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Birsha is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. He is identified as the king of Gomorrah, one of the five cities of the plain, which also included Sodom, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (also known as Zoar). The narrative involving Birsha is primarily found inGenesis 14, which details the account of the War of the Kings.

Biblical Account:

InGenesis 14:1-2 , the text states: "In those days Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar)." This passage introduces Birsha as one of the coalition of kings who rebelled against Kedorlaomer, the king of Elam, after serving him for twelve years.

The conflict, known as the Battle of the Valley of Siddim, is significant as it sets the stage for the involvement of Abram (later Abraham), the patriarch of the Israelites. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, including Birsha, were defeated by Kedorlaomer and his allies, leading to the capture of Lot, Abram's nephew, who was living in Sodom at the time.

Genesis 14:10 describes the battle scene: "Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, but the rest fled to the hill country." This verse highlights the chaotic retreat of Birsha and his allies, emphasizing the perilous nature of the terrain and the overwhelming defeat they suffered.

Historical and Theological Context:

The account of Birsha and the War of the Kings is often examined for its historical and theological implications. Historically, the narrative provides insight into the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, illustrating the alliances and conflicts among city-states and regional powers. Theologically, the account underscores themes of divine justice and intervention, as Abram's subsequent rescue of Lot and his victory over the kings is attributed to God's providence and blessing.

Birsha's role as the king of Gomorrah also foreshadows the later judgment that would befall the city due to its wickedness, as described inGenesis 19. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the righteousness of God's judgment.

Name and Meaning:

The name "Birsha" is of uncertain etymology, but some scholars suggest it may mean "with iniquity" or "evil," reflecting the moral character associated with Gomorrah. This interpretation aligns with the broader biblical narrative that portrays Gomorrah as a city steeped in sin and ultimately subject to divine wrath.

In summary, Birsha is a minor yet significant figure in the Genesis narrative, representing the leadership of Gomorrah during a pivotal moment in biblical history. His account is intertwined with themes of rebellion, defeat, and divine intervention, contributing to the larger theological tapestry of the Old Testament.Birsha

an evil; a son who beholds

Birsha

(son of godlessness), a king of Gomorrah. (Genesis 14:2)

Son of wickedness, a king of Gomorrah whom Abraham succoured in the invasion of Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:2).BIRSHA

bur'-sha (birsha`): King of Gomorrah (Genesis 14:2), who joined the league against Chedorlaomer. The name is probably corrupt; some have tried to explain it as beresha`, "with wickedness," a name purposely used by the writer in referring to this king.

1306.Birsha -- a king of Gomorrah
... 1305, 1306.Birsha. 1307 . a king of Gomorrah. Transliteration:Birsha
Phonetic Spelling: (beer-shah') Short Definition:Birsha....

The History after the Flood.
... And the names of their kings are these: Bera, king of Sodom;Birsha, king of Gomorrah;
Shinab, king of Admah; Shemeber, king of Zeboiim; Bela, king of Zoar...

Chapter xiv
... 2. They made war with Bera, king of Sodom, andBirsha, king of Gomorrah, Shinab,
king of Admah, and Shemeber, king of Zeboyim; and the king of Bela (that is...

Birsha (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.BIRSHA. bur'-sha (birsha`): King of Gomorrah
(Genesis 14:2), who joined the league against Chedorlaomer....Birsha (1 Occurrence)....

Zeboim (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 14:2 that they made war with Bera the king of Sodom, and withBirsha the
king of Gomorrah, Shinab the king of Admah, and Shemeber the king of Zeboim...

Zeboiim (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 14:2 that they made war with Bera, king of Sodom, and withBirsha, king
of Gomorrah, Shinab, king of Admah, and Shemeber, king of Zeboiim, and the king...

Zo'ar (10 Occurrences)
... Genesis 14:2 that they made war with Bera, king of Sodom, and withBirsha, king
of Gomorrah, Shinab, king of Admah, and Shemeber, king of Zeboiim, and the king...

Zeboi'im (4 Occurrences)
... Genesis 14:2 that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and withBirsha king of
Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of...

Gomorrah (25 Occurrences)
... Genesis 14:2 that they made war with Bera, king of Sodom, and withBirsha, king
of Gomorrah, Shinab, king of Admah, and Shemeber, king of Zeboiim, and the king...

Gomor'rah (23 Occurrences)
... Genesis 14:2 that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and withBirsha king of
Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of...

Biri (1 Occurrence)

Bela (14 Occurrences)
... Genesis 14:2 that they made war with Bera, king of Sodom, and withBirsha, king
of Gomorrah, Shinab, king of Admah, and Shemeber, king of Zeboiim, and the king...

Bera (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 14:2 that they made war with Bera, king of Sodom, and withBirsha, king
of Gomorrah, Shinab, king of Admah, and Shemeber, king of Zeboiim, and the king...

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