2 Samuel 24:3

KJV

And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see [it]: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joab {H3097} said {H559} unto the king {H4428}, Now the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} add {H3254} unto the people {H5971}, how many soever {H1992} they be, an hundredfold {H3967}{H6471}, and that the eyes {H5869} of my lord {H113} the king {H4428} may see {H7200} it: but why doth my lord {H113} the king {H4428} delight {H2654} in this thing {H1697}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yo'av said to the king, "May ADONAI your God add to the people a hundredfold, no matter how many there are; and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king take pleasure in doing this?"

Berean Standard Bible

But Joab replied to the king, “May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?”

American Standard Version

And Joab said unto the king, Now Jehovah thy God add unto the people, how many soever they may be, a hundredfold; and may the eyes of my lord the king see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 24:3 captures a pivotal and tension-filled exchange as Joab, King David's pragmatic commander, expresses profound concern and direct objection to the king's command for a nationwide census. Joab, displaying surprising spiritual discernment, offers a traditional blessing for the nation's continued growth while simultaneously challenging the king's underlying motivation, hinting at a dangerous pride or misplaced trust that would ultimately lead to divine judgment. This verse serves as a critical turning point, highlighting the clash between human ambition and divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the final chapter of 2 Samuel, which functions as a crucial appendix to the main narrative of David's reign. Chapter 24 immediately follows a series of supplementary accounts, including lists of David's mighty men and a famine. The census account in [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census and the Plague") serves as a climactic narrative, depicting David's sin, God's subsequent judgment through a devastating plague, and David's act of atonement through the purchase of Araunah's threshing floor. This specific location would later become the revered site for Solomon's Temple ([2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Solomon Begins to Build the Temple")), providing a crucial link to future redemptive history and the establishment of a permanent place of worship. The narrative parallels an account found in [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Census and the Altar"), which adds the significant detail that "Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to number Israel" ([1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David to Take a Census")), highlighting the spiritual forces at play behind human actions and temptations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Censuses were not inherently sinful in ancient Israel; they were conducted for various legitimate purposes, such as military conscription (e.g., [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel")) or taxation. However, the specific context and David's motivation for this census appear to be deeply problematic. At this point in David's reign, Israel was at peace and prosperous, having secured its borders and established a strong kingdom. This suggests the census was not for immediate military need, resource management, or a divinely commanded purpose. Instead, it is widely interpreted as an act of pride, a king's desire to boast in the strength of his numbers and military might rather than relying on God's covenant faithfulness and protection. This kind of self-reliance, valuing human strength and statistics over divine providence and promises, was a recurring temptation for Israelite kings and often led to divine displeasure, as seen in other instances of kings trusting in chariots and horses rather than the Lord ([Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots and Some in Horses")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within 2 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Pride**, where God's ultimate control is evident even in allowing David's sinful inclination, which then leads to a demonstration of divine justice and the need for atonement. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Sin**, showing that even a righteous king like David is not immune to the repercussions of disobedience, particularly when it stems from a heart of pride and self-sufficiency. This serves as a stark reminder that sin, even in leaders, has far-reaching consequences for the entire community. Thirdly, Joab's surprising interjection introduces the theme of **Unexpected Wisdom and Discernment**, demonstrating that even individuals with a reputation for ruthlessness can possess a spiritual sensitivity to God's will that surpasses that of the king. Joab's concern for the king's "delight" in the census points to the critical biblical principle that God examines not just actions, but the heart's motivations, a theme powerfully echoed in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart"), where the Lord tells Samuel, "For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **add (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** From H3254, this primitive root means "to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)." Joab's opening statement is a sincere blessing, a prayer that the LORD would continue to multiply the people, even "an hundredfold." This reflects a desire for the nation's prosperity and growth, aligning with God's covenant promises to Abraham to make his descendants numerous ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Joab's concern is not with the growth itself, which is a sign of divine favor, but with the king's underlying motive for counting it.
* **delight (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** From H2654, this primitive root means "properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire." This is a crucial word, as Joab's question, "but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?", probes beyond the mere action of the census to David's inner motivation and emotional inclination. It suggests that David's heart was set on something that was not pleasing to God, hinting at a deep-seated pride or misplaced confidence that Joab intuitively recognized. It implies David found personal satisfaction or self-glorification in the act, rather than seeking God's glory or genuine national benefit.
