Ellasar (אַלָּשַׁר) is an ancient kingdom mentioned in Genesis 14:1, ruled by King Arioch, in the war of four kings against five during Abraham's time. The precise identification is debated; proposals include Larsa in southern Babylonia, Ilanzura in northern Syria, or Telassar (2 Kings 19:12).
Genesis 14 records the first war mentioned in Scripture — a coalition of four Mesopotamian kings against five Canaanite kings. This upheaval directly affected Abraham's family when Lot was captured, prompting Abraham's rescue mission, his encounter with Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18–20), and his refusal of the king of Sodom's reward. Through Ellasar's aggression, God orchestrated one of the OT's greatest theological tableaux: the appearance of the eternal King-Priest. The kingdoms of this world are temporary; the kingdom of God endures forever.