How the Five Kings of Sodom Earned Their Wicked Names

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 14:2

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"Bera king of Sodom" (Genesis 14:2) — for all his days he was in evil (be-ra). "And Birsha" — for all his days he was in wickedness (be-resha). "Shinab king of Admah" — for he hated (sone) our Father who is in Heaven (av). "And Shemeber" — for he said: Who will grant me a wing (ever), that I may ascend and dwell for myself in the firmament and make for myself a name. "Bela" — for it was fitting that its inhabitants be swallowed up (tibbala), but it is Zoar.

Themes

Divine JudgmentSinKingsCreationTribes

Biblical References

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