Bible Person

Toi

Meaning: who wanders · Male · 4 cross references

Toi, also called Tou in Chronicles, is the king of Hamath who seeks peaceful relations with David after Hadadezer's defeat. He is a useful example of a neighboring ruler recognizing David's rising power without direct conflict. First appears in 2 Sam 8:9.1

AI summary: Toi matters because the cross references present him as a foreign king who responds wisely to David's victories by pursuing peace rather than resistance. His gesture of diplomacy and honor marks a contrast with the powers David must otherwise subdue. Through his son and tribute, he acknowledges the changed regional balance. Taken together, the material presents Toi as a neighboring king whose diplomacy reflects David's expanding international stature.1

Central Figure

Toi

Meaning: who wanders

A king of Hamath, who sent “Joram his son unto King David to salute him,” when he “heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer” (2 Sam.