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

1 KINGS 11:16KJV
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1 Kings 11:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:16 mean?

1 Kings 11:16 describes how Joab, the commander of King David’s army, stayed in Edom with all Israel’s forces for six months until every male in Edom was killed. This verse highlights the thoroughness and severity of the military campaign against Edom during David’s reign.

The verse is part of a historical account explaining why Hadad, an Edomite prince, fled to Egypt and later opposed Solomon. The context is a flashback, with the narrator describing past events to explain current tensions. Joab’s actions here are presented as a decisive and brutal effort to eliminate opposition in Edom, showing the lengths to which David’s commanders went to secure Israel’s dominance.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:16

  • יָשַׁב (yashav, H3427) — "remain": This word means to dwell or stay. Here, it emphasizes that Joab and the army were not just passing through but intentionally settled in Edom for an extended period to carry out their mission.
  • כָּרַת (karat, H3772) — "cut off": This verb often means to cut or destroy. In this context, it underscores the completeness of the destruction—Joab’s campaign was not partial but aimed at eliminating every male.
  • זָכָר (zakar, H2145) — "male": The use of this word makes clear that the campaign specifically targeted all the men in Edom, which would have had significant consequences for the nation’s ability to recover or resist in the future.

Why 1 Kings 11:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies the background for the hostility between Israel and Edom seen later in the chapter, especially why Hadad the Edomite seeks revenge.
  • The detail about the six-month duration and the complete elimination of males shows the intensity and finality of the conflict, not just a quick raid but a prolonged campaign.
  • Understanding this event helps explain the broader political and military landscape during Solomon’s reign, including the roots of unrest and opposition from neighboring nations.

Where else these words appear

“male” Hebrew H2145 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 12:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
  • Numbers 31:35 And thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him.

“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.

“Joab” Hebrew H3097 · used in 124 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 2 Samuel 14:21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
  • 2 Samuel 24:3 And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?