Notwithstanding, the king’s word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the army. Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the king to count the people of Israel. They passed over the Jordan, and encamped in Aroer, on the right side of the city that is in the middle of the valley of Gad, and to Jazer; then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim Hodshi; and they came to Dan Jaan, and around to Sidon, and came to the stronghold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites; and they went out to the south of Judah, at Beersheba. So when they had gone back and forth through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. Joab gave up the sum of the counting of the people to the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.
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2 Samuel 24:4-9 sits inside this longer paragraph.
Notwithstanding, the king’s word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the army. Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the king to count the people of Israel. They passed over the Jordan, and encamped in Aroer, on the right side of the city that is in the middle of the valley of Gad, and to Jazer; then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim Hodshi; and they came to Dan Jaan, and around to Sidon, and came to the stronghold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites; and they went out to the south of Judah, at Beersheba. So when they had gone back and forth through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. Joab gave up the sum of the counting of the people to the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men. David’s heart struck him after he had counted the people. David said to Yahweh, “I have sinned greatly in that which I have done. But now, Yahweh, put away, I beg you, the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.”
Parallel Translations
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Notwithstanding, the king’s word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the army. Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the king to count the people of Israel.
They passed over the Jordan, and encamped in Aroer, on the right side of the city that is in the middle of the valley of Gad, and to Jazer;
then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim Hodshi; and they came to Dan Jaan, and around to Sidon,
and came to the stronghold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites; and they went out to the south of Judah, at Beersheba.
So when they had gone back and forth through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.
Joab gave up the sum of the counting of the people to the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.
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Notwithstanding the king’s word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.
And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:
Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi; and they came to Dan-jaan, and about to Zidon,
And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites: and they went out to the south of Judah, even to Beer-sheba.
So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.
And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.
Show all 3 translations
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Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.
And they passed over the Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that is in the middle of the valley of Gad, and unto Jazer;
then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi; and they came to Dan-jaan, and round about to Zidon,
and came to the stronghold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites; and they went out to the south of Judah, at Beer-sheba.
So when they had gone to and fro through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.
And Joab gave up the sum of the numbering of the people unto the king; and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.
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Cross-references (32)
- Deuteronomy 2:36 (v5) From Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the valley, even to Gilead, there was not a city too…
- Joshua 13:9 (v5) from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain of Medeba…
- Joshua 19:28 (v6) and Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, even to great Sidon.
- Joshua 13:16 (v5) Their border was from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the…
- Joshua 19:29 (v7) The border turned to Ramah, to the fortified city of Tyre; and the border turned to Hosah. It ended at the sea by the region of Achzib;
Show all 31 cross-references
- 1 Chronicles 21:5-6 (v9) Joab gave up the sum of the census of the people to David. All those of Israel were one million one hundred thousand men who drew a sword;…
- 1 Chronicles 27:23-24 (v9) But David didn’t take the number of them from twenty years old and under, because Yahweh had said he would increase Israel like the stars…
- Numbers 32:1 (vv5–6) Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock. They saw the land of Jazer, and the land of…
- Numbers 1:44-46 (v9) These are those who were counted, whom Moses and Aaron counted, and the twelve men who were princes of Israel, each one for his fathers’…
- Numbers 21:32 (v5) Moses sent to spy out Jazer. They took its villages, and drove out the Amorites who were there.
- Numbers 32:3 (v5) “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon,
- Numbers 32:35 (v5) Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah,
- Joshua 11:3 (v7) to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Jebusite in the hill country, and the Hivite…
- Ecclesiastes 8:4 (v4) for the king’s word is supreme. Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”
- Acts 5:29 (v4) But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
- Genesis 10:15 (v6) Canaan became the father of Sidon (his firstborn), Heth,
- Genesis 21:22-33 (v7) At that time, Abimelech and Phicol the captain of his army spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do. Now, therefore,…
- Genesis 31:21 (v6) So he fled with all that he had. He rose up, passed over the River, and set his face toward the mountain of Gilead.
- Genesis 31:47-48 (v6) Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. Laban said, “This heap is witness between me and you today.” Therefore it was…
- Exodus 1:17 (v4) But the midwives feared God, and didn’t do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive.
- Numbers 32:39 (v6) The children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, took it, and dispossessed the Amorites who were therein.
- Joshua 11:8 (v6) Yahweh delivered them into the hand of Israel, and they struck them, and chased them to great Sidon, and to Misrephoth Maim, and to the…
- Joshua 19:47 (v6) The border of the children of Dan went out beyond them; for the children of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and took it, and struck…
- Judges 1:31 (v6) Asher didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants of Sidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor…
- Judges 3:3 (v7) the five lords of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal Hermon to…
- Judges 18:28-29 (v6) There was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon, and they had no dealings with anyone else; and it was in the valley that lies by…
- 1 Samuel 30:28 (v5) to those who were in Aroer, to those who were in Siphmoth, to those who were in Eshtemoa,
- 2 Samuel 24:2 (v7) The king said to Joab the captain of the army, who was with him, “Now go back and forth through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to…
- 1 Chronicles 21:4 (v4) Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, then came to Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 16:8-9 (v5) For the fields of Heshbon languish with the vine of Sibmah. The lords of the nations have broken down its choice branches, which reached…
- Isaiah 17:2 (v5) The cities of Aroer are forsaken. They will be for flocks, which shall lie down, and no one shall make them afraid.
31 distinct cross-references across this passage (32 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (16 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 9 Or, river.
Or, river.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv4–9 2Sa 24:4 Notwithstanding the king’s word prevailed against Joab,…
2Sa 24:4 Notwithstanding the king’s word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.
