1 Chronicles 21:2
1 Chronicles 21:2 in Multiple Translations
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.”
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.
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.
And David said to Joab and the captains of the people, Now let all Israel, from Beer-sheba to Dan, be numbered; and give me word so that I may be certain of their number.
So David told Joab and the army commanders, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so I can have a total number.”
Therefore Dauid said to Ioab, and to the rulers of the people, Go, and nomber Israel from Beer-sheba euen to Dan, and bring it to me, that I may knowe the nomber of them.
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.'
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.”
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 .
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.
So David commanded Joab and the other army commanders, “Count all the men in Israel who are able to be in the army. Start at Beersheba town in the south and go all the way to Dan city in the north. Then come back and report to me, in order that I may know how many men there are.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 21:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 21:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
דָּוִ֤יד
אֶל
יוֹאָב֙
וְ/אֶל
שָׂרֵ֣י
הָ/עָ֔ם
לְכ֗וּ
סִפְרוּ֙
אֶת
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
מִ/בְּאֵ֥ר
שֶׁ֖בַע
וְ/עַד
דָּ֑ן
וְ/הָבִ֣יאוּ
אֵלַ֔/י
וְ/אֵדְעָ֖ה
אֶת
מִסְפָּרָֽ/ם
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֤יד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יוֹאָב֙
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
שָׂרֵ֣י
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
לְכ֗וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
סִפְרוּ֙
çâphar
H5608
to recount
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
מִ/בְּאֵ֥ר
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
Beersheba
Prep | N-proper
שֶׁ֖בַע
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
Beersheba
Adj
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
דָּ֑ן
Dân
H1835
Dan
N-proper
וְ/הָבִ֣יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
אֵלַ֔/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/אֵדְעָ֖ה
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִסְפָּרָֽ/ם
miçpâr
H4557
number
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 21:2
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
דָּוִ֤יד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יוֹאָב֙
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שָׂרֵ֣י
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לְכ֗וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
סִפְרוּ֙
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
מִ/בְּאֵ֥ר
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
"Beersheba"
Prep | N-proper
Beersheba was a city in Palestine, located at the south edge of Israel, and its name means 'well of the sevenfold oath'. It was an important place in the Bible.
Definition: § Beer-sheba = "well of the sevenfold oath" a city at the south edge of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Beer-shebah. See also: Genesis 21:14; 2 Samuel 17:11; Amos 8:14.
שֶׁ֖בַע
Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ
H884
"Beersheba"
Adj
Beersheba was a city in Palestine, located at the south edge of Israel, and its name means 'well of the sevenfold oath'. It was an important place in the Bible.
Definition: § Beer-sheba = "well of the sevenfold oath" a city at the south edge of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Beer-shebah. See also: Genesis 21:14; 2 Samuel 17:11; Amos 8:14.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
דָּ֑ן
Dân
H1835
"Dan"
N-proper
Dan was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Dan was known for its skills in warfare and is mentioned in the book of Genesis.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Dan living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.6; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Naphtali (H5321); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hushim (H2366B) § Dan = "a judge" 1) the 5th son of Jacob, the 1st of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid 2) the tribe descended from Dan, the son of Jacob 3) a city in Dan, the most northern landmark of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: Daniel See also: Genesis 14:14; Judges 13:25; Jeremiah 4:15.
וְ/הָבִ֣יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלַ֔/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וְ/אֵדְעָ֖ה
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִסְפָּרָֽ/ם
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 21:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 21:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
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- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 21:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 21:2
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 21:2
Context — David’s Military Census
1Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.
2So 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.”
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?” 4Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and traveled throughout Israel, and then he returned to Jerusalem.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 27:23–24 | 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. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 3:10 | to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 24:15 | So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel from that morning until the appointed time, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. |
| 4 | Judges 20:1 | Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah. |
| 5 | Proverbs 29:23 | A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 8:13–17 | and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness with its venomous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty and waterless land. He brought you water from the rock of flint. He fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers had not known, in order to humble you and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper. You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.” |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 12:7 | or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 30:5 | So they established a decree to circulate a proclamation throughout Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, that the people should come to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel, in Jerusalem. For they had not observed it as a nation as prescribed. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 24:2–4 | 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.” But Joab replied to the king, “May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?” Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab and against the commanders of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army departed from the presence of the king to count the troops of Israel. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 3:20 | So all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. |
1 Chronicles 21:2 Summary
In this verse, David tells his army leaders to count all the Israelites, but this was not a good idea because it was not what God wanted him to do, as we see in 1 Chronicles 21:1. David was trying to find out how many people he had to fight for him, but he should have trusted God to take care of him instead, like it says in Psalm 20:7. This shows us that we should always try to do what God wants us to do, and not just follow our own ideas. By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, just like it says in Isaiah 26:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David want to count the Israelites?
