So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.

2 SAMUEL 24:15KJV
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2 Samuel 24:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 24:15 mean?

2 Samuel 24:15 describes how the LORD sent a deadly plague across Israel, lasting from morning until the appointed time, resulting in the deaths of seventy thousand men from the northernmost region of Dan to the southernmost region of Beersheba. This verse shows the severe consequence that came upon the nation as a result of God's judgment.

King David had ordered a census of Israel, which was seen as an act of pride or lack of trust in God. In response, God allowed a pestilence to strike the people. The verse highlights the scale of the disaster, mentioning the entire land from Dan to Beersheba, and the staggering loss of life, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the reach of God's judgment.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 24:15

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, used here to show that the judgment comes directly from God Himself, not by chance or through another agent.
  • pestilence (דֶּבֶר, dever): This word refers to a deadly plague or disease, often used in the Old Testament to describe divine punishment that brings widespread death.
  • appointed (מוֹעֵד, mo'ed): This word can mean a set time or a fixed period, suggesting that the duration of the plague was determined by God, not random or indefinite.
  • from Dan (דָּן, Dan) to Beersheba (בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע, Be'er Sheva): These place names mark the northernmost and southernmost boundaries of Israel, showing that the entire nation was affected.

Why 2 Samuel 24:15 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the disaster was not a random tragedy but a direct response from God to a specific event, showing the seriousness with which God viewed David's actions.
  • By mentioning both Dan and Beersheba, the verse emphasizes that no part of Israel was untouched, highlighting the unity and shared fate of the nation.
  • The use of specific numbers and regions helps the reader grasp the historical reality and scale of the event, making the consequences of disobedience concrete and memorable.