### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H8583}}` (Tôʻûw), transliterated as Tou or Toi, functions primarily as a proper noun in the biblical text, identifying a specific historical figure. Its base definition points to "error," deriving from the root `{{H8582}}` (tāʻāh), which signifies "to wander, to stray, to err, to go astray." While the name itself carries the semantic weight of "error" or "wandering," its application in the biblical narrative is solely as the appellation of a Syrian king. Thus, the direct meaning of "error" does not apply to the character or actions of the king himself, but rather describes the etymological origin of his name. The significance lies in the proper identification of an individual who interacts with God's chosen king, David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H8583}}` appears in two parallel accounts within the historical books, referring to the same individual:
* [[2 Samuel 8:9-10]]: "When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, he sent Joram his son to King David, to greet him and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him. For Hadadezer had been at war with Tou. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, gold, and bronze."
* [[1 Chronicles 18:9-10]]: "When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer king of Zobah, he sent Hadoram his son to King David, to greet him and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him. For Hadadezer had been at war with Tou. And Hadoram brought with him articles of gold, silver, and bronze."
In both instances, Tou (or Toi in some translations) is identified as the king of Hamath, a city-state located in modern-day Syria. His appearance in the narrative follows David's decisive victory over Hadadezer, the powerful king of Zobah. Tou, having been an enemy of Hadadezer, recognizes David's superior strength and strategic importance. He sends his son (Joram in 2 Samuel, Hadoram in 1 Chronicles – likely a variant spelling of the same name) to David with valuable gifts of silver, gold, and bronze, signifying tribute and a desire for alliance or peace. This act underscores David's burgeoning regional dominance and the fulfillment of God's promise to establish his kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H8583}}` is its root, `{{H8582}}` (tāʻāh), which means "to wander, stray, err." This root is used extensively throughout the Old Testament to describe:
* Physical wandering, as in sheep going astray ([[Psalm 119:176]]).
* Moral or spiritual deviation, indicating a departure from God's commands or truth ([[Isaiah 53:6]], [[Ezekiel 44:10]]).
* Intellectual error or deception ([[Isaiah 28:7]]).
While the name Tou itself is derived from this root, there is no textual indication that King Tou of Hamath was characterized by "error" in a moral or spiritual sense within the biblical narrative. His actions are presented as a pragmatic response to David's military success.
Other related concepts include:
* **Kingship and Vassalage:** Tou's interaction with David exemplifies the dynamics of ancient Near Eastern kingship, where victorious monarchs received tribute from lesser kings.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** David's victories, which prompt Tou's tribute, are consistently attributed to the Lord's intervention and favor.
* **Parallel Accounts:** The presence of Tou in both 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles highlights the chronicler's interest in David's reign and the establishment of his kingdom, often drawing from earlier sources.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8583}}` (Tou/Toi) lies not in the etymological meaning of his name, but in his role within the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan through David. Tou's submission to David and the tribute he offers serve several theological purposes:
* **Confirmation of David's Divinely Appointed Kingship:** Tou's recognition of David's power, even as a foreign king, underscores the Lord's hand in establishing David's throne and expanding his dominion. It is a testament to the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant ([[2 Samuel 7:8-16]]).
* **Demonstration of God's Sovereignty Over Nations:** The ease with which David defeats powerful adversaries like Hadadezer, leading to the voluntary submission of others like Tou, illustrates God's ultimate control over all earthly kingdoms and His ability to orchestrate events to achieve His purposes.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The expansion of David's kingdom, marked by the tribute from kings like Tou, foreshadows the universal reign of the Messiah, who will ultimately receive homage from all nations.
* **The Ingathering of Wealth for God's Purposes:** The silver, gold, and bronze brought by Tou's son would later contribute to the wealth of David's kingdom, much of which was eventually dedicated to the building of the Temple by Solomon ([[1 Chronicles 18:11]]). This highlights how even foreign resources can be providentially directed towards the Lord's sacred purposes.
### Summary
`{{H8583}}` (Tou/Toi) designates a king of Hamath who appears in the parallel accounts of [[2 Samuel 8:9-10]] and [[1 Chronicles 18:9-10]]. While his name etymologically derives from the root `{{H8582}}`, meaning "to wander" or "to err," this semantic nuance does not describe his character or actions in the biblical text. Instead, Tou is presented as a pragmatic foreign ruler who, having been an adversary of Hadadezer, recognizes David's divinely granted military supremacy after David's victory over Zobah. Tou's act of sending his son with tribute signifies an acknowledgment of David's authority and a desire for peaceful relations. Theologically, Tou's appearance serves to highlight God's sovereignty over nations, the divine establishment and expansion of David's kingdom, and the providential gathering of resources that would ultimately serve the Lord's purposes in Israel.
TRV