* **thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this word means "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause." In this context, "this thing" refers specifically to the census that David has commanded. Joab's use of this general term highlights his disapproval of the entire "matter" or "affair" of the census, emphasizing that it is not merely a procedural act but a significant issue with spiritual implications. It's the "thing" that reveals David's problematic "delight."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joab said unto the king":** This opening establishes the direct, confrontational nature of Joab's address. Despite David's absolute authority as king and Joab's position as his loyal, albeit ruthless, commander, Joab feels compelled to speak out. This indicates the gravity of the situation and his deep concern for the king and the nation. It is not a casual remark but a formal, weighty objection, demonstrating Joab's unusual spiritual sensitivity in this moment.
* **"Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see [it]:"**: Joab begins with a respectful and loyal blessing, invoking the name of the "LORD thy God." He acknowledges divine sovereignty and expresses a fervent wish for the continued, immense multiplication of Israel's population, emphasizing "an hundredfold" as a hyperbolic expression of abundant blessing. This part of his statement demonstrates his loyalty to David and his genuine desire for the nation's prosperity, aligning with God's covenant promises of fruitfulness. It also subtly highlights that the issue is not population growth itself, which is a blessing, but the *reason* for counting it.
* **"but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?"**: This is the pivotal rhetorical question that sharply shifts the tone from blessing to challenge. The conjunction "but" signals a strong contrast, introducing Joab's profound concern. He directly questions David's inner motivation, probing beyond the mere command itself. Joab perceives that David's "delight" in the census stems from a source other than God's glory or true national benefit, likely from pride or a desire to rely on human strength. This Joab intuitively understands as displeasing to God, revealing a surprising spiritual insight from a man often characterized by pragmatism and violence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Juxtaposition**, placing Joab's loyal blessing for the nation's multiplication directly against his challenging question regarding David's motivation. This stark contrast highlights the tension between outward appearance (a census, which could be legitimate) and inward intent (David's problematic "delight"). The phrase "but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?" functions as a potent **Rhetorical Question**. It is not asked to elicit information, but to express strong disapproval, to force David to confront his own heart, and to underscore the impropriety of the king's command. This question also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as Joab's clear unease and discernment hint at the negative consequences and divine judgment that will inevitably follow David's sinful act, setting the stage for the plague and atonement described later in the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the profound biblical truth that God is concerned not merely with our actions, but with the underlying motives of our hearts. Joab's surprising discernment, challenging David's "delight" rather than just the command itself, echoes the prophetic voice that often called Israel's kings to account for their inner posture before God. It underscores that reliance on human strength, numbers, or achievements, when it supplants humble trust in divine provision, constitutes a grave spiritual misstep. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale against pride and self-sufficiency, reminding us that true security and blessing come from dependence on the Lord, not from impressive statistics or worldly power. It reveals that even the most outwardly successful actions can be corrupted if the heart's intention is not aligned with God's will and glory.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart")
* [Proverbs 16:2](/proverbs/16-2 "Proverbs 16:2 - All a Person's Ways Seem Pure to Them")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots and Some in Horses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joab's courageous and discerning question to King David serves as a timeless reminder that our motives matter deeply to God. Even actions that appear neutral or beneficial on the surface can be tainted by pride, self-reliance, or a desire for human glory rather than God's. This passage calls us to a profound level of self-examination, urging us to ask ourselves, "Why do I delight in this thing?" when pursuing goals, whether in ministry, career, or personal life. Are we driven by a genuine desire to honor God and serve others, or by a subtle craving for recognition, control, or a sense of self-importance? Like David, we can be tempted to trust in our own resources, our numbers, or our achievements, rather than humbly depending on God's limitless power and provision. This verse challenges us to cultivate spiritual discernment, to listen to wise counsel even from unexpected sources, and to continually align our hearts with God's will, recognizing that true strength lies in humble reliance on Him alone. It prompts us to consider if our "delights" are truly God-honoring or if they subtly shift our trust from Him to ourselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What hidden motives might be driving my actions, even seemingly good ones, and how can I bring them before God for His scrutiny and purification?**
* **Am I truly trusting in God's provision and power in my life, or am I subtly relying on my own strength, resources, or impressive metrics for security and success?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment, like Joab, to recognize when my desires or actions might displease God, even if they seem rational or beneficial to me at first glance?**

