1 Chronicles 21:3

KJV

And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they [be]: but, my lord the king, [are] they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joab {H3097} answered {H559}, The LORD {H3068} make his people {H5971} an hundred {H3967} times {H6471} so many more {H3254} as they {H1992} be: but, my lord {H113} the king {H4428}, are they not all my lord's {H113} servants {H5650}? why then doth my lord {H113} require {H1245} this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass {H819} to Israel {H3478}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yo'av said, "May ADONAI make his people a hundred times as many as they are now! But, my lord the king, aren't they all my lord's servants in any case? Why does my lord the king require this? Why should he bring guilt upon Isra'el?"

Berean Standard Bible

But 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?”

American Standard Version

And Joab said, Jehovah make his people a hundred times as many as they are: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? why doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of guilt unto Israel?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 21:3 captures Joab's courageous and spiritually discerning counsel to King David, as he vehemently opposes David's command to conduct a census of Israel. Joab's words reveal a profound understanding that David's motivation for the census stems from pride and a reliance on human strength rather than trust in God's divine provision. He warns that such an act would constitute a serious "trespass" against the Lord, bringing guilt and potential judgment upon the entire nation. His protest highlights the critical responsibility of leadership and the far-reaching corporate consequences of a leader's sin when not aligned with God's will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal and somber narrative in [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Sinful Census and God's Judgment"), which provides a parallel account to [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census and Plague"). The chapter opens with the ominous statement that "Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel" ([1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David")). Despite this malevolent influence or spiritual prompting, David issues the command for a census. Joab, typically portrayed as a pragmatic and often ruthless military commander, surprisingly exhibits profound spiritual discernment here, recognizing the inherent sinfulness of David's directive. His objection in [1 Chronicles 21:3](/1_chronicles/21-3 "1 Chronicles 21:3 - Joab's Objection to the Census") is met with David's unyielding insistence ([1 Chronicles 21:4](/1_chronicles/21-4 "1 Chronicles 21:4 - David's Insistence")), leading to Joab's reluctant compliance. The narrative swiftly moves to God's severe displeasure and subsequent judgment upon Israel through a devastating plague ([1 Chronicles 21:7-14](/1_chronicles/21-7-14 "1 Chronicles 21:7-14 - God's Judgment and David's Repentance")). Joab's counsel thus serves as a critical, albeit unheeded, warning, underscoring the gravity of David's impending transgression and its dire consequences.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Censuses in ancient Israel were not inherently forbidden; indeed, they were sometimes commanded by God for legitimate purposes, such as military conscription, taxation, or tribal organization, as exemplified in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel"). However, David's census in [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Sinful Census") was distinct in its motivation. Its sinfulness lay in David's underlying pride, a desire to boast in his own military strength and the sheer number of his fighting men, rather than placing his trust in God's power and blessing. In a culture where national prosperity and military success were understood as direct indicators of divine favor, a king's attempt to quantify his strength apart from God's provision was a profound act of distrust and self-exaltation. Joab, as David's chief general, would have understood the practical logistics of a census, but his objection transcends mere practicality, touching upon the spiritual implications of such an act as a "trespass" against God, which would inevitably incur divine wrath and judgment upon the entire community.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights the **sinfulness of human pride and self-reliance** in stark contrast to **absolute dependence on God**. David's desire to number his fighting men, despite God's consistent provision of victory and protection, reveals a heart that momentarily shifted its trust from the divine to the human. Secondly, it profoundly illustrates the **corporate consequences of leadership sin**. Joab's warning that David would "be a cause of trespass to Israel" underscores the biblical principle that the actions of a leader, especially a king, have profound ripple effects, often bringing either blessing or judgment upon the entire nation. This theme is tragically reinforced as the subsequent plague devastates Israel ([1 Chronicles 21:14](/1_chronicles/21-14 "1 Chronicles 21:14 - The Plague on Israel")). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **wise counsel and spiritual discernment**, as Joab, despite his often-flawed character, demonstrates a surprising spiritual insight that David, the "man after God's own heart," initially lacks, emphasizing the importance of heeding godly advice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Require (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** The verb "require" (H1245, בָּקַשׁ) is a primitive root meaning "to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after; ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for)." When Joab asks, "why then doth my lord require this thing?", he is not merely questioning a logistical command but challenging the underlying motive and necessity of David's demand. It implies a seeking or demanding that is misplaced, unnecessary, or spiritually misguided. Joab is probing the king's heart, sensing that David's insistent will is overriding spiritual wisdom and potentially leading to a dangerous pursuit of self-glory rather than God's honor.
