Chronicles I 27:24

24 And Joab the son of Saruia began to number the people, and did not finish the work, for there was hereupon wrath on Israel; and the number was not recorded in the book of the chronicles of king David.

Chronicles I 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.

Chronicles I 27:24 In-Context

22 for Dan, Azariel the son of Iroab: these the chiefs of the tribes of Israel.

23 But David took not their number from twenty years old and under: because the Lord said that he would multiply Israel as the stars of the heaven.

24 And Joab the son of Saruia began to number the people, and did not finish the work, for there was hereupon wrath on Israel; and the number was not recorded in the book of the chronicles of king David.

25 And over the king's treasures Asmoth the son of Odiel; and over the treasures in the country, and in the towns, and in the villages, and in the towers, Jonathan the son of Ozia.

26 And over the husbandmen who tilled the ground Esdri the son of Chelub.