King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:7 Mean?

2 Samuel 24:7 in the King James Version says “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 t...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 24:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.

Read 2 Samuel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 Beer-sheba.

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
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙1 of 13

“And came”

H935

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

מִבְצַר2 of 13

“to the strong hold”

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

צֹ֔ר3 of 13

“of Tyre”

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

וְכָל4 of 13
H3605

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

עָרֵ֥י5 of 13

“and to all the cities”

H5892

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

הַֽחִוִּ֖י6 of 13

“of the Hivites”

H2340

a chivvite, one of the indigenous tribes of palestine

וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֑י7 of 13

“and of the Canaanites”

H3669

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

וַיֵּֽצְא֛וּ8 of 13

“and they went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶל9 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נֶ֥גֶב10 of 13

“to the south”

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

יְהוּדָ֖ה11 of 13

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

בְּאֵ֥ר12 of 13
H0
שָֽׁבַע׃13 of 13

“even to Beersheba”

H884

beer-sheba, 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 24:7 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 24:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:29Joshua 11:3Genesis 21:22-332 Samuel 24:2Judges 3:3

Places in This Verse

Beersheba 1Settlement · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E23 verses across 10 books
NegebRegion · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E43 verses across 13 books
TyreSettlement · Modern: Tyre · 33.27°N, 35.20°E64 verses across 19 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 24 →

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