1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 15
For it came to pass, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the host was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every male in Edom;
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בִּֽהְי֤וֹת
H1961
בִּֽהְי֤וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דָּוִד֙
For it came to pass when David
H1732
דָּוִד֙
For it came to pass when David
Strong's:
H1732
Word #:
3 of 16
david, the youngest son of jesse
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בֶּֽאֱדֽוֹם׃
in Edom
H123
בֶּֽאֱדֽוֹם׃
in Edom
Strong's:
H123
Word #:
5 of 16
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
בַּֽעֲל֗וֹת
was gone up
H5927
בַּֽעֲל֗וֹת
was gone up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
6 of 16
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הַצָּבָ֔א
of the host
H6635
הַצָּבָ֔א
of the host
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
9 of 16
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַֽחֲלָלִ֑ים
the slain
H2491
הַֽחֲלָלִ֑ים
the slain
Strong's:
H2491
Word #:
12 of 16
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
וַיַּ֥ךְ
after he had smitten
H5221
וַיַּ֥ךְ
after he had smitten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
13 of 16
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
2 Samuel 8:14And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.Deuteronomy 20:13And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword:
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
For it came to pass, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the host was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every male in Edom;
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.