Ver. 4. Notwithstanding the king’s word prevailed.] He would have his way contra gentes; and not be borne down, though by never so good reason. Sometimes both grace and wit are asleep in the holiest and wariest breasts. The best kings have been from time to time too sovereign, as the schoolman phraseth it.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv4, 5, 6, 9 Joab perceiving the king bent upon it, would not…
Joab perceiving the king bent upon it, would not hazard the king’s favour by further disputing or disobeying his command.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv4–9 Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against…
Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host,.... Who it seems were of the same mind with Joab, and were against numbering the people, yet their arguments and remonstrances were of no avail with the king; he was determined it should be done, and laid his commands upon them to do it, which they were obliged to comply with:
and Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel; seeing him resolute and determined, they submitted, took his orders, and set out to execute them.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv5–9 Verse 5. And pitched in Aroer] This was beyond…
Verse 5. And pitched in Aroer] This was beyond Jordan, on the river Arnon, in the tribe of Gad: hence it appears, says Calmet, that they began their census with the most eastern parts of the country beyond Jordan.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv5, 8 2Sa 24:5-7. They passed over Jordan — They went…
2Sa 24:5-7. They passed over Jordan — They went first into the eastern part of the country, and so by the northern coasts to the west, and then to the south. And pitched in Aroer — These words seem to import, that they pitched their tents in the field, and thither summoned the neighbouring towns to come unto them: which was very troublesome, and at last proved intolerably grievous. And to the land of Tahtim-hodshi — It is in vain to seek after this land, which is not mentioned in the book of Joshua, but, it is likely, was near to Gilead; and had been lately recovered, some think, from other people, and was now inhabited by the Israelites. And they came to — about Zidon — Not to the city of Zidon, for that was not in their power; but to the coast about it. And came to the strong hold of Tyre — To the territory near it. And to all the cities of the Hivites, &c. — Who lived in those north-west parts of the country. Even to Beer-sheba — On the south side.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 9 Aroer - Aroer on the Arnon (Deu 2:36 note).…
Aroer - Aroer on the Arnon (Deu 2:36 note). Aroer itself stood on the very edge of the precipitous cliff of the valley; and in the valley beneath, possibly in an island in the stream, stood another city which is here alluded to.
River - Rather, “the valley” (margin). They passed from Aroer, northward to Gad, and so pitched at Jazer (see the marginal references), which is on the frontier of Gad and Reuben.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv5–9 God, at the eastern extremity, on the banks of…
God, at the eastern extremity, on the banks of the Arnon.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 9 they passed over Jordan--This census was taken first in…
they passed over Jordan--This census was taken first in the eastern parts of the Hebrew kingdom; and it would seem that Joab was accompanied by a military force, either to aid in this troublesome work, or to overawe the people who might display reluctance or opposition.
the river of Gad--"Wady" would be a better term. It extends over a course estimated at about sixty miles, which, though in summer almost constantly dry, exhibits very evident traces of being swept over by an impetuous torrent in winter (see Deu 2:36).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 9 5. Pitched in Aroer — Encamped and fixed their…
5. Pitched in Aroer — Encamped and fixed their headquarters at this place. Aroer was a little east of the Jordan, and not far from Rabbah, probably at the modern Ayra. See on Jos_13:25.
River of Gad — Probably the wady Nimrin.
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Jazer — See on Num_21:32.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv4–9 4. against Joab, and against the captains of the…
4. against Joab, and against the captains of the host] A council of the officers of the army was held, in which the scheme was discussed.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv5, 6, 7, 9 (5) Pitched in Aroer.—The census began on the east…
(5) Pitched in Aroer.—The census began on the east of Jordan, at the extreme south, thence passed northwards through the eastern tribes, and crossing the Jordan, passed southwards through the western tribes. Aroer is the city described in Deu_2:36; Jos_13:16 as on the river Arnon, at the extreme southern border of the trans-Jordanie territory.
Of Gad.—This follows the Masoretic reading. It is better to put a period after the word river, and for “of Gad” to read “towards Gad.” Perhaps the words “and they came” (towards Gad) may have been lost from the text.
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Jazer.—A boundary city of Gad (Jos_13:25). Thence they went to Gilead.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv4–9 The captains of the host. The matter was not…
The captains of the host. The matter was not undertaken without a council being held, and at it David"s chief officers agreed with Joab; but David had made up his mind, and would take no advice.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v9 in Israel
in Israel
Cf. 1Ch 21:5. The total military strength of Israel (the northern kingdom) was 1,100,000, and of Judah 500,000. The numbers actually set in array were, of Israel, 800,000; of Judah, 470,000.
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv5, 8 They crossed
They crossed
"Joab and the commanders of the army crossed"
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Aroer
This was a city on the northern edge of the Arnon River. (See: How to Translate Names)
Jazer
This is a town in Gad. (See: How to Translate Names)
Tahtim Hodshi
This may refer to the town of Kadesh in the land of the Hittite people. (See: How to Translate Names)
translationWords
Jordan River
Gad
Gilead
Sidon
stronghold
Tyre
Hivite
Canaan
Negev
Beersheba
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v9 24:9 The phrase capable warriors shows that the census…
24:9 The phrase capable warriors shows that the census focused largely on those fit for military service. The total for Judah here might be rounded up from the total in 1 Chr 21:5; the different number for Israel in 1 Chr 21:5 (1,100,000) might come from combining a regular standing army of 300,000 (elsewhere unrecorded) with the 800,000 discovered through the census.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.