Then they went to Gilead and the land of Tahtim-hodshi, and on to Dan-jaan and around to Sidon. Then they went to GileadThe phrase "Then they went to Gilead" indicates a movement of the census takers under King David's command. Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River, is historically significant as a place of refuge and conflict. The Hebrew root for Gilead, "Gil‘ad," can mean "heap of testimony" or "rocky region," reflecting its rugged terrain and its role as a witness to God's covenant with His people. Gilead was known for its balm, a healing ointment, symbolizing God's provision and healing. This journey to Gilead underscores the comprehensive nature of the census, reaching even the remote and significant areas of Israel. and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi
The phrase "and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi" is intriguing due to its obscurity. The Hebrew words "Tahtim" and "Hodshi" are not well-documented, leading to various interpretations. "Tahtim" could imply "lower parts," while "Hodshi" might mean "new." This could suggest a newly settled or lesser-known area, emphasizing the thoroughness of the census. The inclusion of such a region highlights the extent of David's kingdom and the meticulous nature of the task, ensuring that no part of the land was overlooked. they also went to Dan-jaan
The mention of "Dan-jaan" is significant as Dan was the northernmost city of Israel, often used in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba" to denote the entire nation. The addition of "jaan" is unique to this passage, possibly indicating a specific area or a variant name. The Hebrew root "Dan" means "judge," reflecting the tribe's role in Israel's history. This journey to Dan-jaan signifies the far-reaching scope of the census, encompassing the full breadth of the nation from north to south. and around to Sidon
The phrase "and around to Sidon" extends the journey beyond Israel's traditional borders. Sidon, a prominent Phoenician city, was known for its wealth and trade. The Hebrew root "Sidon" means "fishing" or "hunting," indicative of its economic activities. This inclusion suggests interactions and influences between Israel and its neighbors, highlighting the interconnectedness of the ancient Near East. The census reaching Sidon underscores the expansive vision of David's reign and the acknowledgment of external influences on Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. GileadA region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was a significant area in Israel's history, often associated with healing and refuge. 2. Tahtim-hodshiA location mentioned only in this passage, its exact historical and geographical details remain uncertain. It signifies the thoroughness of the census. 3. Dan-jaanLikely a reference to the northernmost city of Dan, a place of strategic and religious importance in Israel. 4. SidonAn ancient Phoenician city, known for its wealth and trade. It represents the northern boundary of the land surveyed. 5. CensusThe event of counting the people of Israel, initiated by King David, which later led to divine displeasure due to the underlying motives and lack of reliance on God. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe census, though seemingly administrative, was an act of disobedience to God’s command. It reminds us that our actions, even those that appear neutral, must align with God’s will. Trust in God’s ProvisionDavid’s decision to count the people may have stemmed from a desire to assess military strength, reflecting a lack of trust in God’s provision and protection. We are called to trust God rather than rely solely on human resources. The Consequences of PrideThe census can be seen as an act of pride, with David seeking to measure his kingdom’s might. Pride can lead us away from God, and we must remain humble and dependent on Him. God’s Sovereignty and MercyDespite the sin of the census, God’s mercy is evident in His dealings with David and Israel. This teaches us about God’s sovereignty and His readiness to forgive when we repent. Bible Study Questions 1. What might have been David’s motivations for conducting the census, and how can we examine our own motives in decision-making? 2. How does the geographical scope of the census (from Gilead to Sidon) reflect the extent of David’s kingdom, and what does this teach us about the responsibilities of leadership? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our reliance remains on God rather than on our own resources or abilities? 4. How does the account of the census in 2 Samuel 24 compare with the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 21, and what additional insights can we gain from this comparison? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for a decision made out of pride or disobedience. How did you experience God’s mercy and forgiveness in that situation? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 21This parallel account provides additional details about the census and its consequences, highlighting the spiritual implications and David's repentance. Genesis 49:13References to Zebulun and its proximity to Sidon, illustrating the historical and geographical significance of the region. Judges 18The account of the tribe of Dan and their migration, which provides context for the mention of Dan-jaan. People Araunah, Canaanites, Dan, David, Gad, Gadites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Joab, ZidonPlaces Aroer, Beersheba, Dan, Gilead, Jazer, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kadesh, Negeb, Sidon, TyreTopics Dan, Danjaan, Dan-jaan, Environs, Gilead, Hermon, Hittites, Hodshi, Jaan, Kadesh, Region, Round, Sidon, Tahtim, Tahtimhodshi, Tahtim-hodshi, ZidonDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 24:1-9 5249 census 2 Samuel 24:1-16 7236 Israel, united kingdom 2 Samuel 24:1-17 5087 David, reign of 2 Samuel 24:5-7 7266 tribes of Israel Library The Exile --Continued.
We have one psalm which the title connects with the beginning of David's stay at Adullam,--the thirty-fourth. The supposition that it dates from that period throws great force into many parts of it, and gives a unity to what is else apparently fragmentary and disconnected. Unlike those already considered, which were pure soliloquies, this is full of exhortation and counsel, as would naturally be the case if it were written when friends and followers began to gather to his standard. It reads like …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of DavidThe Universal Chorus
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that stteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. M en have generally agreed to dignify their presumptuous and arrogant ^* disquisitions on the works and ways of God, with the name of wisdom ; though the principles upon which they proceed, and the conclusions which they draw from …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Consolations against Impatience in Sickness.
If in thy sickness by extremity of pain thou be driven to impatience, meditate-- 1. That thy sins have deserved the pains of hell; therefore thou mayest with greater patience endure these fatherly corrections. 2. That these are the scourges of thy heavenly Father, and the rod is in his hand. If thou didst suffer with reverence, being a child, the corrections of thy earthly parents, how much rather shouldst thou now subject thyself, being the child of God, to the chastisement of thy heavenly Father, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
As the cooled earth no longer permits us to understand the phenomena of primitive creation, because the fire which penetrated it is extinct, so deliberate explanations have always appeared somewhat insufficient when applying our timid methods of induction to the revolutions of the creative epochs which have decided the fate of humanity. Jesus lived at one of those times when the game of public life is freely played, and when the stake of human activity is increased a hundredfold. Every great part, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus Of Love to God
I proceed to the second general branch of the text. The persons interested in this privilege. They are lovers of God. "All things work together for good, to them that love God." Despisers and haters of God have no lot or part in this privilege. It is children's bread, it belongs only to them that love God. Because love is the very heart and spirit of religion, I shall the more fully treat upon this; and for the further discussion of it, let us notice these five things concerning love to God. 1. The …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 24:6 NIV2 Samuel 24:6 NLT2 Samuel 24:6 ESV2 Samuel 24:6 NASB2 Samuel 24:6 KJV
2 Samuel 24:6 Commentaries
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