Interesting Facts

• Tidal was a king of Goyim. The term “nations” is also used in association with him.
• He formed a covenant with Chedorlaomer king of Elam and Arioch king of Elasar and was obedient to Chedorlaomer’s commands.
• Tidal allied with Chedorlaomer and Arioch to wage war against the rebellious cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah.
• He participated in the campaign that involved striking the Rephaims, Zuzims, Emins, Horites, Amalekites, and Amorites before engaging the kings of the plain in the vale of Siddim.
• Tidal was among the four kings defeated by Abram when he pursued them to rescue Lot. He is also referred to as Tergal in the Book of Jubilees.

Genealogy

• The sources do not provide information about Tidal/Tergal’s ancestry, birth, marital connections, or offspring.

Historical Context

The period in which Tidal/Tergal appears is characterized by significant military conflicts and the formation of alliances between various kingdoms and rulers in the ancient Near East. Chedorlaomer of Elam held a position of dominance, having formed a covenant with Tidal and Arioch, indicating a hierarchical power structure among these kings. The rebellion of the cities of the plain after twelve years of servitude underscores a context of subjugation and resistance to imperial authority. The campaign led by Chedorlaomer and his allies, including Tidal, aimed to reassert control over these rebellious city-states and also involved subjugating other groups in the surrounding territories, suggesting a time of expansionist ambitions and regional power struggles. The intervention of Abram with his relatively small force against this coalition of kings highlights the fluid and unpredictable nature of power dynamics during this era.

Narrative

Tidal/Tergal features in the narrative as a key ally of Chedorlaomer, the powerful king of Elam. Identified as the king of Goyim (or nations), he entered into a covenant with Chedorlaomer and Arioch, demonstrating his allegiance and subordination to the Elamite king. When the five cities of the plain revolted against Chedorlaomer after twelve years of tribute, Tidal joined the military campaign to quell this rebellion. The coalition of four kings, led by Chedorlaomer and including Tidal, engaged in a series of battles, first against various regional groups and then decisively against the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboyim, and Bela in the vale of Siddim. Following their victory, the victorious kings plundered the cities and took captives, including Lot, Abram’s nephew. Tidal’s participation in these events positions him as a significant figure in this regional conflict, acting in concert with other rulers under the leadership of Chedorlaomer. However, the narrative takes a turn when Abram, upon learning of Lot’s capture, pursued and decisively defeated Chedorlaomer’s forces, which included Tidal. This defeat marks the end of Tidal’s active role in the immediate narrative, as he and the other allied kings were scattered by Abram’s unexpected counter-attack. While the narrative doesn’t offer further details about Tidal’s individual actions or his kingdom, his involvement in this major conflict underscores the complex political landscape and the consequences of rebellion and intervention in the ancient Near East.