King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 11:24 Mean?

1 Kings 11:24 in the King James Version says “And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.”

1 Kings 11:24 · KJV

Context

22

Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country? And he answered, Nothing: howbeit let me go in any wise. Nothing: Heb. Not

23

And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:

24

And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.

25

And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

26

And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.

Read 1 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.

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 · 15 words
וַיִּקְבֹּ֤ץ1 of 15

“And he gathered”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

עָלָיו֙2 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲנָשִׁ֔ים3 of 15
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וַיְהִ֣י4 of 15
H1961

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

שַׂר5 of 15

“unto him and became captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

גְּד֔וּד6 of 15

“over a band”

H1416

a crowd (especially of soldiers)

בַּֽהֲרֹ֥ג7 of 15

“slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

דָּוִ֖ד8 of 15

“when David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֹתָ֑ם9 of 15
H853

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

וַיֵּֽלְכ֤וּ10 of 15
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּדַמָּֽשֶׂק׃11 of 15

“in Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

וַיֵּ֣שְׁבוּ12 of 15

“and dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָ֔הּ13 of 15
H0
וַֽיִּמְלְכ֖וּ14 of 15

“therein and reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בְּדַמָּֽשֶׂק׃15 of 15

“in Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

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 11:24 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 11:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 10:82 Samuel 10:181 Kings 19:151 Kings 20:34Genesis 14:15Acts 9:2

Places in This Verse

DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
ZobahRegion · Modern: Brital · 33.94°N, 36.15°E14 verses across 5 books
View all places in 1 Kings 11 →

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