David wanted to count the Israelites to know their number, but this action was actually incited by Satan, as seen in 1 Chronicles 21:1, and was not a decision guided by God's will, unlike in Exodus 30:12 where God instructed Moses to take a census for a specific purpose.
What was the role of Joab and the commanders in this situation?
Joab and the commanders of the troops were instructed by David to go and count the Israelites, but Joab questioned David's motives, as seen in 1 Chronicles 21:3, showing his concern for the potential consequences of this action.
Is taking a census always wrong?
Not always, as God instructed Moses to take a census in Numbers 1:2-3 for the purpose of organizing the Israelites, but in David's case, it was driven by pride and a lack of trust in God, as indicated by Satan's involvement in 1 Chronicles 21:1.
What can we learn from David's mistake?
We can learn that our actions should be guided by God's will and not by our own pride or desires, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are instructed to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to lean on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are the potential consequences of acting on our own desires without seeking God's guidance?
- How can we distinguish between actions that are guided by God's will and those that are driven by our own pride or desires?
- What role should faith and trust in God play in our decision-making processes?
- In what ways can we apply the lesson from David's mistake to our own lives and circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 21:2
See Gill "1 Chronicles 21:1".
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 21:2
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. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:2
1 Chronicles 21:2 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].Ver. 2. That I may know it.] But what needs that, now that there was a general aut pax aut pactio, peace or truce with all nations? Curiosity it was, at least: yea, it was pride and creature confidence that pricked David on to this numbering of the people, and made him so peremptory. The herbalists write of a certain plant which they call the Devil’ s bit: because, being of sovereign use for mankind, the devil is thought, by simple people, of malice to bite off the root of it, which is found very small, or none at all. Humility is like unto this root, and may be called devil’ s bit: not because he can ever bite it off, but for that he never leaveth nibbling at it.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:2
(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 (2 Samuel 24:4). 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 (sifrû). A different word (mânâh) is used in 1 Chronicles 21:1, and in the parallel place. Samuel has, “Run over, I pray, all the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba,” using the very word (shût) which, in the prologue of Job (1 Chronicles 1:7; 1 Chronicles 2:2) 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 1 Chronicles 21:4.) The reverse order is usual. (See Judges 20:1; 1 Samuel 3:20.)
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 21:2
2. to Joab] The object being to number “those who drew sword,” the captain of the host was the most suitable person to entrust with the business. rulers] R.V. princes. from Beer-sheba even to Dan] From the extreme south even unto the extreme north of the land. Dan] The modern Tell-el-Kâdî, about forty minutes distance from Bâniâs (Paneas), north of Lake Huleh (Waters of Merom). Bädeker, p. 264. that I may know it] Either with a view to imposing a tax or to undertaking some fresh great military expedition.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 21:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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Are You Destroying the Church by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the critical importance of unity within the church, warning against the destructive nature of division and gossip. He reflects on biblical examples of God's |
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2006 Heart-Cry - Question Answer Panel by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the current state of preaching in evangelicalism, stating that the gospel being preached is not the true gospel. He argues that the message |
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Attitudes on Pride by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of receiving criticism as a leader. They emphasize the importance of not having a critical spirit and being open to feedback. The sp |
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Pitfalls in Ministry by Michael L. Brown by Micheal L. Brown | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, and staying low before the Lord to avoid falling into moral failures or leading a double life. It highlights the ne |
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(Proverbs) ch.16:5 - 17:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a little bit of money gained honestly rather than accumulating great wealth through dishonest means. The fear of the |
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The Power of Purity by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the power of purity, highlighting the importance of being pure in heart and action as vessels for the Holy Spirit. It discusses the struggle with imperfectio |
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The Deception of Pride by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the dangers of pride in his sermon 'The Deception of Pride,' explaining how it can lead to a lack of love, critical attitudes, and a false sense of securit |