Bera בֶּ֫רַע

Male Canaan H1298 1 book

King of Sodom during Abraham's time

Biography

Bera was the king of Sodom during the time of Abraham. He formed an alliance with four other kings—Birsha of Gomorrah, Shinab of Admah, Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (Zoar)—to rebel against Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam, whom they had served for twelve years (Gen. 14:1-2). In the ensuing battle, known as the Battle of the Valley of Siddim, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and fell into the tar pits, while the rest fled to the mountains (Gen. 14:10). Chedorlaomer's forces captured the goods and people of Sodom and Gomorrah, including Abraham's nephew Lot. This prompted Abraham to mount a rescue mission, ultimately defeating Chedorlaomer and his allies and freeing the captives (Gen. 14:14-16).

In Scripture

1 biblical book ; 1 with study content
Genesis 1 verse Study available
  • Genesis 14:2

    "they made war with Bera, king of Sodom; Birsha, king of Gomorrah; Shinab, king of Admah; Shemeber, king of Zeboiim; and the king of Bela (also called Zoar)."

    Study Genesis →
Open full Genesis study →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Strong's
Named Hebrew בֶּ֫רַע H1298
Encyclopedia Article

Bera

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

(berakhah, "blessing," the King James Version Berachah): A Benjamite who joined David at Ziklag (1Ch 12:3).

be-ra'-