But the worthless are all like thorns raked asideThis phrase draws a vivid comparison between worthless individuals and thorns. In biblical times, thorns were a common metaphor for trouble and sin, as seen in
Genesis 3:18, where thorns and thistles are part of the curse on the ground. Thorns are often associated with pain and difficulty, symbolizing those who reject God's ways. The act of raking aside suggests a deliberate separation, akin to the separation of the righteous from the wicked in
Matthew 13:30, where the wheat is separated from the tares. This imagery emphasizes the ultimate fate of those who do not follow God's commandments, being cast aside and not included in the community of the faithful.
for they can never be gathered by hand
This part of the verse highlights the danger and futility of attempting to handle thorns directly. In ancient agricultural practices, thorns were often burned or disposed of carefully to avoid injury, as seen inHebrews 6:8, where land that produces thorns is in danger of being cursed and burned. The inability to gather thorns by hand underscores the idea that the wicked are beyond redemption through human effort alone. This reflects the biblical theme that salvation and transformation are acts of divine grace, not human works, as emphasized inEphesians 2:8-9. The imagery also points to the protective nature of God's judgment, ensuring that His people are not harmed by the influence of the wicked.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe speaker of this verse, King David, is delivering his final words, reflecting on his life and reign as the king of Israel. He is considered a man after God's own heart and a central figure in the Old Testament.
2.
Worthless MenThis term refers to individuals who are morally and spiritually corrupt, often causing harm and disruption within the community of God's people.
3.
ThornsUsed metaphorically to describe the worthless, thorns are a common biblical symbol for things that are harmful, painful, and ultimately destructive.
4.
IsraelThe nation over which David reigned, representing God's chosen people and the context in which these teachings are applied.
5.
The Final Words of DavidThis event marks a significant moment where David reflects on his life, leadership, and the nature of righteousness versus wickedness.
Teaching Points
The Nature of WorthlessnessWorthlessness in God's eyes is not about lack of ability but a lack of moral and spiritual integrity. We must evaluate our lives to ensure we are not living in a way that is spiritually unproductive or harmful.
The Consequences of WickednessJust as thorns are raked aside and discarded, those who live in opposition to God's ways will face separation from His blessings. This serves as a warning to pursue righteousness.
The Importance of DiscernmentBelievers are called to discern between what is valuable and what is worthless in their lives, relationships, and communities. This discernment is crucial for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.
The Role of LeadershipDavid's reflection as a leader highlights the responsibility of those in authority to guide others towards righteousness and away from worthlessness. Leaders must model integrity and godliness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 23:6?
2.How does 2 Samuel 23:6 describe the fate of the wicked?
3.What practical steps can we take to avoid being "worthless" like thorns?
4.How does this verse connect with Psalm 1's depiction of the wicked?
5.In what ways can we ensure our lives bear good fruit for God?
6.How can we apply the warning in 2 Samuel 23:6 to modern life?
7.What does 2 Samuel 23:6 imply about the fate of the wicked?
8.How does 2 Samuel 23:6 fit into the context of David's last words?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Samuel 23?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 23?
11.What does secretive action between hands signify?
12.(1 Chronicles 13:9 vs. 2 Samuel 6:6) Why does Chronicles call the threshing floor 'Chidon,' while Samuel labels it 'Nachon,' and which is correct?
13.Why does 2 Kings 23:25 suggest Josiah surpassed even David in devotion, seemingly contradicting other texts that exalt David's faithfulness?
14.Why did God punish David and Bathsheba's child?What Does 2 Samuel 23:6 Mean
But the worthless• “Worthless” points to people who reject God’s authority and live in rebellion (Deuteronomy 13:13;1 Samuel 2:12).
• Scripture consistently affirms that such hearts produce nothing of eternal value (Proverbs 6:12–15;Matthew 7:17–19).
• The literalness of the verse reminds us God’s assessment is final; He calls them “worthless,” not merely misguided.
