2 Samuel 23 7

2 Samuel 23:7 kjv

But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.

2 Samuel 23:7 nkjv

But the man who touches them Must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear, And they shall be utterly burned with fire in their place."

2 Samuel 23:7 niv

Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie."

2 Samuel 23:7 esv

but the man who touches them arms himself with iron and the shaft of a spear, and they are utterly consumed with fire."

2 Samuel 23:7 nlt

One must use iron tools to chop them down;
they will be totally consumed by fire."

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 7 Meaning

This verse describes the certain and decisive fate of the "worthless men" or "wicked" mentioned in the preceding verse (2 Sam 23:6). They are like thorny, useless branches that cannot be handled lightly. Any engagement with them, even a mere "touch," necessitates being armed with powerful instruments like iron and a spear shaft, symbolizing severe force and protective judgment. Ultimately, these wicked individuals are destined for complete destruction by fire, carried out immediately and without exception. The passage signifies a divine decree of ultimate justice against unrighteousness.

2 Samuel 23 7 Context

2 Samuel 23:7 is part of what are called David's "last words," found in 2 Samuel 23:1-7. This section serves as a poetic and theological climax to David's life and reign. The preceding verses (23:3-4) describe the ideal righteous ruler—one who rules justly, in the fear of God, and brings blessings like morning light and refreshing rain. David then reflects on God's enduring covenant with him despite his own house's lack of such perfection (23:5). Verse 6 directly precedes verse 7, identifying those who do not fit the description of the righteous ruler: "worthless men" (Hebrew: bĕlîyaʿal, 'men of Belial'), who are like thorns—dangerous, useless, and difficult to handle. Thus, verse 7 outlines the necessary, severe, and absolute means by which these "worthless men" will be dealt with. This section sets a powerful contrast between divine order and chaos, righteous governance and wicked rebellion, and foreshadows ultimate divine judgment.

2 Samuel 23 7 Word analysis

• But the man who touches them: The Hebrew phrase vĕ’îš lō’-yiggaʿ bāhem (וְאִישׁ לֹא-יִגַּע בָּהֶם) is nuanced. `לֹא` (lo') typically means "not," so it could imply "a man cannot touch them (without these tools)" or "a man should not touch them (unarmed)." However, given the subsequent clause, most interpretations understand it to mean "one who does touch them (i.e., attempts to handle them or engage with them in any way) must do so equipped," signifying the immense difficulty and danger posed by these "worthless men" (2 Sam 23:6). This is not a casual interaction but requires severe means.
• must be armed with iron: The Hebrew `בַּרְזֶל` (barzel - iron) refers to a strong, durable metal used for weaponry and tools. It implies strength, firmness, and the ability to cut through or dominate. "Armed" (literally "filled with" or "clothed with") indicates that the agent must be thoroughly equipped and prepared for forceful action. It symbolizes a means of effective, even violent, enforcement.
• and the shaft of a spear: The Hebrew `עֵץ חֲנִית` (`ʿēṣ ḥănît` - wood of a spear or spear shaft). A `ḥanît` is a lance or spear, a primary weapon for thrusting or throwing. Its "shaft" or "wood" highlights its robust and direct nature. Together with "iron," these represent formidable instruments of combat and destruction. The pairing signifies decisive, forceful intervention.
• and they will be completely consumed by fire: The Hebrew `וּבָאֵשׁ שָׂרוֹף יִשָּׂרְפוּ` (`ûva’ēš śārōp yisśārĕpû`). `אֵשׁ` (esh - fire) is a biblical symbol of purifying judgment and utter destruction. The use of the infinitive absolute `שָׂרוֹף` (`śārōp` - to burn, consumed) followed by the imperfect verb `יִשָּׂרְפוּ` (`yisśārĕpû` - they shall be burned) emphatically stresses the thoroughness, certainty, and irreversibility of the burning process. It means they will be "burned completely" or "utterly consumed." This implies an exhaustive destruction leaving nothing behind.
• on the spot: The Hebrew `בַּמָּקֹם` (bammāqōm - in the place, on the spot, then and there). This phrase conveys immediacy and finality. There will be no relocation, no delay, and no escape. The judgment and destruction occur decisively where the wicked are found.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "But the man who touches them must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear": This phrase paints a picture of extreme danger and the necessity of severe means to confront it. The "worthless men" are not to be dealt with casually or lightly. This suggests that divine or righteous interaction with profound wickedness cannot be passive; it demands strong, purposeful, and armed engagement, much like one cannot remove dangerous thorns without protective and cutting tools.
• "and they will be completely consumed by fire on the spot": This final declaration emphasizes the absolute and final outcome. The means (iron and spear) are for the necessary forceful interaction, but the ultimate result for the worthless is total annihilation. Fire symbolizes God's wrath and comprehensive judgment, leaving no remnant. "On the spot" stresses the imminence and inescapability of this judgment for the wicked.

2 Samuel 23 7 Bonus section

• Literary Foreshadowing: The violent imagery used for dealing with "worthless men" echoes David's own past as a warrior-king and foreshadows the future Messianic King, Jesus Christ, who will ultimately judge the nations with a "rod of iron" (Rev 19:15) and whose return is often described with consuming fire.
• Theological Principle: The verse illustrates the unyielding nature of divine justice. While God is gracious, He is also righteous, and evil cannot indefinitely endure in His presence. It speaks to a clear boundary and consequence for sustained rebellion against God's order.
• Connection to Agriculture: The imagery of thorns being cleared and burned is rooted in ancient agricultural practices. Thorns are useless, destructive to crops, and hard to remove. This earthly analogy powerfully conveys the destructive nature of wicked people in society and the definitive manner in which they must be "cleared away" by the ultimate Landowner.
• Ethical Implications: While the language describes physical tools of destruction, its spiritual implication is about discerning and separating from deep-seated evil. It teaches that the church's response to rampant evil must involve strong conviction and ultimately rely on God's final, absolute judgment.

2 Samuel 23 7 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:7 is the decisive declaration of the fate awaiting those characterized as "worthless men" in verse 6, who, like thorny brush, impede righteous governance. Following David's "last words" on ideal kingship and divine covenant, this verse establishes the necessary action against wickedness. The imagery of "iron and the shaft of a spear" underscores that confronting utter unrighteousness demands powerful, uncompromising tools of justice, whether wielded by God or His appointed agents. This is not about human vengeance but divine necessity. The phrase "completely consumed by fire on the spot" portrays an irreversible and immediate judgment, typical biblical language for God's ultimate destruction of evil, ensuring that wickedness does not prevail. It provides a theological conclusion to David's reflection on the kingdom—righteousness brings light, but unrighteousness brings consumption. This resonates with the final judgment awaiting all who reject God's rule.