Lexical Summary Tou or Toi: Tou, Toi Original Word: תֹּעוּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Toi, Tou Or Tomiy {to'-ee}; from ta'ah; error, Tou or Toi, a Syrian king -- Toi, Tou. see HEBREW ta'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originperhaps from taah Definition a king of Hamath NASB Translation Toi (3), Tou (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs תֹּ֫עִי proper name, masculine king of Hamath, 2 Samuel 8:9,10 (twice in verse) = תֹּ֫עוּ (which We Dr and others prefer) 1 Chronicles 18:9,10. I, II. תְּעָלָה see עלה p. 752. תַּעֲלוּלִים see I. עלל. תַּעֲלֻמָה see [I. עלם]. תַּעֲנוּג see [ענג]. p .761, 772 תַּעֲנִית see [III. ענה] p.777. Topical Lexicon Identification and Name Variants Strong’s Hebrew 8583 designates the Aramean king of Hamath whose name appears as “Toi” in 2 Samuel and “Tou” in 1 Chronicles. Both spellings reflect the same ruler and convey the idea of “wandering” or “erring,” yet Scripture consistently presents him as a discerning monarch who aligns himself with David rather than with Israel’s foes. Occurrences in Scripture • 2 Samuel 8:9–10 (twice) Historical Setting Hamath lay on the Orontes River in the northern reaches of modern Syria—a strategic city guarding trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean. Toi had suffered aggression from Hadadezer of Zobah, a regional power to the northeast. David’s crushing defeat of Hadadezer (2 Samuel 8:3–8) broke the latter’s dominance and altered the balance of power throughout Syria-Palestine. Toi’s response illustrates the political realignment that followed David’s victories and hints at the widening influence of Israel from the Brook of Egypt to “Lebo-Hamath,” the very border long promised to Abraham’s descendants (Numbers 34:8; Joshua 13:5). Narrative Context and Actions 1. Recognition of David’s Triumph “When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, he sent his son Joram to King David to greet him and to bless him.” (2 Samuel 8:9-10a) In Chronicles the envoy is called Hadoram, who “brought all kinds of articles of gold, silver, and bronze” (1 Chronicles 18:10). David consecrated these gifts to the Lord, placing them alongside the spoils from his other campaigns (2 Samuel 8:11). By sending an emissary rather than an army, Toi chose alliance over resistance. The narrative contrasts his wisdom with Hadadezer’s hostility and portrays David as a unifying figure whom even foreign kings respect. Theological Significance 1. God’s Covenant Faithfulness The submission of Hamath underlines the Lord’s promise to extend Israel’s borders (Genesis 15:18; 2 Samuel 7:9-10). Toi’s tribute becomes a tangible sign that the nations are being gathered under the reign of the anointed king. 2. Foreshadowing Universal Kingship Psalm 2 envisions kings of the earth either raging against or serving the Lord’s Anointed. Toi’s example anticipates Gentile rulers who will “serve the Lord with fear” and “kiss the Son.” His voluntary homage prefigures the Magi who bring treasures to a greater Son of David (Matthew 2:11). 3. Worship Purified David dedicates Toi’s gifts “to the Lord” (2 Samuel 8:11). Triumphal plunder and diplomatic tribute alike become offerings, reinforcing that all wealth and glory belong to God (1 Chronicles 29:11-14). Lessons for Ministry and Life • Discernment: Toi recognized where God’s favor rested and acted swiftly. Believers are called to similar discernment in aligning with God’s purposes rather than prevailing cultural powers. Summary Though mentioned only five times, Toi/Tou of Hamath illustrates the far-reaching impact of David’s reign, God’s covenant fidelity, and the readiness of the nations to submit when they recognize the Lord’s victorious king. His account urges modern readers to respond with similar humility, generosity, and devotion to the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations תֹּ֖עִי תֹּ֖עוּ תֹּ֣עִי תעו תעי tō‘î tō‘ū tō·‘î tō·‘ū Toi TouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 8:9 HEB: וַיִּשְׁמַ֕ע תֹּ֖עִי מֶ֣לֶךְ חֲמָ֑ת NAS: Now when Toi king of Hamath KJV: When Toi king of Hamath INT: heard Toi king of Hamath 2 Samuel 8:10 2 Samuel 8:10 1 Chronicles 18:9 1 Chronicles 18:10 5 Occurrences |
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