### FAQ
**Why was David's census considered a sin?**

Answer: While censuses were conducted in Israel for legitimate purposes (e.g., military conscription in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The Census of Israel") and [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census")), David's census in 2 Samuel 24 was clearly portrayed as a sin. The text in [2 Samuel 24:1](/2_samuel/24-1 "2 Samuel 24:1 - The Lord's Anger Against Israel") states that "the anger of the LORD was again kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them to say, 'Go, number Israel and Judah.'" This suggests divine displeasure was already present, and the census became the vehicle for judgment. The sin was likely rooted in David's pride, a desire to boast in his vast kingdom and military strength, or a lack of trust in God's ability to protect and provide for Israel without reliance on human numbers. It represented a shift from humble dependence on God to self-reliance and a display of earthly power, which was an affront to the Lord who had promised to multiply and protect His people. The parallel account in [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David to Take a Census") further clarifies that Satan incited David, indicating a spiritual battle behind David's sinful inclination.

**What does Joab's reaction tell us about his character?**

Answer: Joab is often depicted as a ruthless, pragmatic, and sometimes morally ambiguous figure, known for his military prowess and decisive (often brutal) actions (e.g., his killing of Abner in [2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Kills Abner") and Amasa in [2 Samuel 20:10](/2_samuel/20-10 "2 Samuel 20:10 - Joab Kills Amasa")). However, in 2 Samuel 24:3, he displays a surprising and commendable spiritual insight. Despite his hardened nature, Joab recognizes the spiritual danger and impropriety of David's command, discerning that the king's "delight" in the census stemmed from a wrong motive. His willingness to challenge the king directly, even risking his position and the king's displeasure, reveals a deep loyalty to David and, more importantly, a profound concern for God's honor and the nation's well-being. This moment highlights Joab's complex character, demonstrating that even those less overtly spiritual or with a questionable moral record can sometimes perceive God's displeasure and offer wise counsel, serving as a reminder that God can use unexpected voices to speak truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's census, initiated by pride and leading to divine judgment and the need for atonement, ultimately points to humanity's profound need for a perfect King who would embody absolute trust in God. Unlike David, who succumbed to the temptation of relying on numbers and human strength, Jesus Christ, the Son of David and the King of kings, consistently demonstrated perfect humility and complete dependence on His Father. His kingdom is not built on earthly armies or impressive statistics, but on spiritual transformation and sacrificial love, as He Himself declared that His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Jesus never sought His own glory or "delighted" in self-aggrandizement; rather, He came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He perfectly fulfilled the trust in God that David lacked, becoming the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby providing the true and final atonement that David's sacrifice on Araunah's threshing floor merely foreshadowed. In Christ, God's people are truly numbered, not by human census for earthly power, but by divine grace, with their names eternally written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Lamb's Book of Life"), a testament to God's perfect and sufficient provision.

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!)

Psalms 115:14

The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

Isaiah 60:5

Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

Proverbs 14:28

¶ In the multitude of people [is] the king's honour: but in the want of people [is] the destruction of the prince.

2 Samuel 10:12

Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.

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?

1 Chronicles 21:4

Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.