King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 18:11 Mean?

“Them also king David dedicated unto the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all these nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.”

Context

Now when Tou king of Hamath heard how David had smitten all the host of Hadarezer king of Zobah; Tou: also called, Toi

He sent Hadoram his son to king David, to enquire of his welfare, and to congratulate him, because he had fought against Hadarezer, and smitten him; (for Hadarezer had war with Tou;) and with him all manner of vessels of gold and silver and brass. Hadoram: also called, Joram to enquire: or, to salute to congratulate: Heb. to bless had war: Heb. was the man of wars

Them also king David dedicated unto the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all these nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.

Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand. Abishai: Heb. Abshai

And he put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became David's servants. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **He brought.**—Samuel, “dedicated.” Chronicles avoids the tautology. **These nations.**—*The nations*—*scil.,* “whom he had reduced” (Samuel). **From Edom.**—Samuel, “from Aram,” but LXX., Syriac, and Arabic, “Edom;” (Targum and Vulg., “Aram”). All the versions read “Edom” here, which appears correct. Edom and Moab were conterminous, and the reference includes *all* the nations whom David conquered and despoiled. **And from Amalek** may refer to 1Samuel 30:16, *seq., *but more probably to an unrecorded campaign. Samuel adds, “and from the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah,” which Chronicles omits, as implied already in 1Chronicles 18:7-8.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 18:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.