King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 18:8 Mean?

1 Chronicles 18:8 in the King James Version says “Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the bra...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brasen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass. Tibhath: called in the book of Samuel Betah, and Berothai”

1 Chronicles 18:8 · KJV

Context

6

Then David put garrisons in Syriadamascus ; and the Syrians became David's servants, and brought gifts. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

7

And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

8

Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brasen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass. Tibhath: called in the book of Samuel Betah, and Berothai

9

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

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

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 · 20 words
וּמִטִּבְחַ֤ת1 of 20

“Likewise from Tibhath”

H2880

tibchath, a place in syria

וּמִכּוּן֙2 of 20

“and from Chun”

H3560

kun, a place in syria

עָרֵ֣י3 of 20

“cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הֲדַדְעֶ֔זֶר4 of 20

“of Hadarezer”

H1928

hadarezer, a syrian king, possibly a royal title

לָקַ֥ח5 of 20

“brought”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

דָּוִ֛יד6 of 20

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הַנְּחֹֽשֶׁת׃7 of 20

“brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

רַבָּ֣ה8 of 20

“much”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

מְאֹ֑ד9 of 20

“very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

בָּ֣הּ׀10 of 20
H0
עָשָׂ֣ה11 of 20

“made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה12 of 20

“wherewith Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֶת13 of 20
H853

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

יָ֤ם14 of 20

“sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

הַנְּחֹֽשֶׁת׃15 of 20

“brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וְאֶת16 of 20
H853

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

הָֽעַמּוּדִ֔ים17 of 20

“and the pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

וְאֵ֖ת18 of 20
H853

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

כְּלֵ֥י19 of 20

“and the vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הַנְּחֹֽשֶׁת׃20 of 20

“brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

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 18:8 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 18:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 8:82 Chronicles 4:12-181 Kings 7:15-471 Chronicles 22:14Jeremiah 52:17-232 Chronicles 4:2-6

Places in This Verse

CunSettlement · Modern: Ras Baalbek · 34.26°N, 36.42°E1 verse across 1 book
TibhathSettlement · Modern: between Baalbek and Kadesh · 34.36°N, 36.42°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 18 →

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