1 Chronicles 21:3

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?

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}?

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?"

But Joab replied, โ€œMay 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?โ€

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 lordโ€™s servants? why doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of guilt unto Israel?

Commentary

1 Chronicles 21:3 captures a pivotal moment of spiritual discernment and courageous counsel from Joab, King David's commander, as he vehemently objects to David's command to take a census of Israel.

Context

This verse is part of a narrative detailing King David's decision to number the fighting men of Israel and Judah. While a census was not inherently wrong (e.g., in Numbers 1), David's motive here was clearly rooted in pride, a desire to boast in his military strength rather than relying solely on God's power and blessing. 1 Chronicles 21:1 indicates that Satan incited David to this action, highlighting its sinful nature. Joab, despite his often ruthless character, recognized the spiritual danger and potential "trespass" this act would bring upon Israel, urging David to reconsider.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Joab's Spiritual Discernment: Surprisingly, it is Joab, the hardened military general, who demonstrates a keen spiritual insight, understanding that David's command is not merely a logistical task but a moral and spiritual offense against God. He prioritizes God's honor over the king's whim.
  • The Sin of Pride and Self-Reliance: David's desire for a census likely stemmed from a desire to gauge his own power and resources, rather than trusting in the Lord who had given him victory after victory. Joab's opening wish, "The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more," subtly reminds David that true strength and growth come from divine blessing, not human enumeration. This echoes the biblical principle of trusting in God's name rather than chariots or horses.
  • Leadership's Impact on the Nation: Joab's final question, "why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?", underscores a critical biblical truth: the sins of leaders often have far-reaching consequences for the entire community. David's personal act of pride would indeed bring divine judgment upon the nation, as seen in the subsequent verses (1 Chronicles 21:7).

Linguistic Insights

The word "trespass" here is from the Hebrew term 'asham (ืึธืฉึธืื), which carries the meaning of guilt, offense, or a sin that incurs a penalty. It often implies a breach of trust or an act that requires restitution or atonement. Joab understood that David's action would not just be a mistake, but a serious transgression against God that would demand a divine response and potential judgment.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for all, especially those in positions of leadership:

  • Guard Against Pride: Be wary of actions that spring from self-reliance or a desire to take credit for what God has accomplished. True strength comes from dependence on God.
  • Listen to Wise Counsel: Even when it's uncomfortable, discerning counsel from trusted advisors can prevent costly mistakes and sin.
  • Understand Consequences: Our actions, particularly those of leaders, have ripple effects. A leader's choices, whether good or bad, often impact those they lead. This highlights the importance of seeking God's will in all decisions, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 1:11 (3 votes)

    (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 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 20:9 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Numbers 32:9 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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