1 Chronicles 27:24

24 Joab son of Zeruiah began the census but never finished it because the anger of God fell on Israel. The total number was never recorded in King David’s official records.

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 Dan Azarel son of Jeroham These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.

23 When David took his census, he did not count those who were younger than twenty years of age, because the LORD had promised to make the Israelites as numerous as the stars in heaven.

24 Joab son of Zeruiah began the census but never finished it because the anger of God fell on Israel. The total number was never recorded in King David’s official records.

25 Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the palace treasuries. Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the regional treasuries throughout the towns, villages, and fortresses of Israel.

26 Ezri son of Kelub was in charge of the field workers who farmed the king’s lands.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or never finished it, and yet.