King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 23:10 in the King James Version says “He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

2 Samuel 23:10 · KJV


Context

8

These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat , chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. The Tachmonite: or, Joshebbassebet the Tachmonite, head of the three. whom he: Heb. slain. he lift: See 1.Ch.11.11. whom he: Heb. slain

9

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:

10

He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

11

And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. into: or, for foraging

12

But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incident reveals David's unwillingness to value his comfort above his soldiers' lives. Theological themes include the importance of final testimonies, the eternal nature of God's covenant, the value of faithful servants, and the necessity of sacrificial leadership.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 23 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding legacy, faithful servants provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of legacy, faithful servants?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
ה֣וּא1 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

קָם֩2 of 23

He arose

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וַיַּ֨ךְ3 of 23

and smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֜ים4 of 23

the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

עַ֣ד׀5 of 23
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

כִּֽי6 of 23

until

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָגְעָ֣ה7 of 23

was weary

H3021

properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil

יָדוֹ֙8 of 23

and his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַתִּדְבַּ֤ק9 of 23

clave

H1692

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

יָדוֹ֙10 of 23

and his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֶל11 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַחֶ֔רֶב12 of 23

unto the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וַיַּ֧עַשׂ13 of 23

wrought

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָ֛ה14 of 23

and the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

תְּשׁוּעָ֥ה15 of 23

victory

H8668

rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

גְדוֹלָ֖ה16 of 23

a great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

בַּיּ֣וֹם17 of 23

that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֑וּא18 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְהָעָ֛ם19 of 23

and the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יָשֻׁ֥בוּ20 of 23

returned

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אַֽחֲרָ֖יו21 of 23

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אַךְ22 of 23
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

לְפַשֵּֽׁט׃23 of 23

him only to spoil

H6584

to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 23:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 23:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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