Overview
Shaveh Kiriathaim appears in Genesis 14 as a geographical location in Moab where a significant military engagement took place. The name combines two Hebrew words: "Shaveh" meaning "plain" and "Kiriathaim" referring to a Moabite city. This battle was part of the larger conflict involving Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his confederate kings against the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Key Scriptures
"And in the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him came and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim" (Genesis 14:5, KJV).
This verse demonstrates God's historical sovereignty over ancient Near Eastern nations and the various peoples who inhabited Canaan before Israel's occupation of the land.
Application
Understanding these ancient geographical and historical references helps us recognize the reliability of Scripture and its detailed historical accuracy.