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.

1 CHRONICLES 18:11KJV
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1 Chronicles 18:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 18:11 mean?

1 Chronicles 18:11 describes how King David set apart the silver and gold he took from defeated nations and dedicated these treasures to the LORD. The verse lists the specific peoples—Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amalek—from whom David collected these valuable items.

This verse is part of a historical account showing David’s military victories and what he did with the spoils of war. The chronicler is recording for later generations that David did not keep these riches for himself but instead offered them to God, highlighting David’s devotion and the central role of worship in his reign.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 18:11

  • "Dedicated" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): This word means to set apart or consecrate something as holy. Here, it emphasizes that David intentionally gave these treasures to God, not just as a donation, but as something reserved for sacred use.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): The personal name of Israel’s God is used, underlining that these offerings were made specifically to Israel’s covenant God, not just to any deity.
  • "Nations" (גּוֹי, goy): This term refers to the various peoples or groups outside Israel. The verse’s listing of specific nations shows the broad scope of David’s campaigns and the range of his victories.

Why 1 Chronicles 18:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s wealth from conquest was not kept for personal gain but was devoted to God, countering any idea that his reign was only about political or personal power.
  • The listing of nations connects this verse to the broader context of David’s military campaigns, showing that his victories were seen as having spiritual significance for Israel.
  • The verse sets up later events in Chronicles, where these dedicated treasures are used in preparations for building the Temple, linking David’s actions to the long-term worship life of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Amalek” Hebrew H6002 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 36:12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.
  • Deuteronomy 25:19 Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.
  • 1 Samuel 15:7 And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.

“Edom” Hebrew H123 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 25:30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
  • 1 Kings 11:14 And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.
  • Psalms 137:7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.

“Ammon” Hebrew H5983 · used in 98 verses

  • Genesis 19:38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.
  • Judges 11:36 And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the children of Ammon.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:11 And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon.