1 Chronicles 27:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Joab {H3097} the son {H1121} of Zeruiah {H6870} began {H2490} to number {H4487}, but he finished {H3615} not, because there fell wrath {H7110} for it {H2063} against Israel {H3478}; neither was the number {H4557} put {H5927} in the account {H4557} of the chronicles {H1697}{H3117} of king {H4428} David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yo'av the son of Tz'ruyah began a census of these, but he did not finish, and wrath came upon Isra'el because of this; moreover the number was not entered into the Annals of King David.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but finished not; and there came wrath for this upon Israel; neither was the number put into the account in the chronicles of king David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:24 serves as a concise, parenthetical note amidst a detailed list of King David's administrative officials, recalling the significant, yet sinful, census that David commanded. It highlights that Joab, though he began the numbering, could not complete it because divine wrath fell upon Israel as a consequence of this act of disobedience. Furthermore, the verse notes that the results of this ill-fated census were intentionally omitted from the official chronicles of King David, underscoring its nature as a national disgrace and a moment of profound divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an abrupt but crucial interjection within a chapter primarily dedicated to cataloging King David's extensive administrative and military organization. Chapter 27 meticulously lists the monthly divisions of army commanders, tribal leaders, and various royal officials, showcasing David's meticulous governance and the stability of his kingdom. Verse 24, however, breaks this administrative flow to briefly reference an earlier, well-known, and highly significant event in David's reign: the census. This parenthetical inclusion serves as a theological commentary by the Chronicler, reminding the reader of the profound consequences of David's sin, even as David's accomplishments are being lauded. It points back to the more detailed accounts of this event found in [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Sinful Census and Plague") and [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - The Census and God's Judgment"), which provide the full narrative of David's command, Joab's reluctance, God's judgment, and the subsequent plague. Its placement here, rather than in a chronological narrative, emphasizes its lasting theological significance as a stain on David's otherwise exemplary reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a census was not inherently forbidden; indeed, the Law of Moses commanded censuses for military purposes or taxation (e.g., [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2-3 - Census for Military Service")). However, David's census, as depicted in the parallel accounts, was problematic due to its motivation. It appears to have stemmed from a lack of trust in God's divine protection and provision, leaning instead on human strength and military might. Such an act could be interpreted as pride, a desire to boast in numbers rather than rely on the Lord, or even an attempt to expand royal power beyond divine sanction. The immediate consequence, divine "wrath" (often manifested as a plague in the Old Testament), was a common form of God's judgment against corporate sin in Israel, demonstrating His holiness and intolerance for disobedience. The concept of "chronicles" or official records was vital in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, serving to legitimize rulers and preserve their legacy. The deliberate omission of this census from David's official chronicles speaks volumes about its perceived disgrace and the desire to suppress a record of national failure and divine displeasure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, despite its brevity, powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the books of Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty of God** over human endeavors; He can interrupt and halt even the plans of kings when they deviate from His will. Secondly, it highlights the severe **consequences of disobedience and pride**, particularly for leaders, demonstrating that a leader's sin can have devastating corporate repercussions for the entire nation, as seen in the plague that followed (cf. [1 Chronicles 21:14](/1_chronicles/21-14 "1 Chronicles 21:14 - The Plague on Israel")). Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **God's holiness and justice**, illustrating that He does not overlook sin, even in His chosen servants. Finally, the omission from the official record speaks to the Chronicler's theological agenda: to present a history that emphasizes the importance of obedience to God and the purity of worship, often downplaying or omitting details that might tarnish the image of ideal kings like David, unless they serve a didactic purpose to warn against sin. The census stands as a stark reminder that even a king "after God's own heart" could fall short and incur divine displeasure, emphasizing the constant need for humility and reliance on God's strength, not human might, as echoed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trusting in the Lord's Name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Number (Hebrew, _sāpar_):** This verb means "to count, to recount, to tell." In the context of a census, it refers to the act of tallying individuals, usually for military or taxation purposes. Here, it specifically denotes David's command to count the fighting men of Israel and Judah. The sin was not in the act of counting itself, but in the underlying motivation—a reliance on human strength and numbers rather than on God's promised provision and protection, revealing a lack of faith and potentially pride in human resources.
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _ḥārôn_):** This strong term signifies "burning anger" or "fierce indignation," often used to describe God's righteous anger against sin. Its usage here, "there fell wrath," emphasizes the sudden, overwhelming, and direct nature of divine judgment. It was not a gradual consequence but an immediate outpouring of God's displeasure, indicating the gravity with which He viewed David's sin and its implications for the nation. This wrath manifested as a devastating plague that killed 70,000 men.
* **Chronicles (Hebrew, _dibrê hayyāmîm_):** Literally "the words of the days," referring to official historical records or annals kept by the kings. These chronicles were meant to document significant events, accomplishments, and administrative details of a monarch's reign, serving as a public record and a source for later historical accounts. The statement that the census "was not put in the account of the chronicles" signifies a deliberate exclusion, marking the event as a national disgrace or an act deemed unworthy of positive remembrance in the official history, highlighting the shame and divine disapproval associated with it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not":** This clause identifies Joab, David's loyal but often ruthless commander, as the one tasked with executing the census. It explicitly states that the task was initiated but remained incomplete. This incompleteness was not due to human failure or logistical challenges, but due to divine intervention, setting the stage for the subsequent explanation of God's judgment. Joab himself had expressed reservations about the census, indicating its questionable nature from the outset.
* **"because there fell wrath for it against Israel":** This is the pivotal explanatory clause, revealing the divine cause for the census's interruption and incompleteness. The "wrath" is God's righteous judgment, which "fell" suddenly and decisively upon the nation of Israel. This wrath was a direct consequence of the census, highlighting that David's sin, though personal in its origin, had corporate repercussions, leading to a devastating plague upon the people.
* **"neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David":** This final clause describes the lasting historical consequence of the sinful census. The results of the numbering were deliberately omitted from the official royal records. This exclusion underscores the event's negative connotation, signifying that it was a shameful or disgraceful episode that the Chronicler (and perhaps David himself) deemed unworthy of official documentation alongside the king's achievements. It serves as a stark reminder of a national transgression and its divine punishment.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 27:24 employs several literary techniques to convey its potent message. The most prominent is **Parenthesis** or **Digression**, as the verse abruptly interrupts the detailed administrative lists of chapter 27. This sudden shift in focus draws immediate attention to the census event, signaling its profound significance despite its brevity. The verse also utilizes **Ellipsis** or **Understatement**; while it only briefly mentions "wrath" and the unfinished task, it implicitly refers to the catastrophic plague and loss of life detailed elsewhere, relying on the reader's knowledge of the fuller narrative. This brevity makes the statement even more impactful, creating a sense of gravity without needing to recount all the gruesome details. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Theological Commentary**. By highlighting the divine wrath and the omission from official records, the Chronicler is not merely reporting facts but offering a theological interpretation of David's reign, emphasizing God's active involvement in human affairs and His unyielding judgment against sin, even in the life of His chosen king. The stark contrast between the meticulous organization of David's kingdom and this single, unrecorded failure serves to highlight the spiritual over the purely administrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 27:24 powerfully encapsulates the biblical principle that human pride and self-reliance, especially in leadership, invite divine judgment. David's census, born out of a desire to quantify his strength rather than trust in God's promises, directly led to catastrophic consequences for the entire nation. This brief verse serves as a theological anchor, reminding us that God's sovereignty extends even to interrupting human plans and that His holiness demands a response to sin. The omission of the census from the official chronicles further emphasizes the shame and divine disapproval associated with such an act, underscoring the importance of humility and faithful dependence on God in all endeavors. It teaches that true security and strength are found not in human numbers or achievements, but in the Lord's unfailing power and provision.

