2 Samuel 24:2

Authorized King James Version

For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ

H4428

For the king

a king

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֣ב׀

H3097

to Joab

joab, the name of three israelites

שַׂר

H8269

the captain

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַחַ֣יִל

H2428

of the host

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אִתּ֗וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

שֽׁוּט

H7751

which was with him Go now through

properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel

#10

נָ֞א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#11

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

שִׁבְטֵ֤י

H7626

all the tribes

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

#13

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#14

מִדָּן֙

H1835

from Dan

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

#15

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#16

בְּאֵ֣ר

#17

שֶׁ֔בַע

H884

even to Beersheba

beer-sheba, a place in palestine

#18

וּפִקְד֖וּ

H6485

and number

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

#19

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#20

הָעָֽם׃

H5971

of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#21

וְיָ֣דַעְתִּ֔י

H3045

that I may know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#22

אֵ֖ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#23

מִסְפַּ֥ר

H4557

the number

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

#24

הָעָֽם׃

H5971

of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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