But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.
But anyone who wants to handle them must be protected with iron armor and use a long spear; and they must be completely burned up with fire right where they are.
This verse is saying that thorns and worthless people (from the previous verse) are dangerous to deal with and must be handled carefully or destroyed completely.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context, 2 Samuel 23 is part of King David's final words, where he reflects on the qualities of a righteous ruler and the inevitable destruction of the wicked, comparing them to thorns that are harmful and worthless. This verse draws from ancient Israelite agricultural life, where thorns were seen as nuisances that required careful handling with tools to avoid injury and were often burned in the field. David's words emphasize God's justice in dealing with evil during a time when Israel was establishing its monarchy under his leadership.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.