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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Chronicles 21:2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, "Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_chronicles/21-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/13_1Ch_21_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Chronicles 21:2 - David's Military Census" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_chronicles/21-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_chronicles/21-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_chronicles/">1 Chronicles</a> > <a href="/1_chronicles/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_chronicles/21-1.htm" title="1 Chronicles 21:1">◄</a> 1 Chronicles 21:2 <a href="/1_chronicles/21-3.htm" title="1 Chronicles 21:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/21.htm">New International Version</a> So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, &#8220Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Take a census of all the people of Israel—from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north—and bring me a report so I may know how many there are.” <a href="/esv/1_chronicles/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.” <a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.” <a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/21.htm">King James Bible</a> And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it. <a href="/nkjv/1_chronicles/21.htm">New King James Version</a> So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring the number of them to me that I may know it.” <a href="/nasb_/1_chronicles/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, count Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me word so that I may know their number.” <a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> So David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, &#8220Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan, and bring me word that I may know their number.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_chronicles/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan, and bring me word that I may know their number.” <a href="/lsb/1_chronicles/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, “Go, count Israel from Beersheba even to Dan, and bring me word that I may know their total count.” <a href="/amp/1_chronicles/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So David said to Joab and the leaders of the people, “Go, count Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me their total, so that I may know it.” <a href="/csb/1_chronicles/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count Israel from Beer-sheba to Dan and bring a report to me so I can know their number.” <a href="/hcsb/1_chronicles/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, &#8220Go and count Israel from Beer-sheba to Dan and bring a report to me so I can know their number.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_chronicles/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, Go, number Israel from Beer-sheba even to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know the sum of them. <a href="/cev/1_chronicles/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> David told Joab and the army commanders, "Count everyone in Israel, from the town of Beersheba in the south all the way north to Dan. Then I will know how many people can serve in my army." <a href="/erv/1_chronicles/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> And David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, Go, number Israel from Beer-sheba even to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know the sum of them. <a href="/gwt/1_chronicles/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David said to Joab and the leaders of the people, "Go, count Israel from Beersheba to Dan. Bring me [the results] so that I may know how many [people] there are." <a href="/gnt/1_chronicles/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> David gave orders to Joab and the other officers, "Go through Israel, from one end of the country to the other, and count the people. I want to know how many there are." <a href="/isv/1_chronicles/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> David ordered Joab and the commanders of the army, "Go take a census of Israel from Beer-sheba to Dan, and bring me a report so I can be aware of the total number." <a href="/net/1_chronicles/21.htm">NET Bible</a> David told Joab and the leaders of the army, "Go, count the number of warriors from Beer Sheba to Dan. Then bring back a report to me so I may know how many we have." <a href="/nheb/1_chronicles/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, "Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know the sum of them." <a href="/wbt/1_chronicles/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beer-sheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_chronicles/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.” <a href="/web/1_chronicles/21.htm">World English Bible</a> David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, “Go, count Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know how many there are.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_chronicles/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and David says to Joab and to the heads of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beer-Sheba even to Dan, and bring [the account] to me, and I know their number.” <a href="/ylt/1_chronicles/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David saith unto Joab, and unto the heads of the people, 'Go, number Israel from Beer-Sheba even unto Dan, and bring unto me, and I know their number.' <a href="/slt/1_chronicles/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will say to Joab and to the chiefs of the people, Go number Israel from the well of the oath even to judgment, and bring to me and I shall know their number.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_chronicles/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And David said to Joab, and to the rulers of the people: Go, and number Israel from Bersabee even to Dan, and bring me the number of them that I may know it. <a href="/cpdv/1_chronicles/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people: “Go, and number Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan. And bring me the number, so that I may know it.” <a href="/nabre/1_chronicles/21.htm">New American Bible</a> David therefore said to Joab and to the other generals of the army, “Go, number the Israelites from Beer-sheba to Dan, and report back to me that I may know their number.