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. They went toward the fortress of TyreThe mention of Tyre highlights its significance as a major Phoenician city and a powerful maritime fortress. Tyre was known for its strong fortifications and its role as a center of trade and commerce in the ancient world. The city's strategic location on the Mediterranean coast made it a key player in regional politics and economics. In biblical prophecy, Tyre is often depicted as a symbol of pride and wealth ( Ezekiel 28:1-19). The journey toward Tyre in this context underscores the extensive nature of the census being conducted, reaching even the influential and fortified areas. and all the cities of the Hivites and Canaanites
The Hivites and Canaanites were among the original inhabitants of the land before the Israelites' conquest. The Hivites are mentioned in several places in the Old Testament, often associated with the central and northern regions of Canaan (Joshua 11:3). The Canaanites, a broader term, refers to various groups living in the land of Canaan. This phrase indicates the comprehensive scope of the census, covering diverse ethnic groups and regions. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan, despite the presence of these peoples (Genesis 15:18-21). Finally, they went on to the Negev of Judah, to Beersheba
The Negev is a desert region in the southern part of Israel, known for its arid climate and sparse population. Beersheba, located in the Negev, holds historical and spiritual significance as a patriarchal site. It is associated with figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who had significant encounters with God there (Genesis 21:31-33, Genesis 26:23-25). The mention of Beersheba marks the southernmost point of the land traditionally considered part of Israel, often used in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba" to denote the entire territory of Israel (Judges 20:1). This journey to the Negev and Beersheba signifies the thoroughness of the census, reaching even the remote and less populated areas of the kingdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel who ordered the census, which led to this journey. 2. JoabThe commander of David's army, tasked with carrying out the census. 3. TyreA significant fortress city, known for its strong defenses and trade. 4. Hivites and CanaanitesIndigenous peoples of the land, often in conflict with Israel. 5. Negev of JudahA desert region in southern Judah, known for its harsh conditions. 6. BeershebaA city in the Negev, often considered the southernmost boundary of ancient Israel. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceDavid's decision to conduct a census was against God's will, leading to severe consequences. This reminds us of the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe mention of various peoples and places highlights God's control over all nations and territories. We should trust in His sovereignty in our lives and the world. The Importance of RepentanceDavid's eventual repentance shows the necessity of turning back to God when we stray. Repentance restores our relationship with God and aligns us with His will. The Role of LeadershipAs leaders, whether in families, churches, or communities, our decisions have far-reaching impacts. We must lead with integrity and seek God's wisdom. God's Faithfulness in Judgment and MercyDespite the judgment that follows, God remains faithful and merciful. This duality encourages us to rely on His grace and justice. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from David's decision to conduct a census, and how does it apply to our decision-making processes today? 2. How does the journey through these specific regions (Tyre, Hivites, Canaanites, Negev, Beersheba) reflect God's promises and challenges to Israel? 3. In what ways does understanding the historical and geographical context of these places enhance our comprehension of God's Word? 4. How can we apply the lessons of leadership and accountability from this passage in our personal and professional lives? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy after a period of disobedience. How did that experience shape your faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 10:15-19Provides background on the Canaanites, descendants of Canaan, and their territories. Joshua 19:28-29Mentions Tyre as part of the land allotted to the tribe of Asher. Judges 3:3Lists the Hivites among the nations left to test Israel. Genesis 21:31Beersheba is named by Abraham, marking a significant covenant with Abimelech. People Araunah, Canaanites, Dan, David, Gad, Gadites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Joab, ZidonPlaces Aroer, Beersheba, Dan, Gilead, Jazer, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kadesh, Negeb, Sidon, TyreTopics Beersheba, Beer-sheba, Canaanite, Canaanites, Cities, Finally, Fortified, Fortress, Hivite, Hivites, Hold, Judah, Negeb, Negev, South, Strong, Stronghold, Town, Towns, Tyre, WalledDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 24:7 5316 fortress 2 Samuel 24:1-9 5249 census 2 Samuel 24:1-16 7236 Israel, united kingdom 2 Samuel 24:1-17 5087 David, reign of 2 Samuel 24:5-7 7266 tribes of Israel Library The Exile --Continued.
We have one psalm which the title connects with the beginning of David's stay at Adullam,--the thirty-fourth. The supposition that it dates from that period throws great force into many parts of it, and gives a unity to what is else apparently fragmentary and disconnected. Unlike those already considered, which were pure soliloquies, this is full of exhortation and counsel, as would naturally be the case if it were written when friends and followers began to gather to his standard. It reads like …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of DavidThe Universal Chorus
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that stteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. M en have generally agreed to dignify their presumptuous and arrogant ^* disquisitions on the works and ways of God, with the name of wisdom ; though the principles upon which they proceed, and the conclusions which they draw from …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Consolations against Impatience in Sickness.
If in thy sickness by extremity of pain thou be driven to impatience, meditate-- 1. That thy sins have deserved the pains of hell; therefore thou mayest with greater patience endure these fatherly corrections. 2. That these are the scourges of thy heavenly Father, and the rod is in his hand. If thou didst suffer with reverence, being a child, the corrections of thy earthly parents, how much rather shouldst thou now subject thyself, being the child of God, to the chastisement of thy heavenly Father, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
As the cooled earth no longer permits us to understand the phenomena of primitive creation, because the fire which penetrated it is extinct, so deliberate explanations have always appeared somewhat insufficient when applying our timid methods of induction to the revolutions of the creative epochs which have decided the fate of humanity. Jesus lived at one of those times when the game of public life is freely played, and when the stake of human activity is increased a hundredfold. Every great part, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus Of Love to God
I proceed to the second general branch of the text. The persons interested in this privilege. They are lovers of God. "All things work together for good, to them that love God." Despisers and haters of God have no lot or part in this privilege. It is children's bread, it belongs only to them that love God. Because love is the very heart and spirit of religion, I shall the more fully treat upon this; and for the further discussion of it, let us notice these five things concerning love to God. 1. The …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 24:7 NIV2 Samuel 24:7 NLT2 Samuel 24:7 ESV2 Samuel 24:7 NASB2 Samuel 24:7 KJV
2 Samuel 24:7 Commentaries
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