• David’s last words in2 Samuel 23 stress covenant faithfulness; the contrast with “worthless” amplifies the beauty of God’s righteous rule (Psalm 1:4–6).
are all like thorns raked aside• Thorns picture the curse and the pain sin brings (Genesis 3:17–18).
• Farmers drag thorns off the field with hooks, never mixing them with the crop—an image of separation at judgment (Matthew 13:40–42).
•Isaiah 27:4 andEzekiel 2:6 use the same imagery: God’s fire consumes thorns, and His servants need not fear them.
• The phrase “raked aside” shows purposeful removal; God actively protects His kingdom from corruption (John 15:6).
for they can never be gathered by hand• Gathering by hand implies tender care; thorns resist that. Sinful hearts remain hostile to God’s touch (Romans 8:7).
•2 Samuel 23:7 adds that only a shaft of iron or spear can handle them, pointing to decisive judgment rather than gentle harvest (Hebrews 10:27).
• Thorns destined for burning portray eternal separation (Hebrews 6:8;Revelation 20:15).
• The warning is gracious: today is the time to repent while the Lord still offers mercy (2 Peter 3:9).
summaryDavid’s vivid picture shows that those who refuse God’s kingship are “worthless,” fit only to be dragged away like thorns and destined for burning. The verse underscores God’s righteous judgment, the inevitability of separation between the righteous and the rebellious, and the urgent call to submit to the true King before the harvest is complete.
(6)
The sons of Belial.--According to the Masoretic punctuation,
Belialis not here in the common form, but in the stronger abstract form
=worthlessness.The coming in of Divine righteousness leads not only to the assimilation of that which is holy, but also to the rejection of that which is evil, by a law as necessary and immutable as that of action and reaction in the material world. The figures used are to show that, although the wicked injure whatever touches them, means will yet be found by which they may safely be put out of the way.
Verses 6, 7. - The sons of
Belial; Hebrew,
belial; not a proper name, but a word signifying "worthlessness," and especially vicious worthlessness (see note on 1 Samuel 1:16). It is from this worthlessness that opposition arises to the just king, and he recognizes it as that which thwarts his efforts. The words may be rendered ?
"But the ungodly are as thorns, to be all of them thrust away;
For they may not be taken hold of with the hand.
And the man that would touch them
Must arm himself with iron and the staff of a spear;
And they shall be utterly burned with fire unto nothingness." The vicious worthlessness which opposes righteous government must be treated like thorns, too prickly and sharp pointed for gentle dealing. They must be torn up by an iron hook fixed to the end of a spear-handle, and then burnt. The word translatedin the same place in the Authorized Version is rendered by Jerome "even to nothing;" and it is just the sort of phrase for which his authority is greatest; for he went to Palestine, and remained there several years, to study the language under Hebrew teachers on the spot. The Septuagint must have had a different reading, as it translates "their shame."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
But the worthlessוּבְלִיַּ֕עַל(ū·ḇə·lî·ya·‘al)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1100:Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickednessare allכֻּלָּ֑הַם(kul·lā·ham)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everylike thornsכְּק֥וֹץ(kə·qō·wṣ)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6975:A thorn, thornbushraked aside,מֻנָ֖ד(mu·nāḏ)Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5074:To wave to and fro, to rove, flee, to drive awayforכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthey can neverלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nobe gatheredיִקָּֽחוּ׃(yiq·qā·ḥū)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3947:To takeby hand.בְיָ֖ד(ḇə·yāḏ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3027:A hand
Links
2 Samuel 23:6 NIV2 Samuel 23:6 NLT2 Samuel 23:6 ESV2 Samuel 23:6 NASB2 Samuel 23:6 KJV
2 Samuel 23:6 BibleApps.com2 Samuel 23:6 Biblia Paralela2 Samuel 23:6 Chinese Bible2 Samuel 23:6 French Bible2 Samuel 23:6 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Samuel 23:6 But all of the ungodly shall be (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) 
