What is the Significance of Tidal of Goiim?
In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in their hill country of Seir as far as El-paran on the border of the wilderness.
Key Facts
Term Name
Tidal of Goiim
Role
King of Goiim
Born
c. 2000 BC
Died
c. 1800 BC
Key Takeaways
- Tidal of Goiim was a Gentile king allied against Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 14.
- He formed a coalition with Kedorlaomer and other regional rulers to subdue the Jordan Valley cities.
- His story illustrates God’s sovereignty over human conflicts and alliances.
Who Was Tidal of Goiim in the Bible?
Tidal of Goiim was one of four kings who formed a military alliance against the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, as recorded in Genesis 14:5-6.
Alongside Chedorlaomer of Elam, Amraphel of Shinar, and Arioch of Ellasar, Tidal led forces that attacked the five cities, though the Bible does not specify his individual role in the campaign. This coalition’s victory over the local kings (Genesis 14:8-16) set the stage for Abraham’s later confrontation with them, highlighting Tidal’s strategic position within the alliance. His inclusion among these leaders underscores the geopolitical context of Abraham’s life, linking him to broader ancient Near Eastern powers.
Tidal in Genesis 14:5-6
Genesis 14:5-6 identifies Tidal of Goiim as part of a four-king coalition led by Kedorlaomer against the cities of the Jordan Valley.
In Genesis 14:5-6, the text lists Tidal alongside Kedorlaomer of Elam, Amraphel of Shinar, and Arioch of Ellasar as rulers who formed a military alliance. Their campaign targeted Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Genesis 14:8-10), suggesting Tidal’s role as a regional power contributing forces to this coordinated invasion. The inclusion of these diverse kings reflects a broader geopolitical struggle, with Tidal’s participation likely strengthening the coalition’s logistical and military reach.
This alliance’s success (Genesis 14:11-16) underscores Tidal’s strategic importance, as his forces helped subdue the rebellious cities. The coalition’s victory set the stage for Abraham’s later confrontation, highlighting Tidal’s indirect influence on the narrative’s development.
What We Can Learn From Tidal of Goiim
Tidal’s brief appearance in Genesis 14:8-16 underscores how God orchestrates even fleeting human actions to fulfill His purposes.
While the coalition of kings, including Tidal, sought to assert their power, their victory over Sodom and Gomorrah ultimately served as a stage for God to protect Abraham and bless his lineage (Genesis 14:14-24), revealing that human alliances, however temporary, remain subject to divine sovereignty.
Further Reading
Key Scripture Mentions
Genesis 14:5-6
Lists Tidal of Goiim among kings who allied against Sodom and Gomorrah.
Genesis 14:8-10
Details the coalition’s attack on the five cities of the Jordan Valley.
Related Concepts
Abraham (Figures)
The patriarch whose intervention followed the coalition’s victory over Sodom and Gomorrah.
Sodom and Gomorrah (Places)
Cities destroyed for their wickedness, central to Tidal’s military campaign.
Divine Sovereignty (Theological Concepts)
The theme of God’s control over human actions, evident in the coalition’s role in Abraham’s story.