1 chronicles 27:24 - Joab the son of Zeruiah began to take a census, but didn’t finish; and wrath came on Israel for this. The number wasn’t put into the account in the chronicles of king David.

Generated Verse: 1 chronicles 27:24

What does "1 chronicles 27:24" mean?


This verse in 1 Chronicles 27:24 summarizes a controversial event in the reign of King David, relating to a census taken by Joab. Let's break it down:

"Joab the son of Zeruiah began to take a census, but didn’t finish;" This refers to the census of the people of Israel commanded by David. Joab, the commander of David's army, reluctantly began the task. However, he did not complete it. The Bible gives some hints as to why. In 2 Samuel 24, which describes the same event in more detail, Joab objects to the census, recognizing it as a sin. He may have deliberately stalled the process or not pursued it with full diligence.

"and wrath came on Israel for this." The reason for this wrath is elaborated upon in 2 Samuel 24. David ordered the census out of pride or a desire to know the strength of his kingdom, which was interpreted as a lack of trust in God's promise to bless Israel. God considered this a sin, and a plague was sent upon Israel as punishment.

"The number wasn’t put into the account in the chronicles of king David." This signifies that the census was considered illegitimate and tainted by sin. Therefore, the final count was not included in the official records or chronicles of David's reign. The writer of 1 Chronicles may have wanted to distance the record from the sin that had led to the wrath.

In summary, this verse is a concise account of a significant event in David's reign. It highlights:

David's sin of ordering a census motivated by pride or distrust in God.
Joab's initial reluctance and likely incomplete execution of the census.
The divine punishment (wrath) that came upon Israel because of David's sin.
The official rejection of the census results, signifying its illegitimacy.

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