2 samuel 24:3 - Joab said to the king, “Now may Yahweh your God add to the people, however many they may be, one hundred times; and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king delight in this thing?”
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What does "2 samuel 24:3" mean?
This verse, 2 Samuel 24:3, is a pivotal moment in the story of David's census, which God ultimately punishes Israel for. Let's break down what Joab's words mean:
"Joab said to the king, 'Now may Yahweh your God add to the people, however many they may be, one hundred times; and may the eyes of my lord the king see it.'" This is initially couched as a blessing. Joab is saying, "May God make the people multiply a hundredfold, and may you, King David, live to witness it." It seems like a wish for prosperity and a long reign for David. This part is probably sincere. Joab likely does wish for the kingdom to flourish.
"But why does my lord the king delight in this thing?" This is the critical part. Joab is questioning David's motive and judgment. He understands something is wrong with David's desire to count the people. His phrasing, "delight in this thing," implies a sense of inappropriate pleasure or pride on David's part. Joab is politely, but firmly, questioning why David is so eager to undertake the census.
What is Joab implying?
Joab, as a seasoned military commander and experienced leader, understands that taking a census, especially in this context, is likely driven by:
Pride and Vanity: David is likely wanting to know the size of his army to feel powerful and secure in his military might. He wants to bask in the glory of having a large and capable fighting force.
Reliance on Military Strength, Not God: Joab suspects that David is beginning to rely on his army's numbers rather than trusting in God's provision and protection. Counting the people suggests a shift in David's dependence from divine power to human strength.
Potential for Taxation/Conscription Issues: While not explicitly stated, counting the people can often lead to increased taxation or forced conscription into the army. These measures can cause unrest and resentment among the people.
In summary:
Joab's words are a respectful but pointed rebuke to David. He acknowledges David's position as king but challenges his decision to take a census, implying that it stems from pride, a misplaced reliance on military strength, and could potentially harm the relationship between David and his people. Joab senses that this census is not in accordance with God's will and will ultimately bring trouble.
His question reveals his concern and his awareness that something is deeply wrong with David's motivations.
2 samuel 24:3 - Joab said to the king, “Now may Yahweh your God add to the people, however many they may be, one hundred times; and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king delight in this thing?”
What does "2 samuel 24:3" mean?
This verse, 2 Samuel 24:3, is a pivotal moment in the story of David's census, which God ultimately punishes Israel for. Let's break down what Joab's words mean:
"Joab said to the king, 'Now may Yahweh your God add to the people, however many they may be, one hundred times; and may the eyes of my lord the king see it.'" This is initially couched as a blessing. Joab is saying, "May God make the people multiply a hundredfold, and may you, King David, live to witness it." It seems like a wish for prosperity and a long reign for David. This part is probably sincere. Joab likely does wish for the kingdom to flourish.
"But why does my lord the king delight in this thing?" This is the critical part. Joab is questioning David's motive and judgment. He understands something is wrong with David's desire to count the people. His phrasing, "delight in this thing," implies a sense of inappropriate pleasure or pride on David's part. Joab is politely, but firmly, questioning why David is so eager to undertake the census.
What is Joab implying?
Joab, as a seasoned military commander and experienced leader, understands that taking a census, especially in this context, is likely driven by:
Pride and Vanity: David is likely wanting to know the size of his army to feel powerful and secure in his military might. He wants to bask in the glory of having a large and capable fighting force.
Reliance on Military Strength, Not God: Joab suspects that David is beginning to rely on his army's numbers rather than trusting in God's provision and protection. Counting the people suggests a shift in David's dependence from divine power to human strength.
Potential for Taxation/Conscription Issues: While not explicitly stated, counting the people can often lead to increased taxation or forced conscription into the army. These measures can cause unrest and resentment among the people.
In summary:
Joab's words are a respectful but pointed rebuke to David. He acknowledges David's position as king but challenges his decision to take a census, implying that it stems from pride, a misplaced reliance on military strength, and could potentially harm the relationship between David and his people. Joab senses that this census is not in accordance with God's will and will ultimately bring trouble.
His question reveals his concern and his awareness that something is deeply wrong with David's motivations.