1 Chronicles 18:12

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

Moreover Abishai {H52} the son {H1121} of Zeruiah {H6870} slew {H5221} of the Edomites {H123} in the valley {H1516} of salt {H4417} eighteen {H8083}{H6240} thousand {H505}.

Moreover, Avishai the son of Tz'ruyah killed 18,000 men from Edom in the Salt Valley.

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

Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah smote of the Edomites in the Valley of Salt eighteen thousand.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 18:12 (KJV): "Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand."

Context

This verse appears within a chapter detailing King David's military victories and consolidation of power over surrounding nations. After defeating the Philistines, Moabites, and Zobahites, David turns his attention to the Edomites. Edom, located south and southeast of Israel, had a long history of conflict with the Israelites, dating back to their ancestor Esau, Jacob's brother. The "Valley of Salt" is generally identified as the area south of the Dead Sea, a strategic location controlling trade routes. This victory over Edom was crucial for securing David's borders and expanding his influence, fulfilling earlier promises regarding the extent of Israel's territory.

Key Themes

  • Military Victory: The verse highlights a significant military triumph by Israel over the Edomites under David's reign.
  • David's Mighty Men: It specifically names Abishai, one of David's loyal and capable commanders, underscoring the role of his key leaders in achieving these victories. Abishai was a prominent figure among David's mighty men.
  • Divine Blessing/Expansion: While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the broader context of 1 Chronicles 18 implies that these victories were enabled by God, allowing David to establish control and expand the kingdom as promised. The text repeatedly notes that the LORD preserved David wherever he went.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Abishai" means "my father is Jesse" or "my father is a gift." The phrase "slew of the Edomites eighteen thousand" indicates a decisive military engagement resulting in a large number of casualties for the Edomite forces. The term "Valley of Salt" (Hebrew: Ge Mulah) specifically refers to a geographical location known for its salt deposits, emphasizing the literal battlefield.

Commentary and Application

This verse is a concise summary of a major battle that secured David's southern flank and brought Edom under Israelite dominion (see 1 Chronicles 18:13). It shows David's effective leadership through his commanders like Abishai. For us today, while we don't engage in physical warfare for kingdom expansion, the account illustrates God's faithfulness in enabling His people to overcome obstacles and adversaries. It reminds us that spiritual victories often require dedicated effort from God's servants (like Abishai) acting under divine authority (like David, representing God's anointed king). We are called to stand firm in our faith and overcome spiritual opposition, trusting in God's power to grant victory.

Reflection

The inclusion of specific details like the commander (Abishai), the location (Valley of Salt), and the number (eighteen thousand) lends historical weight to the account. It shows that David's reign was characterized by real, tangible conflicts and victories, which were part of God's plan to establish Israel's kingdom. Reflecting on this can encourage believers facing challenges, knowing that God equips and uses His people to accomplish His purposes, enabling them to overcome difficulties through His strength.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 60:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.

  • 1 Chronicles 2:16 (3 votes)

    Whose sisters [were] Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.

  • 1 Chronicles 19:11 (3 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Samuel 10:10 (3 votes)

    And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put [them] in array against the children of Ammon.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:11 (3 votes)

    And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 8:13 (3 votes)

    And David gat [him] a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, [being] eighteen thousand [men].