King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 18:12 Mean?

1 Chronicles 18:12 in the King James Version says “Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand. Abishai: Heb. Abshai” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 18:12 · KJV

Context

10

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

11

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.

12

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

13

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

14

So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people.

Read 1 Chronicles 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's military victories - kingdom expansion. The Hebrew term יְשׁוּעָה (yeshuah) - salvation/victory is theologically significant here, pointing to God gives victory to His anointed. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God gives victory to His anointed. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ's victory over sin, death, and Satan.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of David's military victories - kingdom expansion occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God gives victory to His anointed challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's victory over sin, death, and Satan teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְאַבְשַׁ֣י1 of 11

“Moreover Abishai”

H52

abishai, an israelite

בֶּן2 of 11

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צְרוּיָ֗ה3 of 11

“of Zeruiah”

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess

הִכָּ֤ה4 of 11

“slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת5 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֱדוֹם֙6 of 11

“of the Edomites”

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

בְּגֵ֣יא7 of 11

“in the valley”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

הַמֶּ֔לַח8 of 11

“of salt”

H4417

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

שְׁמוֹנָ֥ה9 of 11

“eighteen”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

עָשָׂ֖ר10 of 11
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אָֽלֶף׃11 of 11

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

Study Guide

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 18:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 18:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 25:11Psalms 60:11 Chronicles 11:201 Samuel 26:61 Chronicles 2:161 Chronicles 19:11

Places in This Verse

EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
Valley of SaltValley · Modern: Es Sebkha · 31.05°N, 35.41°E5 verses across 5 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 18 →

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