## 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]])