1 Kings 11:15-16
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What's really striking here is that the text doesn't say Solomon ordered this brutal act of retribution in Edom, but rather it happened "for when David was in Edom." This implies that even in David's time, a devastating military campaign was carried out, leaving no males alive, which Solomon would have inherited knowledge of. This harsh historical context adds a chilling layer to the later consequences Solomon faced.
For when David was in Edom, and Joab the commander of the army went up to bury the slain, he struck down every male in Edom (for Joab and all Israel remained there six months, until he had cut off every male in Edom).
English Standard Version (ESV)
This chilling account follows Solomon's growing apostasy and God's subsequent pronouncements of judgment. Before this, we see David's military campaigns, including this brutal action by his general Joab, which established Israelite dominance over Edom, setting the stage for later conflicts and Solomon's reign which would ultimately be marred by the very divisions God warned about.
This verse paints a grim picture of a military action that feels chillingly absolute. Was this righteous justice or something darker?
The passage describes Joab's brutal campaign in Edom. While the text doesn't explicitly state the reason for this total extermination, it's crucial to understand the context of ancient warfare. Often, such actions were intended to completely neutralize a threat, leaving no survivors to later seek revenge or rebuild their strength against Israel.
However, this action starkly contrasts with God's commands for Israel to be a distinct nation, showing mercy and justice. It raises difficult questions about the moral compromises leaders and armies might make, even under a righteous king like David. This wasn't a divine command, but a human military decision with devastating consequences, highlighting the fine line between necessary defense and excessive cruelty.
David is often remembered as a man after God's own heart. How does this brutal act in Edom fit into that legacy?
While David is celebrated for his faith and leadership, this event, orchestrated by his loyal but ruthless general Joab, serves as a stark reminder of the human frailty and moral compromises that even the best of leaders can fall into.
This action in Edom foreshadows the consequences of David's later sins, particularly his affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of Uriah. The prophet Nathan directly confronts David, stating, 'You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword... Therefore the sword shall never depart from your house' (2 Samuel 12:9-10). The brutal actions in Edom, though perhaps centuries before, echo the violence and bloodshed that would indeed plague David's family and kingdom.
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Understand the original words
Yô'āb · Hebrew Proper Noun
The son of Zeruiah and David's commander-in-chief, known for his military prowess, fierce loyalty, and often ruthless tactics in securing David's kingdom.
Yisrā'ēl · Hebrew Proper Noun
The collective name for the covenant people of God descended from Jacob, representing the nation formed by God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
'Ěḏôm · Hebrew Proper Noun
A nation descended from Esau (the brother of Jacob), often characterized by their hostility toward Israel, occupying the territory southeast of the Dead Sea.
This passage reveals the brutal reality of ancient warfare and nation-building; David's consolidation of power involved harsh actions against conquered peoples, leaving a legacy of resentment and future conflict.
c. 1010-970 BC
David's Reign as King
David united Israel and Judah, expanding the kingdom through military campaigns and establishing Jerusalem as its capital. His reign was marked by both great triumphs and significant personal failings.
c. 1005 BC
David Conquers Edom
During David's reign, Israel waged war against the Edomites, ultimately conquering them and establishing military garrisons throughout the land. Joab, David's commander, played a key role in these campaigns.
c. 1005-1000 BC— this verse
Joab's Campaign in Edom
Following the conquest, Joab led Israelite forces in consolidating control over Edom. This campaign involved significant bloodshed and the subjugation of the Edomite population, including the events described in this passage.
c. 990 BC
Hadad the Edomite Escapes
A young Edomite prince named Hadad managed to escape the massacres, fleeing to Egypt. He would later return to challenge Solomon's rule, a direct consequence of David's conquest and the elimination of potential rivals.
c. 970 BC
Death of David
David's reign concluded, and his son Solomon succeeded him. The ongoing presence of Hadad as a threat in Edom continued to be a source of instability for the newly unified kingdom.
This passage describes David's military victories and the subsequent subjugation of Edom, setting the stage for the events that would later lead to the massacre mentioned in 1 Kings.
Psalm 60:1This psalm is a lament and prayer that references God's judgment and scattering of the Edomites, reflecting the intense conflict and divine involvement in the history between Israel and Edom.
Genesis 27:40This prophecy from Genesis describes the ongoing animosity between the descendants of Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom), highlighting the deep-seated conflict that played out in historical events like the one in 1 Kings 11.
Obadiah 1:10-14The prophet Obadiah directly condemns Edom for their cruelty and violence against their brother nation, Israel, including their participation in the downfall of Jerusalem, which echoes the brutality described in the account of Joab's actions.
What's really striking here is that the text doesn't say Solomon ordered this brutal act of retribution in Edom, but rather it happened "for when David was in Edom." This implies that even in David's time, a devastating military campaign was carried out, leaving no males alive, which Solomon would have inherited knowledge of. This harsh historical context adds a chilling layer to the later consequences Solomon faced.
This chilling account follows Solomon's growing apostasy and God's subsequent pronouncements of judgment. Before this, we see David's military campaigns, including this brutal action by his general Joab, which established Israelite dominance over Edom, setting the stage for later conflicts and Solomon's reign which would ultimately be marred by the very divisions God warned about.
This chilling account follows Solomon's growing apostasy and God's subsequent pronouncements of judgment. Before this, we see David's military campaigns, including this brutal action by his general Joab, which established Israelite dominance over Edom, setting the stage for later conflicts and Solomon's reign which would ultimately be marred by the very divisions God warned about.
"For when David was in Edom, and Joab the commander of the army went up to bury the slain, he struck down every male in Edom (for Joab and all Israel remained there six months, until he had cut off every male in Edom)." — What's really striking here is that the text doesn't say Solomon ordered this brutal act of retribution in Edom, but rather it happened "for when David was in Edom." This implies that even in David…
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Last reviewed October 2026
