1 Chronicles 21:1-5

Census Brings Pestilence

1 ¹Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel.

2 So David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, "²Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan, and bring me word that I may know their number."

3 Joab said, "³May the LORD add to His people a hundred times as many as they are! But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? Why does my lord seek this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt to Israel?"

4 Nevertheless, the king's word prevailed against Joab. Therefore, Joab departed and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.

5 Joab gave the number of the census of all the people to David. And ⁴all Israel were 1,100,000 * * * men who drew the sword; and Judah was 470,000 * * * men who drew the sword.

1 Chronicles 21:1-5 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 21

Excepting the three last verses, is contained in 2Sa 24:1-25 with some few variations, which are there observed; see the notes there. 18894-950102-2025-1Ch21.2

Cross References

• 1. 2 Samuel 24:1-25
• 2. 1 Chronicles 27:23, 24
• 3. Deuteronomy 1:11
• 4. 2 Samuel 24:9

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "muster"