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2 Samuel 24:6

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Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtimhodshi; and they came to Danjaan, and about to Zidon,

Then they came {H935} to Gilead {H1568}, and to the land {H776} of Tahtimhodshi {H8483}; and they came {H935} to Danjaan {H1842}, and about {H5439} to Zidon {H6721},

came to Gil'ad and continued to the land of Tachtim-Hodshi. Then they arrived at Dan-Ya'an, went around to Tzidon

Then they went to Gilead and the land of Tahtim-hodshi, and on to Dan-jaan and around to Sidon.

then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi; and they came to Dan-jaan, and round about to Sidon,

Commentary

This verse, 2 Samuel 24:6, is part of the detailed account of the route taken by Joab and the military commanders as they conducted the census ordered by King David throughout Israel and Judah.

Context

Chapter 24 of 2 Samuel recounts David's decision to number the fighting men of Israel and Judah, an act the Scripture indicates was prompted by the Lord's anger, though David's specific sin or motive behind the census is debated (some interpretations link it to pride or reliance on human strength). Joab, despite his reservations, carries out the difficult task of surveying the entire land. This verse describes a specific segment of their journey, covering regions east of the Jordan River (Gilead) and extending far north towards the borders near Zidon, illustrating the comprehensive nature of the headcount.

Key Themes

  • Geographical Scope: The verse underscores the vast territory of the United Kingdom of Israel under David's reign, detailing the extent of the land being surveyed from east to west and south to north.
  • The Census Process: It provides a glimpse into the laborious and systematic effort required to count the population across diverse and sometimes remote regions.
  • Ancient Landmarks: The mention of specific, though sometimes obscure, locations like Tahtimhodshi and Danjaan highlights the geographical markers used in the biblical narrative to define the boundaries and routes within ancient Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The names "Tahtimhodshi" and "Danjaan" are place names that are difficult to identify definitively in modern geography. "Tahtimhodshi" is often translated or interpreted in various ways, sometimes suggesting "the land of the Hittites below Hodshi" or a place near Kadesh. "Danjaan" is also uncertain but is generally understood as a location in the northern territory, possibly related to the tribe of Dan, marking the northern extent of the survey route.

Commentary and Application

2 Samuel 24:6 serves primarily as a geographical detail within the narrative of David's census. It shows the thoroughness with which Joab's men executed the king's command, covering significant ground from the Transjordanian area of Gilead to the northern reaches near the Phoenician city of Zidon. While the exact locations of Tahtimhodshi and Danjaan may remain historical puzzles, their inclusion emphasizes the reality of the ancient kingdom's boundaries and the meticulous nature of the census takers' work. The census itself, beginning with David's command (2 Samuel 24:2) and concluding with the report (2 Samuel 24:9), ultimately led to consequences for Israel, demonstrating the spiritual significance behind seemingly administrative actions.

The verse reminds us that even descriptive lists of places in Scripture have a purpose, grounding the historical events in real geography and highlighting the scale of the kingdom David ruled, for better or worse.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 19:28 (5 votes)

    And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, [even] unto great Zidon;

  • Genesis 31:21 (2 votes)

    So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face [toward] the mount Gilead.

  • Numbers 32:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place [was] a place for cattle;

  • Joshua 19:47 (2 votes)

    And the coast of the children of Dan went out [too little] for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.

  • Numbers 32:39 (2 votes)

    And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which [was] in it.

  • Joshua 11:8 (2 votes)

    And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.

  • Judges 1:31 (2 votes)

    Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob: