Lexical Summary Tachtim Chodshi: Tachtim Chodshi Original Word: תַּחְתִּים חָדְשִׁי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance low parts nether part Apparently from the plural masculine of tachtiy or tachath and chodesh; lower (ones) monthly; Tachtim-Chodshi, a place in Palestine -- Tahtim-hodshi. see HEBREW tachtiy see HEBREW tachath see HEBREW chodesh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from tachath and chodesh Definition a place visited by Joab NASB Translation Tahtim-hodshi (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חָדְשִׁי in proper name, of a location ׳אֶרֶץ תַּחְתִּים ח 2 Samuel 24:6, read הַחִתִּים קֵדְשָׁה ׳א see HiGeschichte. Israel i. 29, ᵐ5L εἰς γῆν Χεττιειμ Καδης; compare Dron the passage and (in part) Klo; see also קֵדֶשׁ. Topical Lexicon Geographic Identification Tahtim-hodshi is a territorial designation situated somewhere east of the Jordan River, associated with Gilead (2 Samuel 24:6). The placement within Joab’s circuit—moving northward after crossing the Jordan, before reaching Dan-jaan and Sidon—locates it in the northern Trans-Jordan or extreme north-eastern Galilee. The landscape is rugged and lightly settled, a borderland marking the transition from Israelite to Aramean spheres of influence during the united monarchy. Historical Setting in David’s Census Tahtim-hodshi enters the biblical record during King David’s ill-advised census (2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21). Joab and his commanders methodically “went through all the land” (2 Samuel 24:8), evidencing the military thoroughness characteristic of the period. Their arrival in Tahtim-hodshi highlights how the census probed even the remote extremities of David’s realm, demonstrating the breadth of Israel’s territorial claims at the height of the monarchy. The narrative underscores the administrative capabilities of David’s kingdom while simultaneously exposing the moral peril of reliance on human strength rather than divine sufficiency. Textual Considerations The Hebrew expression appears only here, creating interpretive challenges. Some Septuagint manuscripts read “to the land of the Hittites,” while the Masoretic Text preserves Tahtim-hodshi. The singularity of the reference argues for a genuine toponym rather than a textual corruption. The Spirit’s preservation of the term, even without further attestation, reinforces confidence in Scripture’s detailed accuracy (2 Timothy 3:16). Theological and Spiritual Insights 1. Omniscience and Omnipresence: By recording that the census reached Tahtim-hodshi, Scripture testifies that no place escapes the Lord’s gaze (Psalm 139:12). Ministry Applications • Pastoral Care: Leaders today should remember that “remote” congregants and communities matter to God; diligent visitation and shepherding mirror Joab’s exhaustive circuit, redeemed by grace rather than presumption. Archaeological and Scholarly Notes Modern scholarship has not fixed an exact site. Suggested identifications include Tell el-Abeidiyeh near the Yarmuk River or locales in the Hauran. Absence of conclusive evidence neither diminishes biblical reliability nor theological value; rather, it invites continued research that may yet bring corroboration, as often occurs in Near Eastern archaeology. Cross References and Illustrative Passages 2 Samuel 24:6 — “Then they came to Gilead and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi, and they came to Dan-jaan and around to Sidon.” Psalm 20:7 — Trust in the name of the LORD over chariots and horses. James 4:13-15 — The perils of boasting in human plans. Summary Though mentioned only once, Tahtim-hodshi serves as a divinely placed reminder that every corner of the covenant land—and by extension every corner of the world—lies within God’s redemptive scope and righteous oversight. Forms and Transliterations חָדְשִׁ֑י חדשי chadeShi ḥā·ḏə·šî ḥāḏəšîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 24:6 HEB: אֶ֥רֶץ תַּחְתִּ֖ים חָדְשִׁ֑י וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ דָּ֣נָה NAS: and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi, and they came KJV: and to the land of Tahtimhodshi; and they came INT: and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi came to Dan-jaan 1 Occurrence |
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