unfoldingWord_en_tn/2sa/17/11.md

959 B

from Dan to Beersheba

This phrase meant from the northern border of Israel to the southern border, or, "the whole nation." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom)

as numerous as the sands that are by the sea

All the grains of sand on a beach are compared to all the people of Israel, meaning the whole nation will follow Absalom. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole) AT: "a very large number of people"

we will cover him as the dew falls on the ground

Absalom's army is described as covering David's army like the dew covers the ground in the morning. AT: "we will completely defeat David's army." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile)

dew

the fog or misty cloud of water that can fall onto the ground during the night, covering the ground and leaving it wet in the morning

him himself

Both these words refer to David. AT: "David himself" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns)