2 Samuel 23:6

Authorized King James Version

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But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:

Original Language Analysis

וּבְלִיַּ֕עַל But the sons of Belial H1100
וּבְלִיַּ֕עַל But the sons of Belial
Strong's: H1100
Word #: 1 of 8
without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness
כְּק֥וֹץ shall be all of them as thorns H6975
כְּק֥וֹץ shall be all of them as thorns
Strong's: H6975
Word #: 2 of 8
a thorn
מֻנָ֖ד thrust away H5074
מֻנָ֖ד thrust away
Strong's: H5074
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
כֻּלָּ֑הַם H3605
כֻּלָּ֑הַם
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כִּי H3588
כִּי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְיָ֖ד with hands H3027
בְיָ֖ד with hands
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 7 of 8
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יִקָּֽחוּ׃ because they cannot be taken H3947
יִקָּֽחוּ׃ because they cannot be taken
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 8 of 8
to take (in the widest variety of applications)

Analysis & Commentary

But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:

This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incident reveals David's unwillingness to value his comfort above his soldiers' lives. Theological themes include the importance of final testimonies, the eternal nature of God's covenant, the value of faithful servants, and the necessity of sacrificial leadership.

Historical Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 23 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding legacy, faithful servants provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

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