Tidal, also referred to as "Tidal, king of Goiim," is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis. He is one of the four kings who joined forces under the leadership of Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, in a coalition against five rebellious kings in the region of the Dead Sea. The account of Tidal is found in Genesis 14, which provides a narrative of the first recorded war in the Bible.

Biblical Account:

In Genesis 14:1-2 , the text states: "In those days Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer 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 coalition of four kings, including Tidal, sought to subdue the rebellious cities that had served Chedorlaomer for twelve years but rebelled in the thirteenth year.

The term "Goiim" is often translated as "nations" or "peoples," suggesting that Tidal may have been a ruler over a confederation of tribes or a region composed of various ethnic groups. The exact identification of "Goiim" remains uncertain, with some scholars proposing that it could refer to a specific geographic area or a collective term for diverse peoples.

Role in the Battle:

Tidal's involvement in the battle is part of a larger narrative where the four kings, including Chedorlaomer and Tidal, engage in a campaign to reassert their dominance over the rebelling cities. Genesis 14:5-7 describes their military campaign: "In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in the area of Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is near the desert. Then they turned back to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh) and conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar."

The coalition's campaign culminated in the Battle of the Valley of Siddim, where the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela faced the superior forces of the four kings. The battle resulted in the defeat of the five kings, and the victors seized goods and captives, including Lot, Abram's nephew, who was living in Sodom at the time.

Abram's Intervention:

The narrative takes a significant turn when Abram (later Abraham) learns of his nephew Lot's capture. In Genesis 14:14-16 , Abram mounts a rescue operation: "When Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer’s army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people."

Abram's successful intervention not only rescued Lot but also demonstrated the providential care and blessing of God upon Abram, who was able to defeat a formidable coalition with a relatively small force.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Tidal's mention in the Genesis narrative serves to highlight the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East, where city-states and regional powers often engaged in alliances and conflicts. The account underscores the theme of divine providence and protection over Abram, who would become the patriarch of the Israelite nation. Tidal, as part of the coalition, represents the worldly powers that are ultimately subject to God's sovereign plan, as demonstrated by Abram's victory.

While Tidal himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the account of Genesis 14 provides insight into the historical context of Abram's time and the unfolding of God's covenantal promises through the patriarch's lineage.