Soldiers Killed In Sticky Tar Pits

By Mary Vee

Abram snuggled into his new home in Hebron. He enjoyed his mountaintop view and the open area for his flocks and herds to graze.

Lot moved around for awhile until he snuggled close to the city of Sodom. He didn't really like the wicked things the people did, but his wife and daughters had markets and people, and all the fun parts of a city close by to enjoy.

Sodom, Gomorrah, and three other kindoms had been conquered by the king of Elam. After twelve years of paying the king of Elam money, food, and animals they decided enough was enough. They formed one big army to fight back for their freedom.

The king of Elam laughed and formed an army with three other kings. "Just try and break free, ha ha."

The great battle took place on the south side of the Dead Sea where the land had many tar pits. The tar pits looked like lakes or puddles but actually have sticky asphalt that traps animals, insects, and anything else that falls into them. The animal sinks to the bottom of the pit and dies.

During the battle, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah called a retreat. Their men ran for their lives, some fell into the tar pits.

The king of Elam wanted to teach them a lesson. He sent his army to Sodom and Gomorrah to steal all their food and goods, even their people to serve as slaves--including Lot and his family.

Check back on Saturday to find out what happened to Lot and his family.

Until then, think of a time when you found yourself in a sticky or difficult situation. Usually we are not sure what to do because everything happens so fast. We are sad, scared, or frustrated. The situation can be something like forgetting to study for a test, or we forgot to do a chore and our parent finds out. Some kids go through situations that are even more difficult. What help can you suggest for a kid going through a difficult or sticky situation?