2 Samuel 23:6

6 But godless people are like thorns that are thrown away; no one can touch them barehanded.

2 Samuel 23:6 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 23:6

But [the sons] of Belial [shall be] all of them as thorns
thrust away
Not like the tender grass that springs up, and flourishes after rain, and the sunshine upon that; but like thorns, useless, hurtful, and pernicious, and fit only for burning: this is true of wicked men in general, that cast off the yoke of the Lord, and become unprofitable, as Belial signifies; and of wicked governors in particular, who, instead of being helpful, are harmful to a commonwealth; and instead of being the joy and comfort of their subjects, and of giving pleasure to them, and making them cheerful and prosperous, give pain and trouble, and cause grief and sorrow; and are, if possible, to be thrust away, and deposed from government:

because they cannot be taken with hands;
thorns cannot be handled and gently dealt with, but some instrument must be used to put them away with force; so wicked men, and especially wicked rulers, are untractable, and not to be managed in a gentle way, and therefore violent ones must be taken.

2 Samuel 23:6 In-Context

4 is like the sun shining on a cloudless dawn, the sun that makes the grass sparkle after rain.

5 And that is how God will bless my descendants, because he has made an eternal covenant with me, an agreement that will not be broken, a promise that will not be changed. That is all I desire; that will be my victory, and God will surely bring it about.

6 But godless people are like thorns that are thrown away; no one can touch them barehanded.

7 You must use an iron tool or a spear; they will be burned completely.

8 These are the names of David's famous soldiers: the first was Josheb Basshebeth from Tachemon, who was the leader of "The Three"; he fought with his spear against eight hundred men and killed them all in one battle.