Bible Figure
Chedorlaomer
Elamite king (Genesis 14)
Chedorlaomer was king of Elam and leader of the eastern coalition defeated by Abram after Lot was taken captive.
Biography
Genesis 14 presents Chedorlaomer as the dominant king in a coalition with Amraphel, Arioch, and Tidal. After kings of the Jordan plain rebelled following twelve years of subjection, the eastern rulers campaigned through the region and defeated Sodom and Gomorrah, carrying away Lot. Abram gathered his trained men, pursued the victors by night, defeated them, and recovered Lot, the captives, and the goods. Attempts to identify Chedorlaomer with a particular extra-biblical Elamite king remain uncertain.
Biblical Significance
Chedorlaomer's defeat provides the setting for Abram's rescue of Lot and his subsequent meeting with Melchizedek. The narrative emphasizes Abram's remarkable victory without requiring speculative historical identifications.