1 Chronicles 21:2

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} to Joab {H3097} and to the rulers {H8269} of the people {H5971}, Go {H3212}, number {H5608} Israel {H3478} from Beersheba {H884} even to Dan {H1835}; and bring {H935} the number {H4557} of them to me, that I may know {H3045} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

David said to Yo'av and the leaders of the people, "Go, take a census of Isra'el from Be'er-Sheva to Dan; then report to me, so that I can know how many of them there are."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 21:2 records King David's fateful command to Joab and the leaders of Israel to conduct a census of the entire nation, spanning from Beersheba to Dan. This seemingly administrative act, however, was rooted in a profound spiritual misstep—a reliance on human strength and military might rather than unwavering trust in God's sovereign protection and provision. This verse initiates a critical narrative sequence that reveals the devastating consequences of pride and disobedience, ultimately leading to divine judgment upon Israel and a poignant lesson in leadership accountability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of significant military success and national prosperity for David, as detailed in the preceding chapters of 1 Chronicles. The chronicler has meticulously traced David's rise, his establishment of Jerusalem as the religious and political capital, and his preparations for the temple. The census command in [1 Chronicles 21:2](/1_chronicles/21-2 "1 Chronicles 21:2 - David's Census Command") marks an abrupt and jarring shift in the narrative, introducing a major moral failure on David's part. It sets the stage for God's judgment and David's subsequent repentance, culminating in the purchase of the threshing floor of Ornan (Araunah in [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census and Plague")), which becomes the site for Solomon's temple. This incident, therefore, serves as a crucial theological pivot, highlighting that even God's chosen king is subject to divine discipline and that true worship requires humility and obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Censuses were not inherently forbidden in ancient Israel; indeed, the books of [Numbers](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census") and [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census") record divinely commanded enumerations for military organization and tribal land distribution. However, there was a specific stipulation in [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Atonement Money for the Census") that when a census was taken, each counted person was to pay a half-shekel as "atonement money" to avoid a plague. David's census, as presented in Chronicles and its parallel in [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census and Plague"), appears to deviate from this practice and was driven by an illicit motive. The phrase "from Beersheba even to Dan" was a common merism signifying the entire geographical extent of the Israelite kingdom, from its southernmost point to its northernmost, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of David's command. The parallel account in [2 Samuel 24:1](/2_samuel/24-1 "2 Samuel 24:1 - God's Anger and David's Census") states that "the anger of the LORD was again kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, 'Go, number Israel and Judah.'" Chronicles, however, attributes the incitement to "Satan" ([1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David")). This difference highlights the Chronicler's theological emphasis on the direct agency of evil in tempting David, while the underlying divine permission or purpose remains consistent.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme emerging from this verse is the profound tension between **Human Pride vs. Divine Trust**. David's desire to "know" the number of his fighting men suggests a reliance on quantifiable strength rather than on the qualitative power of God, echoing warnings found in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not Chariots"). This act reveals the **Nature of Sin and Motivation**, demonstrating that the sin was not merely the act of counting but the corrupt heart motivation behind it—a self-reliant spirit that usurped God's sovereignty. Even Joab, David's seasoned general, immediately recognized the spiritual danger, as seen in his objection in [1 Chronicles 21:3](/1_chronicles/21-3 "1 Chronicles 21:3 - Joab's Objection"). Furthermore, the narrative powerfully underscores **Leadership Accountability**, illustrating that even a divinely appointed king like David is not exempt from the consequences of his actions and must answer to God for his choices, profoundly impacting the nation he leads.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **number (Hebrew, _sāpar'_):** The verb סָפַר (_sāpar_) fundamentally means "to count," "to recount," or "to tell." While neutral in its basic meaning, its significance in [1 Chronicles 21:2](/1_chronicles/21-2 "1 Chronicles 21:2 - David's Census Command") is entirely dependent on David's underlying motivation. Unlike the divinely commanded censuses in Numbers, which were for legitimate military or administrative purposes and often accompanied by ritual atonement, David's command here is presented as an act of self-reliance, a desire to quantify his strength rather than acknowledge God as the true source of his power and security. The act itself becomes an expression of a proud heart.
