King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:2 Mean?

2 Samuel 24:2 in the King James Version says “For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people. Go: or, Compass

2 Samuel 24:2 · KJV


Context

1

And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

2

For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people. Go: or, Compass

3

And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold , and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

4

Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Census and Plague, emphasizing pride, judgment, provision. David's census represents prideful self-reliance rather than dependence on God. The plague's devastation demonstrates sin's consequences extending beyond the sinner. David's purchase of Araunah's threshing floor and sacrifice there establishes the future temple location. Theological themes include the danger of pride, corporate consequences of leaders' sins, the necessity of proper sacrifice, God's mercy in limiting judgment, and divine purpose even in disciplinary actions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 24 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 pride, judgment, provision 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 pride, judgment, provision?
  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 · 24 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 24

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ2 of 24

For the king

H4428

a king

אֶל3 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֣ב׀4 of 24

to Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

שַׂר5 of 24

the captain

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַחַ֣יִל6 of 24

of the host

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

אֲשֶׁר7 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אִתּ֗וֹ8 of 24
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

שֽׁוּט9 of 24

which was with him Go now through

H7751

properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel

נָ֞א10 of 24
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

בְּכָל11 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שִׁבְטֵ֤י12 of 24

all the tribes

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙13 of 24

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מִדָּן֙14 of 24

from Dan

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

וְעַד15 of 24
H5704

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

בְּאֵ֣ר16 of 24
H0
שֶׁ֔בַע17 of 24

even to Beersheba

H884

beer-sheba, a place in palestine

וּפִקְד֖וּ18 of 24

and number

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

אֶת19 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעָֽם׃20 of 24

of the people

H5971

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

וְיָ֣דַעְתִּ֔י21 of 24

that I may know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֵ֖ת22 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִסְפַּ֥ר23 of 24

the number

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

הָעָֽם׃24 of 24

of the people

H5971

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


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 24:2 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 24:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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