Bitumen pits, also known as tar pits, are natural deposits of thick, sticky, asphalt-like substances formed from petroleum that has seeped to the surface. Over time, volatile components evaporate, leaving behind a dense, viscous material known as bitumen or tar. These pits can trap animals or objects that come into contact with them.

In the context of the story from Genesis, the valley of Siddim, where the battle between the kings took place, was full of these bitumen pits. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled the battle, and some of them fell into these pits. Bitumen was commonly used in ancient construction, including for building materials and waterproofing.

14:14 "And Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, and he armed his trained men, those born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and he pursued [them] until Dan" Rashi: his trained men Heb. חֲנִיכָיו. It is written חֲנִיכוֹ [in the singular], his trained man this is Eliezer, whom he had trained to [perform the] commandments ...

When Abraham learned of Lot's capture, he quickly assembled 318 trained men, including Eliezer or only Eliezer, and pursued the invaders. Abram divided his forces, attacked at night, and chased the enemies as far as Hobah, near Damascus. He recovered all the stolen goods, as well as Lot and the other captives.

After the victory, the king of Sodom met Abram in the Valley of Shaveh, and Malchizedek, king of Salem (identified as Shem, son of Noah), blessed Abram and brought him bread and wine. Abram gave Malchizedek maaser of everything. The king of Sodom offered Abram the recovered goods, asking only for the people. However, Abram refused to take anything, not wanting the king of Sodom to claim he made Abram wealthy. Abram allowed his allies Aner, Eshkol, and Mamre to take their share of the spoils.