* **know (Hebrew, _yādaʿ'_):** The verb יָדַע (_yādaʿ_) means "to know," "to perceive," "to understand," or "to experience." In this context, David's explicit desire "that I may know [it]" highlights his personal agenda. It suggests a desire for comprehensive, empirical knowledge of his military resources, implying a shift from trusting in God's unseen, infinite power to relying on his own visible, finite might. This "knowing" becomes a symbol of human self-sufficiency, contrasting sharply with the biblical emphasis on God's omniscience and the believer's humble dependence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people":** This opening clause establishes David's authority as king, issuing a direct command to his chief military commander, Joab, and the other influential leaders. It indicates that this was not a casual suggestion but a formal, royal decree, carrying the weight of the highest office in the land and requiring immediate implementation by those responsible for governing and leading the nation.
* **"Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan":** This is the core command itself. "Go, number" is an imperative, conveying the urgency and directness of David's instruction. The geographical phrase "from Beersheba even to Dan" is a well-known merism, a literary device that uses two contrasting parts to represent the whole. It signifies the entire geographical and demographic extent of the united kingdom of Israel, emphasizing that David intended a comprehensive census of all eligible men across the land.
* **"and bring the number of them to me, that I may know [it]":** This final clause reveals David's personal motivation and the ultimate purpose of the census. The phrase "bring the number of them to me" underscores his desire for the data to be personally delivered and processed. The concluding "that I may know [it]" is crucial, as it points to David's internal desire for self-knowledge regarding his military strength, rather than a divinely mandated count for a specific, holy purpose. This personal desire for quantified power is where the sin fundamentally lies.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** in David's command, "Go, number," which highlights his absolute authority and the directness of his will. This contrasts sharply with the divine commands often found in Scripture, where God's imperatives are righteous and for the good of His people. Another key device is **Merism**, seen in the phrase "from Beersheba even to Dan." This geographical pairing effectively represents the entire kingdom of Israel, conveying the comprehensive scope of David's intended census. Furthermore, the verse functions as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, as David's seemingly innocuous command immediately sets in motion a chain of events that leads to divine judgment and national suffering, hinting at the severe consequences that will unfold in the subsequent narrative. The very act of commanding the census, particularly with the stated motivation, subtly foreshadows the impending divine displeasure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's census, as initiated in [1 Chronicles 21:2](/1_chronicles/21-2 "1 Chronicles 21:2 - David's Census Command"), serves as a profound biblical case study on the dangers of pride and self-reliance, even for those divinely chosen and blessed. It illustrates that sin is not merely an outward action but often stems from the heart's disposition—a desire to trust in human strength and visible resources rather than in the invisible, omnipotent God. This episode underscores the constant temptation, even for spiritual leaders, to replace divine dependence with human calculation, leading to spiritual vulnerability and opening the door for adversarial influence. The narrative reminds us that true security and strength are found not in numbers or might, but in humble submission to God's will and unwavering faith in His provision.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army")
* [James 1:13-15](/james/1-13-15 "James 1:13-15 - Temptation and Sin's Progression")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of David's census in [1 Chronicles 21:2](/1_chronicles/21-2 "1 Chronicles 21:2 - David's Census Command") calls us to a deep and honest examination of our own hearts and motivations. In a world that often values measurable success, quantifiable achievements, and self-sufficiency, it is easy to fall into the same trap as David: relying on our own resources, intelligence, or strength rather than wholeheartedly trusting in God. We might "number" our bank accounts, our social media followers, our professional accolades, or our personal accomplishments, believing these metrics are the source of our security or significance. This narrative challenges us to ask whether our actions, even those that appear benign or beneficial on the surface, are rooted in a humble dependence on God or in a subtle pride that seeks to establish our own kingdom and glory. True spiritual strength and peace come from acknowledging God's sovereignty over every aspect of our lives and resting in His unfailing provision, rather than striving to control or quantify our own perceived power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "numbers" or metrics do I tend to rely on for my sense of security, success, or significance?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to operate out of self-reliance rather than humble dependence on God?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that consistently trusts in God's unseen power over my own visible resources and abilities?**