* [2 Samuel 24:10](/2_samuel/24-10 "David's Confession of Sin")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Trust in the Lord, Not Chariots")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 27:24 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent warning against the subtle dangers of pride and self-reliance, even when disguised as prudent planning or administrative efficiency. Just as David was tempted to count his military might rather than fully trust in God's power, we too can fall into the trap of relying on our own resources, intellect, or achievements, forgetting that true strength and security come only from the Lord. This verse reminds us that our actions, especially those born from a lack of faith or a desire for human glory, can have far-reaching and unintended consequences, not just for ourselves but for those around us. It calls us to a posture of humility, constant repentance, and unwavering dependence on God's grace and provision, recognizing that His sovereignty can interrupt our plans and bring about His will, even through judgment. The omission of the census from David's chronicles also prompts us to consider what "records" we are building in our lives – are they records of faithful obedience and trust in God, or are they marred by self-sufficiency and pride, ultimately leading to divine displeasure?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I be tempted to rely on my own "numbers" or resources rather than fully trusting in God's provision?**
* **How does the corporate impact of David's sin challenge my understanding of individual responsibility within a community or church?**
* **What "censuses" or measurements do I take (e.g., social media followers, financial assets, personal achievements) that might indicate a subtle lack of trust in God's sufficiency?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God's sovereignty in my daily decisions and long-term plans?**

