Revision #7489
Tidal
Localized for English-speaking readers
Status: approved
Changes from the previous English revision
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= Tidal appears only in Genesis 14. Genesis 14:1 states that in the days of Abram (later Abraham) there were Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim. Genesis 14:9 records that these four kings fought in the Vale of Siddim against the five kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar).
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- These two verses are the only places where Tidal is mentioned by name. The rest of the narrative refers collectively to "Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him." This coalition defeated the five kings and carried off the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, along with Lot, who was living in Sodom. Abram then led the trained servants born in his house in pursuit, chased the invaders as far as Hobah, north of Damascus, struck them down, and recovered Lot and the plundered goods (Genesis 14:14–16). The text says nothing further about Tidal's life or death.
+ These two verses are the only places where Tidal is mentioned by name. The rest of the narrative refers collectively to "Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him." This coalition defeated the five kings and carried off the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, along with Lot, who was living in Sodom. Abram then led his trained servants, born in his own house, in pursuit, chased the invaders as far as Hobah, north of Damascus, struck them down, and recovered Lot and the plundered goods (Genesis 14:14–16). The text says nothing further about Tidal's life or death.
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= ## Significance in the Bible
- Tidal is one of the foreign kings who form the background to Abraham's rescue of Lot. This episode is followed by the scene in which Melchizedek blesses Abram (Genesis 14:18–20). The New Testament does not mention Tidal by name. However, when Hebrews 7:1 describes Melchizedek, it refers to the time when Abraham was "returning from the slaughter of the kings," and these "kings" include Tidal.
+ Tidal is one of the foreign kings who form the background to Abraham's rescue of Lot. This episode is followed by the scene in which Melchizedek blesses Abram (Genesis 14:18–20). The New Testament does not mention Tidal by name. However, when Hebrews 7:1 describes Melchizedek, it refers to Abraham "returning from the slaughter of the kings," and these "kings" include Tidal.
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= ## Interpretation and Debate
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= Some scholars connect the name Tidal with Tudhaliya, a name borne by several ancient Hittite kings. However, the identification of the biblical Tidal with any known historical figure has not been confirmed, and scholars also differ on the date of these events.
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- ## In the Korean Church
- In Korean church preaching and Sunday school instruction, Genesis 14 is usually treated with a focus on Abraham's rescue of Lot or Melchizedek's blessing. Tidal is typically mentioned only by name as one of the four kings who appear in the story.
+ ## In Korean Churches
+ In preaching and church school instruction in Korean churches, Genesis 14 is usually treated with a focus on Abraham's rescue of Lot or Melchizedek's blessing. Tidal is typically mentioned only by name as one of the four kings who appear in the story.
Full revision
Tidal was the king of Goiim mentioned in Genesis 14. Allied with Chedorlaomer king of Elam, he was one of the four kings who fought against five kings, including the king of Sodom.
Biblical Record
Tidal appears only in Genesis 14. Genesis 14:1 states that in the days of Abram (later Abraham) there were Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim. Genesis 14:9 records that these four kings fought in the Vale of Siddim against the five kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar).
These two verses are the only places where Tidal is mentioned by name. The rest of the narrative refers collectively to "Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him." This coalition defeated the five kings and carried off the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, along with Lot, who was living in Sodom. Abram then led his trained servants, born in his own house, in pursuit, chased the invaders as far as Hobah, north of Damascus, struck them down, and recovered Lot and the plundered goods (Genesis 14:14–16). The text says nothing further about Tidal's life or death.
Significance in the Bible
Tidal is one of the foreign kings who form the background to Abraham's rescue of Lot. This episode is followed by the scene in which Melchizedek blesses Abram (Genesis 14:18–20). The New Testament does not mention Tidal by name. However, when Hebrews 7:1 describes Melchizedek, it refers to Abraham "returning from the slaughter of the kings," and these "kings" include Tidal.
Interpretation and Debate
Goiim is a Hebrew word meaning "nations" or "Gentile peoples." Interpreters therefore differ over whether it should be read as the name of a particular country or as a designation for a king who ruled over several peoples. The King James Version renders the phrase "king of nations."
Some scholars connect the name Tidal with Tudhaliya, a name borne by several ancient Hittite kings. However, the identification of the biblical Tidal with any known historical figure has not been confirmed, and scholars also differ on the date of these events.
In Korean Churches
In preaching and church school instruction in Korean churches, Genesis 14 is usually treated with a focus on Abraham's rescue of Lot or Melchizedek's blessing. Tidal is typically mentioned only by name as one of the four kings who appear in the story.