2 Samuel 24:7

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.

And came {H935} to the strong hold {H4013} of Tyre {H6865}, and to all the cities {H5892} of the Hivites {H2340}, and of the Canaanites {H3669}: and they went out {H3318} to the south {H5045} of Judah {H3063}, even to Beersheba {H884}.

and came to the stronghold of Tzor. They went on to the cities of the Hivi and of the Kena'ani, and finished in the south of Y'hudah, at Be'er-Sheva.

They went toward the fortress of Tyre and all the cities of the Hivites and Canaanites. Finally, they went on to the Negev of Judah, to Beersheba.

and came to the stronghold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites; and they went out to the south of Judah, at Beer-sheba.

Commentary

Context of 2 Samuel 24:7

This verse is part of the narrative detailing King David's controversial census of Israel and Judah, recorded in 2 Samuel 24. The census was an act of pride and a demonstration of reliance on military strength rather than divine providence, leading to God's judgment upon the nation. David's commander, Joab, along with other captains, spent nine months and twenty days traversing the land to count the fighting men, despite Joab's initial reluctance and warning to the king (2 Samuel 24:3). Verse 7 specifically outlines a significant portion of the geographical scope of their journey.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Geographical Extent of David's Kingdom: The mention of "Tyre" in the north and "Beersheba" in the south highlights the vast territorial reach of David's united kingdom at its peak. Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city-state, indicating the influence or surveyed areas extending to the northern borders. Beersheba, historically, marked the southern boundary of the land of Israel, often used in the idiom "from Dan to Beersheba" to denote the entire nation.
  • Inclusion of Non-Israelite Territories: The census included "all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites," suggesting that David's dominion or at least his sphere of influence extended over indigenous populations within or adjacent to the promised land. This underscores the expansion of Israelite power under David.
  • Thoroughness of the Census: The detailed route described across various tribal lands and regions emphasizes the methodical and comprehensive nature of Joab's undertaking, reflecting the king's determination to quantify his military strength.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "strong hold of Tyre" (Hebrew: ืžึดื‘ึฐืฆึทืจ ืฆึนืจ, mibtsar Tsor) refers to a fortified place or fortress. Tyre was renowned for its strength and maritime power, making its inclusion in the census route significant. The "Hivites" and "Canaanites" represent indigenous peoples who inhabited parts of the land before and during the Israelite settlement, often mentioned in the Old Testament as groups to be dispossessed or subjugated.

Related Scriptures

The parallel account of David's census can be found in 1 Chronicles 21, which provides additional details, including the instigator of the census being Satan (1 Chr 21:1). The results of this extensive census are tallied in 2 Samuel 24:9, and the subsequent divine judgment in the form of a plague is described in 2 Samuel 24:15.

Practical Application

While this verse primarily details geographical information, its context within the census narrative serves as a reminder of the dangers of human pride and misplaced trust. David's desire to count his fighting men, rather than relying solely on God's strength and provision, led to severe consequences. For believers today, it emphasizes the importance of humility and recognizing that true security and success come from God, not from human achievements, numbers, or resources. It encourages us to trust in divine power over earthly might, understanding that some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 19:29

    And [then] the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:

  • Joshua 11:3

    [And to] the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and [to] the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and [to] the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.

  • Genesis 21:22

    ยถ And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in all that thou doest:

  • Genesis 21:33

    ยถ And [Abraham] planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

  • 2 Samuel 24:2

    For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which [was] with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.

  • Judges 3:3

    [Namely], five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath.
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