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _ʼashmâh'_):** This significant term (H819, אַשְׁמָה) denotes "guiltiness, a fault, the presentation of a sin-offering." It often implies a breach of trust or an act that incurs a penalty and requires restitution or atonement. In a cultic context, it specifically refers to a "guilt offering" or "trespass offering" (e.g., [Leviticus 5:15](/leviticus/5-15 "Leviticus 5:15 - Trespass Offering")). Joab's use of this word indicates that he understood David's action would not merely be a mistake or a logistical error, but a serious theological transgression against God. It signifies an act that would demand a divine response and potential judgment, bringing corporate guilt and culpability upon the entire nation of Israel before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they [be]:"** Joab begins his response with a respectful, even deferential, blessing. This opening is a shrewd rhetorical move, establishing his loyalty and goodwill before delivering a challenging rebuke. By invoking God's blessing for exponential growth, Joab subtly reminds David of the true source of Israel's strength and prosperity – divine favor and multiplication, not human enumeration or military might. It serves as a gentle, yet pointed, rebuke to David's potential pride, suggesting that true greatness and security come from God's hand, not from man's counting.
* **"but, my lord the king, [are] they not all my lord's servants?"** Joab then shifts to a logical and practical argument, questioning the necessity of the census by stating the obvious: the people are already loyal servants of the king. This implies that David already possesses their allegiance and military service, rendering a head count redundant if its purpose is merely to assess control or readiness. Joab suggests that David's existing authority and the people's devotion are sufficient, and the census adds nothing truly valuable or necessary to his reign.
* **"why then doth my lord require this thing?"** This is Joab's direct and probing challenge to David's motivation. It is a rhetorical question, implying that there is no good, legitimate, or divinely sanctioned reason for such a demand. Joab is attempting to expose the king's heart, sensing that the underlying motive is not for the good of the kingdom or the glory of God, but for something less noble, perhaps personal pride, a misguided sense of security in numbers, or a desire for self-aggrandizement.
* **"why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?"** This final question is the crux of Joab's objection and reveals his profound spiritual insight and prophetic warning. He understands that David's action will not be a mere administrative error but a grave spiritual offense (an _'ashmâh'_) against God. More critically, he warns that David's personal sin will have devastating corporate consequences, making the entire nation of Israel culpable and subject to divine judgment. Joab foresees the devastating ripple effect of the king's pride, anticipating the collective suffering that will result from David's individual transgression.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices**. **Rhetorical Questions** are central to Joab's argument, as he poses two direct challenges to David: "why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?" These questions are not seeking information but are designed to provoke deep thought, highlight the absurdity or spiritual danger of David's command, and underscore Joab's strong disapproval. There is also a significant element of **Irony** present; Joab, often depicted as a ruthless and pragmatic military commander, is the one who exhibits keen spiritual discernment, warning the king against a spiritual transgression, while David, the "man after God's own heart," is momentarily blinded by pride. Furthermore, Joab's final question serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, accurately predicting the divine judgment and "trespass" that will indeed fall upon Israel as a direct consequence of David's census.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the tension between human pride and divine sovereignty, a recurring and critical theme throughout the Old Testament. David's desire to number his fighting men, despite God's consistent provision of victory and blessing, reflects a dangerous shift from trusting in the Lord to relying on human strength and statistics. Joab's prophetic warning about "trespass" highlights the corporate responsibility inherent in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where the sins of leaders could bring judgment upon the entire nation. It underscores the critical importance of discerning leadership that prioritizes God's honor over personal ambition and the necessity of heeding wise, even uncomfortable, counsel. This episode serves as a stark reminder that true security, prosperity, and national well-being come from God's blessing and His alone, not from human efforts or perceived might.

