King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:6 Mean?

2 Samuel 24:6 in the King James Version says “Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtimhodshi; and they came to Danjaan, and about to Zidon, land of Tahtimh...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 24:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

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

Read 2 Samuel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi; and they came to Dan-jaan, and about to Zidon,

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 · 12 words
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙1 of 12

“Then they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַגִּלְעָ֔דָה2 of 12

“to Gilead”

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

וְאֶל3 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֥רֶץ4 of 12

“and to the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

תַּחְתִּ֖ים5 of 12
H0
חָדְשִׁ֑י6 of 12

“of Tahtimhodshi”

H8483

tachtim-chodshi, a place in palestine

וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙7 of 12

“Then they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

דָּ֣נָה8 of 12
H0
יַּ֔עַן9 of 12

“to Danjaan”

H1842

dan-jaan, a place in palestine

וְסָבִ֖יב10 of 12

“and about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

אֶל11 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צִידֽוֹן׃12 of 12

“to Zidon”

H6721

tsidon, the name of a son of canaan, and of a place in palestine

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

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 24:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:28Numbers 32:1Genesis 31:21Numbers 32:39Judges 1:31Joshua 11:8

Places in This Verse

DanSettlement · Modern: Tel Dan · 33.25°N, 35.65°E25 verses across 12 books
Gilead 1Region · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab esh Sherqiyeh · 32.19°N, 35.69°E86 verses across 21 books
Kadesh 2Settlement · Modern: Tell Nebi Mend · 34.56°N, 36.52°E1 verse across 1 book
SidonSettlement · Modern: Sandikli archaeological site in Sidon · 33.56°N, 35.37°E37 verses across 16 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 24 →

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