### FAQ
**Was numbering Israel always a sin?**

Answer: No, numbering Israel was not inherently sinful. The Old Testament records several censuses commanded by God Himself, such as those in the book of [Numbers](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census") for military organization and tribal registration. The sin in David's census, as initiated in [1 Chronicles 21:2](/1_chronicles/21-2 "1 Chronicles 21:2 - David's Census Command"), lay not in the act of counting itself but in David's underlying motivation. The parallel account in [2 Samuel 24:1](/2_samuel/24-1 "2 Samuel 24:1 - God's Anger and David's Census") indicates that "the anger of the LORD was again kindled against Israel," and [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David") states that "Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to number Israel." This suggests that David's heart was moved by pride, a desire to rely on his own military might rather than on God's protection. Furthermore, it's possible David neglected the atonement money required for a census in [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Atonement Money for the Census"), which was meant to avert a plague. Thus, the sin was a combination of prideful self-reliance and possibly a disregard for divine stipulations, rather than the act of counting itself.

**Why did God allow Satan to incite David to sin?**

Answer: The biblical narrative, particularly when comparing [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David") with [2 Samuel 24:1](/2_samuel/24-1 "2 Samuel 24:1 - God's Anger and David's Census"), presents a complex theological truth about divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While Chronicles states "Satan stood up against Israel and incited David," Samuel says "the anger of the LORD was again kindled against Israel, and he incited David." This is not a contradiction but rather a demonstration of God's ultimate sovereignty, even over the actions of evil. God can permit or use an adversary (like Satan) to achieve His purposes, which may include exposing latent sin in His people, bringing about judgment for prior transgressions (as suggested by God's anger against Israel), or leading to a situation where His people are forced to acknowledge their dependence on Him. In David's case, the census exposed his pride and led to a severe but ultimately redemptive discipline, culminating in the purchase of the threshing floor, which became the site for the temple ([1 Chronicles 21:28-22:1](/1_chronicles/21-28-22-1 "1 Chronicles 21:28 - David's Altar and Temple Site")). God's permission of Satan's incitement served His larger redemptive and disciplinary plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's census, beginning with his command in [1 Chronicles 21:2](/1_chronicles/21-2 "1 Chronicles 21:2 - David's Census Command"), powerfully foreshadows the perfect kingship of Jesus Christ. David, despite being "a man after God's own heart," faltered, succumbing to pride and relying on human strength, leading to devastating consequences for his people in the form of a plague ([1 Chronicles 21:14](/1_chronicles/21-14 "1 Chronicles 21:14 - The Plague on Israel")). This stands in stark contrast to Jesus, the true and eternal King, who never relied on human might or earthly numbers. His strength came from perfect obedience and utter dependence on His Father ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does Nothing of His Own Accord")). While David's census brought judgment, Christ's "numbering" of His people, the true Israel, is for their salvation and eternal security. He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep by name ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")), not to count them for military might, but to lay down His life for them ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). The consequences of David's sin required a costly sacrifice ([1 Chronicles 21:26-27](/1_chronicles/21-26-27 "1 Chronicles 21:26-27 - David's Sacrifice and the End of the Plague")), but Christ Himself became the ultimate sacrifice, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby fulfilling the need for atonement that David's census implicitly lacked. In Christ, we find a King whose reign is marked by humility, perfect obedience, and a salvation that truly secures His people, not by their numbers, but by His infinite grace and power.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 27:23

But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.

1 Chronicles 27:24

Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.

Proverbs 29:23

¶ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Deuteronomy 8:13

And [when] thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;

Deuteronomy 8:17

And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of [mine] hand hath gotten me this wealth.

2 Corinthians 12:7

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

1 Kings 4:25

And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.