Definition: And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same [is] Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important passage from Genesis, which tells us about the beginnings of the world and the rise of some powerful cities. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a massive conflict – a battle – between three powerful kingdoms that were located near the Dead Sea. These kingdoms were: Sodom: A wealthy, prosperous city. Gomorrah: Another wealthy and important city. Admah: A city known for its music and dancing. Bela (Zoar): This is a very significant name – it’s often translated as “Zoar” which means "the burning" or “the desolate.” It was a city that was famously destroyed by God. What Happened in the Battle? The verse says that these kingdoms sent their kings to fight each other. They assembled a large army and went into a valley called “Siddim” (which is related to the area of Dead Sea). They fought fiercely with each other, and they ultimately defeated each other. What's the Significance? God’s Judgment: This story is often seen as a warning from God about the consequences of wickedness and sin. The three kingdoms were incredibly powerful and decadent, and their downfall was a direct result of their pride and disregard for God. The Burning City: The name “Zoar” carries a really important meaning. It refers to a city that was deliberately destroyed by God because it was filled with immorality and wickedness. This is a core part of the story's message about God’s judgment. In short, this verse tells us about a large battle between powerful kingdoms – kingdoms that were trying to be too good or too rich – and God’s ultimate judgment on those who are proud and evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Talk about the context of this story in Genesis? Relate it to a broader theme in the Bible (like sin, repentance, or God’s judgment)?