1 Chronicles 27:24

24 Joab son of Zeruiah hath begun to number -- and hath not finished -- and there is for this wrath against Israel, and the number hath not gone up 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 these [are] heads of the tribes of Israel.

23 And David hath not taken up their number from a son of twenty years and under, for Jehovah said to multiply Israel as the stars of the heavens.

24 Joab son of Zeruiah hath begun to number -- and hath not finished -- and there is for this wrath against Israel, and the number hath not gone up in the account of the Chronicles of king David.

25 And over the treasures of the king [is] Azmaveth son of Adiel; and over the treasures in the field, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the towers, [is] Jehonathan son of Uzziah;

26 and over workmen of the field for the service of the ground [is] Ezri son of Chelub;