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_chronicles/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beer-sheba to Dan, and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_chronicles/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So David said to Joab the son of Zuriah and to the princes of the people, Go, number the people of Israel from Beersheba even to Dan, and come back to me, that I may know the number of the people. <a href="/hpbt/1_chronicles/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David said to Yuab, son of Tsuria, and to the Princes of the people: “Go and number the people of Israel from Ber Sheba and unto Dan, and come to me, and I shall know the number of the people.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_chronicles/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David said to Joab and to the princes of the people: 'Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know the sum of them.' <a href="/sep/1_chronicles/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And king David said to Joab and to the captains of the forces, Go, number Israel from Bersabee even to Dan, and bring me the account, and I shall know their number. <a href="/parallel/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtNNY-qpWWI?start=5761" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/21.htm">David's Military Census</a> 1Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 2<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wîḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">So David</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">Joab</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: wə·’el- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rê (N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">the commanders</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">of the troops,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lə·ḵū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">“Go</a> <a href="/hebrew/5608.htm" title="5608: sip̄·rū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To count, recount, relate. ">and count</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/884.htm" title="884: mib·bə·’êr (Prep) -- Well of seven, a place in the Negev. From 'er and sheba'; well of an oath; Beer-Sheba, a place in Palestine.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/884.htm" title="884: še·ḇa‘ (Prep:: N-proper-fs) -- Well of seven, a place in the Negev. From 'er and sheba'; well of an oath; Beer-Sheba, a place in Palestine.">Beersheba</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: wə·‘aḏ- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1835.htm" title="1835: dān (N-proper-ms) -- Judge, a son of Jacob, also his desc. and their territory, also a place in N. Isr. ">Dan</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: wə·hā·ḇî·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and bring me a report,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: wə·’ê·ḏə·‘āh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">so that I may know</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4557.htm" title="4557: mis·pā·rām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Number, tally. From caphar; a number, definite or indefinite; also narration.">their number.”</a> 3But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/24-1.htm">2 Samuel 24:1-2</a> Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.” / So the king said to Joab the commander of his army, who was with him, “Go now throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and register the troops, so that I may know their number.” <a href="/exodus/30-12.htm">Exodus 30:12</a> “When you take a census of the Israelites to number them, each man must pay the LORD a ransom for his life when he is counted. Then no plague will come upon them when they are numbered. <a href="/numbers/1-2.htm">Numbers 1:2-3</a> “Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. / You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army. <a href="/numbers/26-2.htm">Numbers 26:2</a> “Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by the houses of their fathers—all those twenty years of age or older who can serve in the army of Israel.” <a href="/2_samuel/24-10.htm">2 Samuel 24:10</a> After David had numbered the troops, his conscience was stricken and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.” <a href="/1_chronicles/27-23.htm">1 Chronicles 27:23-24</a> David did not count the men aged twenty or under, because the LORD had said that He would make Israel as numerous as the stars of the sky. / Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. For because of this census wrath came upon Israel, and the number was not entered in the Book of the Chronicles of King David. <a href="/2_samuel/24-9.htm">2 Samuel 24:9</a> And Joab reported to the king the total number of the troops. In Israel there were 800,000 men of valor who drew the sword, and in Judah there were 500,000. <a href="/1_kings/3-8.htm">1 Kings 3:8-9</a> Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number. / Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” <a href="/1_kings/20-27.htm">1 Kings 20:27</a> The Israelites also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside. <a href="/psalms/147-10.htm">Psalm 147:10-11</a> He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. / The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion. <a href="/matthew/10-30.htm">Matthew 10:30</a> And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. <a href="/luke/12-7.htm">Luke 12:7</a> And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. <a href="/acts/1-15.htm">Acts 1:15</a> In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (a gathering of about a hundred and twenty) and said, <a href="/romans/11-4.htm">Romans 11:4</a> And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” <a href="/revelation/7-4.htm">Revelation 7:4</a> And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel:</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.Joab<a href="/2_samuel/24-2.htm">2 Samuel 24:2-4</a> For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people… Beer-sheba<a href="/judges/20-1.htm">Judges 20:1</a> Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.<a href="/1_samuel/3-20.htm">1 Samuel 3:20</a> And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.<a href="/2_samuel/3-10.htm">2 Samuel 3:10</a> To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.bring<a href="/1_chronicles/17-23.htm">1 Chronicles 17:23,24</a> Therefore now, LORD, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as thou hast said… that I may<a href="/deuteronomy/8-13.htm">Deuteronomy 8:13-17</a> And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; … <a href="/2_chronicles/32-25.htm">2 Chronicles 32:25,26</a> But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem… <a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Proverbs 29:23</a> A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-28.htm">Beersheba</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-28.htm">Beer-Sheba</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-25.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-25.htm">Commanders</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-28.htm">Count</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-35.htm">Dan</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">Go</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-25.