King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 24:5 in the King James Version says “And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer: river: or, valley”

2 Samuel 24:5 · KJV

Context

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.

5

And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer: river: or, valley

6

Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtimhodshi; and they came to Danjaan, and about to Zidon, land of Tahtimhodshi: or, nether land newly inhabited

7

And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites: and they went out to the south of Judah, even to Beersheba.

Read 2 Samuel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:

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 · 13 words
וַיַּֽעַבְר֖וּ1 of 13

“And they passed over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת2 of 13
H853

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

הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן3 of 13

“Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

וַיַּֽחֲנ֣וּ4 of 13

“and pitched”

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

בַֽעֲרוֹעֵ֗ר5 of 13

“in Aroer”

H6177

aror, the name of three places in or near palestine

יְמִ֥ין6 of 13

“on the right side”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

הָעִ֛יר7 of 13

“of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֲשֶׁ֛ר8 of 13
H834

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

בְּתוֹךְ9 of 13

“that lieth in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַנַּ֥חַל10 of 13

“of the river”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

הַגָּ֖ד11 of 13

“of Gad”

H1410

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

וְאֶל12 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יַעְזֵֽר׃13 of 13

“and toward Jazer”

H3270

jaazer or jazer, a place east of the jordan

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 24:5 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 24:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 2:36Joshua 13:9Joshua 13:16Numbers 32:1Numbers 32:3Numbers 21:32

Places in This Verse

Aroer 1Settlement · Modern: Arair · 31.47°N, 35.82°E13 verses across 9 books
JazerSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Sara · 31.94°N, 35.83°E13 verses across 6 books
JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 24 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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