2 Samuel 24 7

2 Samuel 24:7 kjv

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 nkjv

and they came to the stronghold of Tyre and to all the cities of the Hivites and the Canaanites. Then they went out to South Judah as far as Beersheba.

2 Samuel 24:7 niv

Then they went toward the fortress of Tyre and all the towns of the Hivites and Canaanites. Finally, they went on to Beersheba in the Negev of Judah.

2 Samuel 24:7 esv

and came to the fortress of Tyre and to all the cities of the Hivites and Canaanites; and they went out to the Negeb of Judah at Beersheba.

2 Samuel 24:7 nlt

Then they came to the fortress of Tyre, and all the towns of the Hivites and Canaanites. Finally, they went south to Judah as far as Beersheba.

2 Samuel 24 verses

2 Samuel 24 7 Meaning

2 Samuel 24:7 details a specific leg of the journey undertaken by Joab and his men to conduct David's census. It outlines their northward trek towards the major Phoenician city-state of Tyre and encompassing regions inhabited by the Hivites and Canaanites, before turning southward through the Negeb of Judah, concluding at Beersheba. This verse highlights the expansive and arduous nature of the census, revealing the considerable geographical reach David sought to count within his dominion, whether de facto or desired. It underscores the inclusion of diverse populations and distant territories within the scope of the count, indicating David's wide-ranging authority or ambitious grasp over the land.

2 Samuel 24 7 Context

2 Samuel 24:7 is part of the final chapter of 2 Samuel, which recounts David's controversial census and the subsequent divine punishment. The preceding verses (2 Sam 24:1-6) establish that David, incited either by the Lord (to bring about judgment for Israel's prior sins) or by Satan (as per 1 Chronicles 21:1), commanded Joab to conduct a census of all Israel and Judah. Joab vehemently protested, questioning the purpose and wisdom of such an action, but David's command prevailed. Verses 5-7 describe the laborious and extensive route Joab and his officers took, highlighting the vast territory covered by the census, from the Transjordan to the north, encompassing diverse ethnic groups and geographical extremes from the north (Tyre) to the deep south (Beersheba). The precise detailing of the journey's endpoints in verse 7 emphasizes the thoroughness of the sinful act and the expansive nature of David's perceived dominion. The census, likely for military conscription or taxation purposes, is presented as an act of human pride or reliance on strength rather than divine trust, which brings about God's wrath and a plague upon Israel.

2 Samuel 24 7 Word analysis

• Then they came (Waya'anu) - Simple verb indicating movement and arrival. Implies a directed purpose to their travel. The collective "they" refers to Joab and the officers dispatched by David (2 Sam 24:4).
• to the stronghold of Tyre (‘ad miḇtsar-Tsor) -
  • stronghold (miḇtsar): Hebrew for "fortress," "fortified city," or "stronghold." Implies a well-defended, significant location. The use of "stronghold" rather than simply "city" underscores its importance and strategic value.
  • Tyre (Tsor): A renowned ancient Phoenician port city on the Mediterranean coast (modern-day Lebanon), known for its maritime trade and fortifications. Its inclusion is notable as Tyre was typically an independent city-state, not usually considered fully under Israelite rule, though allies at times (1 Kgs 5). This suggests David's census might have encompassed not only fully Israelite lands but also allied or bordering territories over which he asserted influence or sought to ascertain potential manpower/resources. Its mention shows the northward limit of the census beyond traditional Israelite heartlands.
• and to all the cities of the Hivites (wə-ḵol-‘arei ha-Ḥiwwî) -
  • cities (‘arei): Plural, indicating numerous urban centers.
  • Hivites (ha-Ḥiwwî): One of the Canaanite groups mentioned in the list of nations God commanded Israel to drive out (Gen 10:17; Exod 34:11; Deut 7:1). Their cities often lay in central and northern Canaan, some like Gibeon making a covenant with Israel (Josh 9). Their continued presence highlights that Israel had not fully dispossessed all indigenous groups. Their inclusion in the census reinforces the idea of David counting non-Israelite populations under his extensive influence.
• and Canaanites (wə-ḵna‘anî) -
  • Canaanites (kna‘anî): Broad term for the diverse groups inhabiting the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest. This phrase, following Hivites, serves as a general descriptor for the indigenous non-Israelite populations. Their presence signifies the mixture of peoples within or on the fringes of David's perceived dominion and points to the complex ethnic makeup of the region, echoing unresolved aspects of the conquest.
• and they went out to the Negeb of Judah (wa-yêtsə’u negeḇ Yəhudāh) -
  • went out (wa-yêtsə’u): Implies moving forth, often outward from a populated area or a specified point. Here it signifies their progression southward.
  • Negeb (negeḇ): Hebrew for "south" or "dry land/desert." This refers to the semi-arid southern region of Judah, bordering the Sinai wilderness. It represents the southern geographical extreme.
  • of Judah (Yəhudāh): Specifies the tribal territory. The "Negeb of Judah" designates the southern boundary region of David's primary tribal support.
• to Beersheba (‘ad Bə’ēr Šāḇa‘) -
  • Beersheba (Bə’ēr Šāḇa‘): A historically significant town in the Negeb, traditionally marking the southern limit of Israel, famously paired with "Dan" (Jdg 20:1; 1 Kgs 4:25) to denote the entire length of the Israelite land. Its mention here confirms that Joab's census reached the ultimate southern extent of the inhabited land, creating a full north-south scope from Tyre down to Beersheba.

2 Samuel 24 7 Bonus section

The journey described in this verse (and 2 Sam 24:5-8) highlights the physical reality of the kingdom's expanse but also the human effort involved in governance and defense. While some of the areas mentioned (like Tyre) were never fully conquered or incorporated, David's attempt to enumerate their populations speaks to a desire for full regional hegemony. This act might be interpreted as "taking stock" of his blessings, but doing so with a proud heart that displaces God. The historical background from extra-biblical sources indicates Tyre's powerful, independent status. Its mention here could subtly signify a transgression of God-given boundaries or an overreach of authority, contributing to the judgment that follows. The sequence from Tyre south through Canaanite/Hivite areas to Beersheba indicates a sweeping overview, a "stocktaking" of a significant proportion of the inhabited Levant under David's strong arm, mirroring the scope of his pride.

2 Samuel 24 7 Commentary

This verse precisely details the expansive itinerary of Joab's census team, illustrating the immense scope of David's authority or ambition. The journey, extending from beyond Israel's usual northern borders to the southernmost point, symbolizes the king's extensive control over the land and its varied inhabitants. The inclusion of Tyre, a major Phoenician city not typically integrated into Israelite rule, alongside indigenous Hivite and Canaanite populations, indicates David's reach extended beyond traditional Israelite territories to allied or subjugated groups. This ambition, possibly aimed at quantifying military strength or taxation potential, reflects a reliance on human power and numerical might rather than a complete trust in God's provision. Such a focus on worldly resources for security or glory, as opposed to spiritual reliance, is often linked to the sin of the census, highlighting the contrast between divine and human perspectives on power and provision.