They crossed the Jordan and camped near Aroer, south of the town in the middle of the valley, and proceeded toward Gad and Jazer. They crossed the JordanThe Jordan River holds significant historical and spiritual importance in the Bible. It was the boundary that the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land, symbolizing a transition from the wilderness into a land of promise and fulfillment. The act of crossing the Jordan here signifies a movement into a new phase of action, reflecting obedience to God's command despite the underlying tension of the census. and camped at Aroer
Aroer was a city located on the northern bank of the Arnon River, marking the southern boundary of the territory of Reuben. The name "Aroer" means "ruins" or "bare," which could symbolize the desolation that results from disobedience to God. This location serves as a strategic point for the census, indicating the thoroughness of the survey being conducted. south of the city in the middle of the valley
This phrase provides a geographical context, emphasizing the centrality and accessibility of the location. The valley often represents a place of decision and testing in biblical literature. Here, it underscores the comprehensive nature of the census, as it covers even the most central and significant areas of the land. and then proceeded toward Gad
The tribe of Gad settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Gad's territory was known for its fertile land and strategic military position. The mention of Gad highlights the inclusion of all tribes in the census, reflecting the unity and collective responsibility of the nation of Israel. and Jazer
Jazer was a city of the Amorites, later given to the tribe of Gad. It was known for its vineyards and agricultural productivity. The inclusion of Jazer in the census route signifies the importance of accounting for all resources and people, as well as the thoroughness of the task undertaken by David's men. This reflects a sense of stewardship and responsibility over the land and its inhabitants. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel who ordered the census of Israel and Judah, which led to this journey. 2. JoabThe commander of David's army, tasked with carrying out the census despite his reservations. 3. AroerA location on the northern bank of the Arnon River, marking the starting point of the census journey. 4. GadA tribe of Israel whose territory was surveyed during the census. 5. JazerA city in the territory of Gad, further along the route of the census. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceDavid's decision to conduct a census without God's command highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in our actions. Consequences of PrideThe census can be seen as an act of pride, reflecting a reliance on human strength rather than God's provision. God's SovereigntyDespite human errors, God's plan prevails, reminding us of His ultimate control over all events. Repentance and RestorationDavid's later repentance and God's mercy demonstrate the power of turning back to God after sin. Community AccountabilityJoab's initial resistance to the census serves as a reminder of the role of community in holding leaders accountable. Bible Study Questions 1. What motivations might have driven David to order the census, and how can we guard against similar motivations in our own lives? 2. How does the account of the census in 2 Samuel 24 compare with the instructions given in Exodus 30:12, and what lessons can we learn about following God's commands? 3. In what ways does Joab's response to David's order reflect the importance of wise counsel, and how can we apply this in our decision-making processes? 4. How does the account of David's census illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in Him during uncertain times? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that our actions align with God's will, especially when faced with decisions that could have significant consequences for ourselves and others? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 21This chapter provides a parallel account of the census, offering additional insights into the motivations and consequences of David's actions. Exodus 30:12This verse outlines the requirement for a ransom during a census, highlighting the spiritual implications of counting the people. Numbers 1The book of Numbers details the proper conduct of a census, contrasting with David's approach in 2 Samuel 24. People Araunah, Canaanites, Dan, David, Gad, Gadites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Joab, ZidonPlaces Aroer, Beersheba, Dan, Gilead, Jazer, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kadesh, Negeb, Sidon, TyreTopics Aroer, Aro'er, Brook, Camped, Crossed, Direction, Encamp, Encamped, Gad, Gadites, Gorge, Jaazer, Jazer, Jordan, Lieth, Middle, Midst, Pass, Passed, Pitched, Ravine, River, South, Starting, Towards, Town, ValleyDictionary of Bible Themes 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 24:5 NIV2 Samuel 24:5 NLT2 Samuel 24:5 ESV2 Samuel 24:5 NASB2 Samuel 24:5 KJV
2 Samuel 24:5 Commentaries
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