* [2 Samuel 24:10](/2_samuel/24-10 "2 Samuel 24:10 - David's Heart Smote Him After the Census")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2-3 "Numbers 1:2-3 - God Commands a Census")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 21:3 offers timeless lessons for individuals and leaders alike, resonating with profound spiritual truths. Joab's courageous counsel serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power, even when it is unpopular or goes against the desires of those in authority. For leaders, it underscores the profound and far-reaching impact of personal decisions on the collective well-being of those they lead; a leader's sin is rarely confined to themselves but often creates a "trespass" that affects the entire community. This passage challenges us to examine our own motivations: do our actions stem from a humble reliance on God's power and provision, or from a desire to boast in our own strength, accomplishments, or resources? True spiritual strength and security are found not in what we can count or control, but in our unwavering trust in the Lord, who alone gives growth and victory. We are called to cultivate spiritual discernment, to recognize when our desires might lead us away from God's perfect will, and to be open to the wise counsel of others, even if it challenges our preconceived notions or personal ambitions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or leadership might I be tempted to rely on my own strength, intellect, or resources rather than God's sovereign provision?**
* **Am I truly open to receiving challenging counsel, even if it comes from unexpected sources or directly confronts my own desires and plans?**
* **How do my personal choices, especially if I am in a position of influence, impact those around me or the community I am part of, for good or for ill?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment and a deeper reliance on God in my daily decision-making?**

### FAQ
**Why was David's census considered a sin, when other censuses in the Bible were commanded by God?**

Answer: The sinfulness of David's census lay not in the act of counting itself, but profoundly in its underlying motivation. While censuses for military purposes or taxation were indeed divinely commanded at other times (e.g., in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel")), David's census in [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Sinful Census") (and its parallel in [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census and Plague")) was rooted in pride and a desire to boast in his own military strength rather than relying on God's power and blessing. [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David") explicitly states that "Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel," indicating a malevolent, faithless impulse behind the king's command. It was an act of self-reliance, seeking security in numbers rather than in the Lord who had consistently granted Israel victory and prosperity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joab's poignant warning in [1 Chronicles 21:3](/1_chronicles/21-3 "1 Chronicles 21:3 - Joab's Objection to the Census") that David's prideful act would "be a cause of trespass to Israel" poignantly foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect King who would not cause trespass but would bear it. David, despite being a man after God's own heart and a type of the coming Messiah, failed as a king, bringing judgment upon his people through his sin. This narrative underscores the profound human need for a truly righteous and perfectly obedient leader, one whose perfect life and self-sacrifice would not bring a curse but bring ultimate blessing and redemption. Jesus Christ, the Son of David, is that perfect King. He never sought to glorify Himself or rely on human strength or numbers; rather, He perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")). Unlike David, whose sin brought a plague upon Israel, Jesus became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the trespass of His people upon Himself ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Atoning Suffering")). Through His atoning work, He removes the "trespass" that humanity incurs, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and righteousness, thereby fulfilling the ultimate need for a King who leads His people not into judgment, but into eternal life and peace ([Romans 5:17-19](/romans/5-17-19 "Romans 5:17-19 - Righteousness Through Christ's Obedience")).

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

Deuteronomy 1:11

(The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye [are], and bless you, as he hath promised you!)

1 Kings 14:16

And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.

Genesis 20:9

Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

Isaiah 26:15

Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed [it] far [unto] all the ends of the earth.

1 Samuel 2:24

Nay, my sons; for [it is] no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress.

Numbers 32:9

For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them.

Numbers 32:10

And the LORD'S anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying,