1 Chronicles 27:24

24 Joab, the son of Zeruiah, had begun to number, but he did not finish; and because of this, wrath fell upon Israel; and thus the number was not put in the account of the chronicles of King David.

1 Chronicles 27:24 Meaning and Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:24

Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number
By the order of David, but entirely against his own will, see ( 1 Chronicles 21:2-4 1 Chronicles 21:6 ) ,

but he finished not;
the two tribes of Benjamin and Levi not being counted by him, ( 1 Chronicles 21:6 )

because there fell wrath for it against Israel;
the plague being broke forth before he had done numbering, which put a stop to it, ( 1 Chronicles 21:14 )

neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of David;
that which was brought in by Joab, though imperfect, was not entered into the diary, journal, or annals which David ordered to be written of all memorable events and transactions in his reign; and which were afterwards carried on by the kings of Judah, often referred to in the preceding books; and this was done, not because of the imperfection of the account, but because David did not choose this sin of his should be transmitted to posterity, though it has been, notwithstanding this precaution of his.

1 Chronicles 27:24 In-Context

22 And over Dan, Azareel, the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel.

23 But David did not number those twenty years old and under because the LORD had said he would multiply Israel like to the stars of the heavens.

24 Joab, the son of Zeruiah, had begun to number, but he did not finish; and because of this, wrath fell upon Israel; and thus the number was not put in the account of the chronicles of King David.

25 And Azmaveth, the son of Adiel, had charge of the king’s treasures and of the treasures of the fields, of the cities, and of the villages, and of the castles, was Jehonathan, the son of Uzziah;

26 and over those that did the work of the tillage of the ground in the fields was Ezri the son of Chelub;