Definition: Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 14:4: “Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.” Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it tells us about a time when people were busy with a big task – serving a king – but then suddenly decided to disobey him. Let’s unpack it bit by bit: “Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer…” : This refers to a specific king named Chedorlaomer. Chedorlaomer was a powerful, older king in ancient times (around 10th century BC). He was essentially the leader of all the tribes of the Levant (the area around modern-day Israel and Palestine). “Serving” means they were working for him, doing tasks assigned to him. “…and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.” : This is the key part. “Rebelled” means they refused to follow his commands or rules. It was a significant act of defiance. So, what does this mean practically? It suggests a period where people were focused on a large task – serving Chedorlaomer – that led them to ignore the authority and laws given to them by God (which is a central theme in the Bible). They essentially went against God's instructions and decided to do something their own way. Why is this important? This story is often seen as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and the importance of following God’s will. It shows that even when we're busy with things, it's crucial to listen to the voices of authority – like God – who are meant to guide us. In short: They spent a long time working for a king and then suddenly refused to follow his orders, which led to a conflict. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this story in more detail?