### FAQ
**Why was the census considered a sin?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state that all censuses are sinful; indeed, some were commanded by God (e.g., [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census")). The sin in David's census, as detailed in [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census") and [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - The Census and Plague"), lay primarily in its motivation. It appears to have stemmed from David's pride, a desire to boast in his military strength and numbers rather than relying solely on God's power and faithfulness. It might have also indicated a lack of faith in God's promise to make Israel exceedingly numerous, or an attempt to expand royal power and control beyond divine sanction. The Chronicler's account in [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David") even attributes the incitement to Satan, highlighting its inherently evil nature and opposition to God's will. Thus, the act itself was a symptom of a deeper spiritual issue: a trust in human might over divine provision.

**Why is this verse placed here, interrupting the administrative list?**

Answer: The placement of 1 Chronicles 27:24, as a parenthetical note within a detailed list of David's administrative organization, serves a crucial theological purpose for the Chronicler. It acts as a stark reminder and a theological caveat, even amidst the celebration of David's successful reign and meticulous governance. By inserting this brief but potent reference to the sinful census and the divine wrath it incurred, the Chronicler emphasizes that even the greatest of kings, like David, were fallible and subject to God's judgment. It underscores the overarching theme that obedience to God is paramount, and disobedience, even if seemingly minor or motivated by pride, carries severe consequences. Its abruptness ensures that the reader does not overlook this critical moment of national failure and divine intervention, highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty over all human endeavors and His demand for absolute trust and humility from His chosen leaders.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 27:24, with its stark portrayal of human sin, divine wrath, and the devastating consequences of pride, powerfully points to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. David's census exposed the inherent weakness and sinfulness of even the most beloved of kings, demonstrating that human strength and numbers are ultimately insufficient and can even provoke God's righteous anger. The "wrath that fell for it against Israel" foreshadows the ultimate wrath of God against sin, a wrath that would justly fall upon humanity. However, in Christ, we see the perfect King, who never relied on human might or numbers but perfectly trusted in His Father's will, even unto death. The judgment that fell upon Israel for David's sin finds its ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in the cross, where the full weight of God's wrath against the sin of the world was poured out, not on a people, but on the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). As [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins") prophesies, "He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." The "account" of our sin, which would lead to judgment and be a shameful omission from God's book of life, is, through Christ, not merely omitted but completely blotted out and nailed to the cross ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Cancellation of Debt")). Where David's sin brought death, Christ's sacrifice brings life and reconciliation, demonstrating God's love in that while we were still sinners, [Christ died for us](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love Through Christ's Death"). He became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

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 21:1

¶ And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

1 Chronicles 21:17

And David said unto God, [Is it] not I [that] commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but [as for] these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

2 Samuel 24:1

¶ And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

2 Samuel 24:15

So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.