2 Samuel 24:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 24:6 mean?

2 Samuel 24:6 describes the route taken by David’s officials as they traveled through various regions—Gilead, the land of Tahtimhodshi, Danjaan, and near Zidon—while conducting a census of Israel. The verse lists specific locations to show the thoroughness and extent of their journey.

This verse is part of a narrative where King David commands a census of the people of Israel. Joab and his men are carrying out David’s orders, moving from one region to another. The mention of these places highlights the wide area covered, showing the seriousness and scale of the census effort.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 24:6

• גִּלְעָד (Gilead, Gilead): This is a region east of the Jordan River, known for its hills and balm. Its mention marks the census moving into the Transjordan area, showing the officials did not just count those west of the Jordan.
• תַּחְתִּים חֹדְשִׁי (Tahtimhodshi, Tahtimhodshi): This place name is rare and its exact location is uncertain, but its inclusion suggests the census reached even remote or lesser-known areas.
• דָּן יַעַן (Danjaan, Danjaan): This likely refers to a northern region, possibly near the city of Dan. It shows the census extended to the far north of Israel.
• צִידוֹן (Zidon, Zidon): Zidon (Sidon) was a prominent Phoenician city to the northwest. The officials came near this area, indicating the census covered border regions as well.

Why 2 Samuel 24:6 matters

• This verse clarifies that David’s census was not limited to the heartland of Israel but included distant and border regions, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the count.
• The mention of specific, sometimes obscure, locations shows the historical and geographical detail in the narrative, grounding the story in real places.
• Understanding the route helps readers see the effort and time involved in carrying out David’s command, setting up the significance of the census in the wider story.