2 Samuel 24:2

For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which [was] with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.

For the king {H4428} said {H559} to Joab {H3097} the captain {H8269} of the host {H2428}, which was with him, Go now through {H7751} all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}, from Dan {H1835} even to Beersheba {H884}, and number {H6485} ye the people {H5971}, that I may know {H3045} the number {H4557} of the people {H5971}.

The king said to Yo'av the commander of the army, who was with him, "Go systematically through all the tribes of Isra'el, from Dan to Be'er-Sheva; and take a census of the population; so that I can know how many people there are."

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.”

And the king said to Joab the captain of the host, who was with him, Go now to and fro through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the sum of the people.

Commentary

2 Samuel 24:2 records King David's pivotal command to Joab, his trusted captain of the host, to conduct a census of all the tribes of Israel, spanning the entire land "from Dan even to Beersheba." This seemingly administrative act, however, sets the stage for a significant moment of divine judgment and revelation in David's reign.

Context

This verse is immediately preceded by 2 Samuel 24:1, which states, "the anger of the LORD was again kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah." This divine instigation of David's action presents a complex theological challenge, often understood as God allowing David's inherent sinful inclination (such as pride or self-reliance) to manifest, leading to consequences for both the king and the nation. Joab, despite his military loyalty, recognized the potential for trouble and initially resisted the king's order, as seen in 2 Samuel 24:3, indicating the unusual and problematic nature of this particular census.

The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 21:1 offers another layer of insight, stating, "Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel." These two perspectives (God moving David vs. Satan provoking David) are often harmonized by understanding that God, in His ultimate sovereignty, can permit or even use the actions of evil (like Satan's provocation) to achieve His divine purposes, including exposing sin or bringing about necessary judgment.

Key Themes

  • David's Sin of Pride and Self-Reliance: While censuses were not inherently wrong (God Himself commanded them in Numbers 1 and Numbers 26), David's motivation in this instance was clearly sinful. It likely stemmed from a desire to boast in his military might, to rely on the sheer size of his army rather than on God's protection, or perhaps to prepare for taxation or conscription without divine command. This act demonstrated a profound lack of trust in God's provision.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: The tension between God "moving" David and David's personal culpability for the sin underscores a fundamental biblical truth: God's ultimate control does not negate human free will or responsibility for one's choices.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: This census ultimately leads to a severe plague upon Israel (2 Samuel 24:15), demonstrating the serious repercussions of David's actions, which affected the entire nation.
  • Geographical Scope: The phrase "from Dan even to Beersheba" is a well-known biblical idiom signifying the entire extent of the land of Israel, from its northernmost settlement to its southernmost.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb for "number" (מָנָה, manah) simply means to count, assign, or appoint. The sin was not in the act of counting itself, but in the heart and motive behind David's command—a motive that shifted trust from God to human resources or military strength.

Practical Application

This passage offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Beware of Pride: Like David, we can be tempted to trust in our own resources, achievements, or human systems rather than in God. True strength and security come from relying on Him alone (Proverbs 16:18).
  • Examine Your Motives: Even seemingly neutral or good actions can become sinful if they are driven by pride, self-glorification, or a lack of faith in God's sufficiency.
  • Trust in God Alone: Our ultimate security and success come from God's blessing and provision, not from our own might or careful planning alone. As Psalm 20:7 beautifully states, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 3:10 (5 votes)

    To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.

  • Judges 20:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

  • 2 Samuel 20:23 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:

  • Proverbs 29:23 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 32:31 (2 votes)

    Howbeit in [the business of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was [done] in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all [that was] in his heart.

  • 2 Chronicles 32:25 (2 votes)

    But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit [done] unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

  • 2 Chronicles 32:26 (2 votes)

    Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, [both] he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.