1 Chronicles 18:12

Translations

Modern

Moreover, Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

Traditional

Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand.

Literal

And Abishai son of Zeruiah struck Edom in the Valley of Salt—eighteen thousand.

Latin

Abisai vero filius Sarviæ percussit Edom in valle Salinarum, decem et octo millia:

Original

Hebrew

English

Moreover, Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

Notes

1 Chronicles 18:2–13

David conquered areas east of the Jordan River in stages. First, he took over Moab in the south, securing control of the plateau north of the Arnon River. His victory over the Aramean alliance led by Hadadezer resulted in an alliance with King Toi of Hamath, who was Hadadezer's enemy (1 Chronicles 18:9–11). After defeating Ammon and the Arameans east of the Jordan, David expanded his control over southern Edom and gained access to a southern seaport (1 Chronicles 18:12–13).

1 Chronicles 18:1–17

These war records describe how David expanded his kingdom by conquering:

They include details about David’s international relations, the treasures he gained, and the tributes he received (1 Chronicles 18:7–11). A common theme is that the Lord gave David victory wherever he went (1 Chronicles 18:6, 13).

1 Chronicles 18:1–20:8

This section tells about David's wars and military successes, showing him as a great warrior in Israel's history. It focuses on the public and political sides of David's enemies, with little about their private lives.
There are three main parts that match accounts in Samuel:
1. Battles during the kingdom's expansion (1 Chronicles 18:1–17; see 2 Samuel 8:1–16)
2. The battle against the Ammonites (1 Chronicles 19:1–20:3; see 2 Samuel 10:1–11:1; 12:30–31)
3. The deeds of David's mighty men (1 Chronicles 20:4–8; see 2 Samuel 21:18–22)
Each part starts with a time transition (some time later) that loosely connects these events (1 Chronicles 18:1; 19:1; 20:4).

Theme notes and profiles

Abishai David Esau

Related verses

Psalm 60:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us!
2 Samuel 10:10
And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites.
2 Samuel 8:13–14
And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
1 Chronicles 11:20
Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.
1 Chronicles 2:16
Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel.
2 Chronicles 25:11
Amaziah, however, summoned his strength and led his troops to the Valley of Salt, where he struck down 10,000 men of Seir,
1 Samuel 26:6
And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai.
1 Chronicles 19:11
And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites.
2 Kings 14:7
Amaziah struck down 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He took Sela in battle and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this very day.
2 Samuel 10:14
When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they too fled before Abishai, and they entered the city. So Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.
1 Samuel 26:8
Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!”
2 Samuel 19:21–22
But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?”

Parallels

2 Samuel 8:1–14 Psalm 60:1–12

People

Abishai: David's nephew, one of his mighty men and commanders Zeruiah: Sister of David; mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel

Places

Edom: Descendants of Esau; enemy nation southeast of Israel Valley of Salt: Valley where David and his commanders defeated enemies

Glossary

Abishai Chronicles, Books of First and Second Edom, Edomites Genealogy History of Israel Palestine Valley of Salt

Topics

Abishai: Defeats the Edomites Edomites: David Makes Conquest of Salt: The Valley of, Celebrated for Victories The Edomites: Slaughter of, by Joab and Abishai

1 Chronicles 18:12

Translations?

Original?

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Parallels?