2 Samuel 23:6-7
But worthless men are all like thorns that are thrown away, for they cannot be taken with the hand; but the man who touches them arms himself with iron and the shaft of a spear, and they are utterly consumed with fire.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The ESV's translation "worthless men" misses a crucial nuance; the original Hebrew speaks of those who are "sons of Belial," implying rebels or scoundrels. This isn't just about being useless, but actively wicked and dangerous, like thorns that can't be safely handled and must be discarded. The verse warns that such defiant, harmful individuals will ultimately be rejected and removed.
This passage is David's final testament, a poetic recounting of his reign and his covenant with God. He's contrasting the righteous, those who walk with God, with the wicked, describing their ultimate fate. Immediately following this, David lists the mighty men who served him faithfully, highlighting the contrast between true strength in God and the futility of godless power.
Some people are described as dangerous and useless. What does this mean, and why does the Bible use such strong language?
David paints a stark picture here. He's not just saying these men lack value; he's calling them 'worthless.' In the original language, this word carries a sense of emptiness or futility. They are like thorns – prickly, painful, and ultimately discarded. Thorns can't be grasped; they injure the hand that tries to hold them. This implies that associating with or trying to 'use' such individuals is a painful and unproductive endeavor. They are obstacles, not assets.
Why are these 'worthless men' so fundamentally unusable, even when people might try to harness them?
The key phrase is 'they cannot be taken with the hand.' This isn't just about physical inability; it's about their inherent nature. Thorns are designed to prick and repel, not to be held or used for good. Similarly, those described as 'worthless' here have a character that resists being guided, utilized, or shaped for positive purposes. Their actions and intentions are ultimately destructive, making them unfit for any noble cause or beneficial relationship. They are set apart for rejection, not for service.
Understand the original words
beliyya'al · Hebrew Noun
A term often used in wisdom literature and historical narrative to describe those who are morally corrupt, rebellious, or lacking spiritual integrity, standing in opposition to God’s order.
qowts · Hebrew Noun
A symbolic term in Scripture frequently denoting sin, the curse, or the remnants of a fallen world that cause pain and must be cleared away by God's judgment.
esh · Hebrew Noun
A recurring image of divine judgment; God is described as a consuming fire, signifying the purification of His creation and the destruction of what is opposed to His holiness.
This passage highlights the same idea of corruption and worthlessness, as the Philistines prevented the Israelites from having proper blacksmiths, ensuring they remained ill-equipped and vulnerable.
Psalm 52:5This psalm directly parallels the imagery of thorns, prophesying God's destruction of those who boast in wickedness and are ultimately cast away like useless debris.
Matthew 7:19Jesus uses a similar metaphor, warning that 'every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire,' likening worthless individuals to trees that produce nothing good.
Jude 1:12This verse describes ungodly people as 'waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees, twice dead, uprooted,' echoing the theme of worthlessness and impending judgment.
The ESV's translation "worthless men" misses a crucial nuance; the original Hebrew speaks of those who are "sons of Belial," implying rebels or scoundrels. This isn't just about being useless, but actively wicked and dangerous, like thorns that can't be safely handled and must be discarded. The verse warns that such defiant, harmful individuals will ultimately be rejected and removed.
This passage is David's final testament, a poetic recounting of his reign and his covenant with God. He's contrasting the righteous, those who walk with God, with the wicked, describing their ultimate fate. Immediately following this, David lists the mighty men who served him faithfully, highlighting the contrast between true strength in God and the futility of godless power.
This passage is David's final testament, a poetic recounting of his reign and his covenant with God. He's contrasting the righteous, those who walk with God, with the wicked, describing their ultimate fate. Immediately following this, David lists the mighty men who served him faithfully, highlighting the contrast between true strength in God and the futility of godless power.
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"But worthless men are all like thorns that are thrown away, for they cannot be taken with the hand; but the man who touches them arms himself with iron and the shaft of a spear, and they are utterly consumed with fi…" — The ESV's translation "worthless men" misses a crucial nuance; the original Hebrew speaks of those who are "sons of Belial," implying rebels or scoundrels. This isn't just about being useless, but ac…
