King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:6 Mean?

“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”

Context

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.

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

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

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.

So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Land of Tahtim-hodshi.—**This unknown and strange name, of which the ancient versions make nothing, is generally considered as a corruption. The most probable conjecture is that for “Tahtim” we should read “Hittites” (a change of only a single letter), and that “Hodshi” is the remnant of an expression designating the month of their arrival there. **Dan-jaan.**—This is the only place in which the name “Dan” occurs with this addition. It seems certain that the same Dan must be meant as in 2Samuel 24:2; 2Samuel 24:15; and so the reading of the LXX. (Alex.) and Vulg. may be correct: “Dan-jaar=Dan in the forest.” **Zidon.**—This mother city of the Phœnicians was in the tribe of Asher nominally, but was never actually possessed by the Israelites. The same also is true of Tyre. Either the census-takers merely came to the confines of these cities, or, being on friendly terms, actually entered them to enumerate the Israelites living in them.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 24:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.