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-6.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-15.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-22.htm">Numbered</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-3.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-7.htm">Report</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-22.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-4.htm">Sum</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-14.htm">Troops</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-5.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/25-1.htm">Army</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-4.htm">Beersheba</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-4.htm">Beer-Sheba</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-1.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-1.htm">Commanders</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-6.htm">Count</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/27-21.htm">Dan</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-5.htm">David</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-8.htm">Go</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-17.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/5-10.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-3.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-4.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-6.htm">Numbered</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-17.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-5.htm">Report</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-5.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-5.htm">Sum</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/12-3.htm">Troops</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-4.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">1 Chronicles 21</div>1. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-1.htm">David, tempted by Satan, forces Joab to number the people</a> 5. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-5.htm">The number of the people being brought, David repents of it</a> 9. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-9.htm">David having three plagues proposed by God, chooses the pestilence</a> 14. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-14.htm">After the death of 70,000, David by repentance prevents the destruction of Jerusalem</a> 18. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-18.htm">David, by Gad's direction, purchases Ornan's threshing floor; </a> 26. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-26.htm">where having built an altar, God gives a sign of his favor by fire.</a> 28. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-28.htm">David sacrifices there, being restrained from Gibeon by fear of the angel</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_chronicles/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_chronicles/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_chronicles/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops David, as king, exercises his authority over the military leaders, including Joab, his nephew and commander of the army. Joab's role is significant throughout David's reign, often involved in military campaigns and political maneuvers. This command reflects David's reliance on his military leaders for executing national tasks. The involvement of the commanders indicates the importance and scale of the census, requiring coordination across the entire nation.Go and count the Israelites The act of counting the Israelites, or conducting a census, was not inherently wrong, as seen in <a href="/numbers/1.htm">Numbers 1 and 26</a>, where God commands Moses to take a census. However, David's motivation appears to be rooted in pride or reliance on military strength rather than trust in God. This census contrasts with those commanded by God, highlighting a potential lapse in David's spiritual judgment.from Beersheba to Dan This phrase denotes the entire expanse of Israel, from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north, a common biblical expression for the whole nation (<a href="/judges/20.htm">Judges 20:1</a>, <a href="/1_samuel/3-20.htm">1 Samuel 3:20</a>). Beersheba was a significant city in the southern part of Judah, while Dan was located in the northernmost part of Israel. This geographical range emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the census, covering all tribes and territories.and bring me a report David's request for a report indicates his desire for detailed knowledge of his nation's military capabilities. This desire for a report can be seen as a shift from reliance on divine providence to human resources. The report would provide David with data on the potential size of his army, reflecting a focus on human strength.so that I may know their number David's motivation to know the number of his people suggests a focus on military and political power. This desire for knowledge contrasts with the biblical principle of trusting in God's provision and protection. The census becomes a test of faith, revealing David's heart and priorities. This act leads to consequences, as it displeases God, resulting in a plague upon Israel (<a href="/1_chronicles/21-7.htm">1 Chronicles 21:7-14</a>). The incident underscores the importance of reliance on God rather than human strength.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel who orders the census. His decision to count the people reflects a moment of pride and reliance on human strength rather than God's provision. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a> The commander of David's army, tasked with carrying out the census. Joab is often seen as a pragmatic military leader, and in this context, he questions the king's decision, indicating his awareness of its potential spiritual consequences. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_commanders_of_the_troops.htm">The Commanders of the Troops</a> Military leaders under Joab who are involved in executing the census. Their involvement highlights the military aspect of the census, suggesting a focus on assessing military strength. 4. <a href="/topical/b/beersheba_to_dan.htm">Beersheba to Dan</a> Geographical markers that denote the entire span of Israel, from the southernmost to the northernmost point. This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the census. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_census.htm">The Census</a> The event of counting the Israelites, which is significant because it reflects a shift in trust from God to human resources and leads to divine displeasure.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/reliance_on_god_vs._human_strength.htm">Reliance on God vs. Human Strength</a> David's decision to conduct a census reflects a reliance on human resources rather than God's provision. Believers are reminded to trust in God's strength and guidance rather than their own abilities or resources. