The answer is: Nine

Gen 14:8-9

In the fairytale-like tapestry of Genesis, the Valley of Siddim plays host to an epic showdown among rival kings. Picture this: five city-states, conquered and rebelled against, leading their rulers to gather their forces and confront one another. The fascinating aspect of this encounter is not just the diversity of the kings involved but also the backdrop of turmoil—these leaders weren't just shrugging off disagreements; they felt an urgency to reclaim lost power.

Gathering their troops seems like an ancient Hollywood sequel, but this represented a critical moment in Genesis. It highlights the interconnectedness of societies even many eons ago, where alliances and betrayals influenced livelihoods. One interesting bit of trivia is that the famed Sodom and Gomorrah, notorious for their sinful living, took part in one side of this alliance. You’ve got five kings against four—a dynamic reminiscent of storyline mismatches in some epic tales!

Moreover, when you look at this narrative, it's quite compelling how battles can be more than mere punch-ups. They serve as moral lessons on the oversights of pride, greed, and ego. What is clear through the verses is the precariousness of power and dominion, much echoed throughout scripture. Whether in kings outright battling or bringing larger themes to light, herein lies a message that continues to echo through time. Each conflict we read about in the Bible can spark reflection not only about those ancient kings but also about the wars we face in our own lives and communities today.