King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:15 Mean?

1 Kings 11:15 in the King James Version says “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 ha... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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;

1 Kings 11:15 · KJV


Context

13

Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

14

And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.

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;

16

(For six months did Joab remain there with all Israel, until he had cut off every male in Edom:)

17

That Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his father's servants with him, to go into Egypt; Hadad being yet a little child.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בִּֽהְי֤וֹת2 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דָּוִד֙3 of 16

For it came to pass when David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת4 of 16
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בֶּֽאֱדֽוֹם׃5 of 16

in Edom

H123

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

בַּֽעֲל֗וֹת6 of 16

was gone up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

יוֹאָב֙7 of 16

and Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

שַׂ֣ר8 of 16

the captain

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַצָּבָ֔א9 of 16

of the host

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

לְקַבֵּ֖ר10 of 16

to bury

H6912

to inter

אֶת11 of 16
H853

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

הַֽחֲלָלִ֑ים12 of 16

the slain

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

וַיַּ֥ךְ13 of 16

after he had smitten

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

כָּל14 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

זָכָ֖ר15 of 16

every male

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

בֶּֽאֱדֽוֹם׃16 of 16

in Edom

H123

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

1 Kings 11:15 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 Kings 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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