1 Kings 11:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:15 mean?

1 Kings 11:15 describes a time when King David was in Edom, and Joab, the commander of David’s army, went there to bury those who had been killed after he had struck down every male in Edom. The verse sets the scene for a violent campaign led by Joab, highlighting the aftermath of a significant and deadly conflict.

This verse is part of a larger explanation of how Hadad, an adversary of Solomon, survived these events. The narrator is recounting past events to explain current opposition to Solomon’s rule. Joab’s actions in Edom are remembered as thorough and devastating, and the burial of the slain shows the scale and seriousness of the conflict between Israel and Edom at that time.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:15

• אֱדוֹם (Edom, Edom): This name refers to the territory south of Israel, often at odds with Israel. Mentioning Edom here highlights the geographic and political context of the conflict.
• יוֹאָב (Yoav, Joab): Joab is not just a general but a key figure in David’s military campaigns, known for his decisive and sometimes ruthless actions.
• צָבָא (tsava, host): This word means "army" or "military force." Calling Joab the "captain of the host" emphasizes his authority and responsibility for the campaign.
• כָּל־זָכָר (kol-zakhar, every male): The phrase "every male" underlines the completeness of the destruction, showing that the campaign was meant to eliminate all potential future threats from Edom.

Why 1 Kings 11:15 matters

• This verse clarifies the background of Hadad’s enmity toward Israel, showing that his opposition to Solomon is rooted in personal and national tragedy.
• The details about Joab’s actions help explain the depth of hostility between Israel and Edom, which influences later events in the book.
• Understanding the scale of Joab’s campaign gives insight into the harsh realities of ancient warfare and the lengths to which David’s kingdom went to secure its borders.