Bible Strands
2 Samuel 24:2
So the king said to Joab the commander of his army, who was with him, “Go now throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and register the troops, so that I may know their number.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David commands Joab, the commander of his army who is present with him, to conduct a military census. This occurs immediately after the Lord’s anger burns against Israel and prompts the king to order the count.
The words — The verb וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר (va/i.Yo.mer) translates to “and he said,” marking the king’s direct command. The phrase שַׂר\־ הַ/חַ֣יִל (sar-/ha./Cha.yil) literally renders “commander of the army,” identifying Joab’s official military role.
The thread — The geographic marker “from Dan to Beersheba” appears in 2 Samuel 3:10 and Judges 20:1 to denote the full extent of Israel. Joab’s authority over the army is also noted in 2 Samuel 20:23.
Why it lands — The text records a royal order to count fighting men without stating the motive or divine judgment. A reader must observe the command itself before noting the surrounding context of divine anger and Joab’s hesitation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
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.
Cross-references
- 2 Samuel 3:10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.”
- Judges 20:1 Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah.
- 2 Samuel 20:23 Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;
- Jeremiah 17:5 This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.
- 2 Samuel 8:16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
- 2 Samuel 17:11 Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle.
- 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,
- 1 Chronicles 21:2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.”
- 2 Chronicles 32:25 But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem.
- 2 Chronicles 32:31 And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah’s heart.