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> The census leads to divine displeasure and consequences for Israel. This teaches the importance of obedience to God's commands and the potential repercussions of acting outside His will. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_and_accountability.htm">The Role of Leadership and Accountability</a> As a leader, David's actions had significant consequences for the entire nation. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to seek God's guidance and the impact of their decisions on those they lead. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_discernment.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Discernment</a> Joab's hesitation suggests the need for spiritual discernment and the courage to question decisions that may lead away from God's will. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and discernment in their own lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_chronicles_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 21</a> <a href="/q/who_incited_david's_census.htm">Who incited David to take a census? (2 Samuel 24:1 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:1)</a> <a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_21_1_and_2_sam_24_1_differ.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 21:1 say Satan incited David, whereas 2 Samuel 24:1 implies God did?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_judges_7_contradict_1_chron_21.htm">Why does Judges 7 seemingly contradict other biblical passages that emphasize the need for adequate numbers in battle (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:1-5)?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_2_sam_24_9_and_1_chr_21_differ.htm">Why is there a discrepancy between the numbers given in 2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicles 21 for the same census?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_chronicles/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) And to the rulers (captains) of the people.--Omitted in Samuel, which reads, "Joab, the captain of the host, who was with him." The "captains of the host" are, however, associated in the work of the census with Joab (<a href="/2_samuel/24-4.htm" title="Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.">2Samuel 24:4</a>). The fact that Joab and his staff were deputed to take the census seems to prove that it was of a military character.Go.--Plural.Number.--Enrol, or register (sifr-). A different word (m?n?h) is used in <a href="/1_chronicles/21-1.htm" title="And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.">1Chronicles 21:1</a>, and in the parallel place. Samuel has, "Run over, I pray, all the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba," using the very word (sh-t) which, in the prologue of Job (<a href="/1_chronicles/1-7.htm" title="And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.">1Chronicles 1:7</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/2-2.htm" title="Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.">1Chronicles 2:2</a>) Satan uses of his own wanderings over the earth.From Beersheba even to Dan.--As if the party were to proceed from south to north. (See <a href="/1_chronicles/21-4.htm" title="Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Why Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.">1Chronicles 21:4</a>.) The reverse order is usual. (See <a href="/judges/20-1.htm" title="Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, to the LORD in Mizpeh.">Judges 20:1</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/3-20.htm" title="And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.">1Samuel 3:20</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_chronicles/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - And to the rulers of the people. So <a href="/numbers/1-4.htm">Numbers 1:4</a>, "And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers" (see also <a href="/1_chronicles/27-22.htm">1 Chronicles 27:22-24</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/24-4.htm">2 Samuel 24:4, 5</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So David דָּוִ֤יד (dā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Joab יוֹאָב֙ (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites and the commanders שָׂרֵ֣י (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of the troops, הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock “Go, לְכ֗וּ (lə·ḵū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk count סִפְרוּ֙ (sip̄·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5608.htm">Strong's 5608: </a> To count, recount, relate the Israelites יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc from מִבְּאֵ֥ר (mib·bə·’êr) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> Beersheba שֶׁ֖בַע (še·ḇa‘) Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_884.htm">Strong's 884: </a> Beersheba -- 'well of seven', a place in the Negev to וְעַד־ (wə·‘aḏ-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while Dan דָּ֑ן (dān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1835.htm">Strong's 1835: </a> Dan -- 'judge', a son of Jacob, also a place in Northern Israel and bring וְהָבִ֣יאוּ (wə·hā·ḇî·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go me אֵלַ֔י (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to a report, וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to so that I may know וְאֵדְעָ֖ה (wə·’ê·ḏə·‘āh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know their number.” מִסְפָּרָֽם׃ (mis·pā·rām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4557.htm">Strong's 4557: </a> A number, definite, indefinite, narration <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">1 Chronicles 21:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">1 Chronicles 21:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">1 Chronicles 21:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">1 Chronicles 21:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">1 Chronicles 21:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">1 Chronicles 21:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">1 Chronicles 21:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">1 Chronicles 21:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">1 Chronicles 21:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">1 Chronicles 21:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">OT History: 1 Chronicles 21:2 David said to Joab and to (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_chronicles/21-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Chronicles 21:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 21:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_chronicles/21-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Chronicles 21:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 21:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>