future twelve tribes of Israel, suggesting this was part of Divine providence leading to Avraham's emergence.
Some Midrashim see the thirteen years as hinting at the thirteen attributes of mercy, showing that even in rebellion, Hashem's mercy is at work.

Ramban's Perspective

Ramban emphasizes that this historical detail demonstrates how Hashem orchestrates events to bring Avraham to the forefront. The rebellion created the circumstances where Avraham would demonstrate his military prowess and faith, thereby elevating his status in the region.

Halachic Connection (Talmudic View)

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 10a) references this verse when discussing the concept of rebellion against authority, noting that the Torah recognizes legitimate reasons for overthrowing oppressive regimes, though this must be weighed carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 14:4 mean when it says the kings served Kedorlaomer for 12 years and then rebelled?
A: This verse describes a historical event where several Canaanite city-states were subjugated by King Kedorlaomer for 12 years before rebelling in the 13th year. Rashi explains that this sets the stage for the war that follows in the chapter, which ultimately involves Abraham rescuing his nephew Lot.

Q: Why is the rebellion mentioned in Genesis 14:4 important?
A: The rebellion is significant because it leads to the war where Kedorlaomer and his allies conquer the rebelling kings, including the city of Sodom where Lot lived. This becomes the context for Abraham's first recorded military action to rescue his nephew, demonstrating his courage and loyalty to family.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 14:4 about rebellion against authority?
A: While the Torah simply records the historical fact of rebellion, Jewish tradition generally cautions against unnecessary rebellion unless it involves matters of religious principle. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim) discusses when it's permitted to resist authority, primarily when it conflicts with Torah law.

Q: How does the timeline in Genesis 14:4 help us understand biblical chronology?
A: This verse provides important chronological markers in Abraham's story. The Seder Olam and other traditional sources use such details to construct the timeline of biblical events. The 12 years of service and rebellion in the 13th year help establish when subsequent events (like Abraham's war) occurred.

Q: Who was Kedorlaomer mentioned in Genesis 14:4?
A: Kedorlaomer was a powerful Elamite king who dominated the region. While the Torah doesn't provide extensive details about him, Midrashic sources (like Bereishit Rabbah) suggest he was part of the group of four kings who represent forces opposing Abraham's monotheistic mission in the world.