Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 18:12
Moreover, Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrative records David’s military campaigns against neighboring nations, specifically noting Abishai’s action immediately after David dedicates conquered spoils to the LORD. The words — הִכָּ֤ה (hi.Kah) translates to "he struck down," and הַ/מֶּ֔לַח (ha./Me.lach) means "the Salt," identifying the specific location of the engagement. The thread — This event is cross-referenced in 2 Samuel 8:13, which records the same eighteen thousand slain in the Valley of Salt, while 1 Samuel 26:6 and Psalm 60:1 mention Abishai or David’s broader campaigns in the region. Why it lands — The text states that David placed garrisons in Edom and all Edomites became subject to him, requiring the reader to recognize the concrete establishment of David’s political and military control over the territory.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand.
Cross-references
- Psalms 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!
- 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.
- 2 Samuel 8:13 And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
- 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.
- 1 Chronicles 2:16 Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel.
- 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 19:11 And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites.
- 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 26:8 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 3:30 (Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)