Tou

Biblical Record

Tou is the king of Hamath mentioned in 1 Chronicles 18:9-10. In 2 Samuel 8:9-10, which records the same event, his name is given as Toi. Hamath is generally understood to have been a kingdom north of Israel, in what is now Syria.

According to both texts, Hadadezer king of Zobah had long been at war with Tou. When David struck and defeated Hadadezer's army, Tou heard the news and sent his son to David to greet him and congratulate him on his victory. The son brought vessels of silver, gold, and brass as gifts. The son is named Joram in 2 Samuel and Hadoram in 1 Chronicles. David dedicated these gifts to the LORD together with the silver and gold he had taken from other nations (2 Samuel 8:11; 1 Chronicles 18:11).

This is the only episode in Tou's life recorded in Scripture; nothing else is known about him.

Significance Within the Bible

The account of Tou is set within the narrative of David's victories over the surrounding peoples (2 Samuel 8; 1 Chronicles 18). In this section the text repeatedly states that "the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went" (2 Samuel 8:6, 14). The record of a neighboring king voluntarily sending an envoy with gifts is read as evidence that the influence of David's kingdom extended beyond the region of Aram. Tou is not mentioned in the New Testament.

Interpretation and Points of Discussion

• Spelling of names: The two books spell certain names differently: Toi and Tou, and Joram and Hadoram. Some scholars attribute this to differences in Hebrew spelling or to variations that arose during scribal transmission. Some interpreters find spiritual significance in the difference between the son's two names, but no explanation has gained general acceptance.
• Nature of the gifts: Some interpret Tou's gifts as a friendly diplomatic present intended to secure an alliance, while others regard them as closer to tribute paid to a stronger power as a sign of submission. Because the text says only that he sent his son "to salute him, and to bless him," it is difficult to decide conclusively in favor of either view.

In the Korean Church

Sermons and Sunday school lessons devoted specifically to Tou appear to be rare. He is usually mentioned only in passing in expositions of 2 Samuel 8 or 1 Chronicles 18, which recount David's victories.