2 Samuel 23:7

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 23:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But the man that toucheth them Must be armed with iron and the staff of a spear: And they shall be utterly burned with fire in [their] place” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But the man that toucheth them Must be armed with iron and the staff of a spear: And they shall be utterly burned with fire in [their] place
2 Samuel 23:7 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7But the man that toucheth them Must be armed with iron and the staff of a spear: And they shall be utterly burned with fire in [their] place

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But the man [that] shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear, etc.] To remove these thorns, or sons of Belial, out of the way, or to defend himself against them; or weapons of war must be made use of to conquer and destroy them, according to the sense of Ben Gersom, and which De Dieu follows; a man that meddles with them must expect to be as much hurt and wounded by them, all over the body, as if not only the point or iron head of a spear, but the wood or handle of the spear, were thrust up in him; but the former sense seems best: and they shall be utterly burnt with fire in the [same] place: where the thorns grew, or whither they are removed, or are sitting; where…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Fenced - He must arm himself with some iron weapon, whereby he may cut them down; or, with the staff of a spear, or some such thing, whereby he may thrust them away from himself, that they do him no hurt. Burnt - Or, if they do not cut them down or thrust them away they will burn and consume them. The place - Or, in their place, where they grow or stand. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 23:8”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“fenced: Heb. filled and they shall: Sa2 22:8-10; Isa 27:4; Mat 3:10-12, Mat 13:42; Luk 19:14, Luk 19:27; Joh 15:6; Th2 1:8, Th2 2:8; Heb 6:8 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 23:8”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification