King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 21:2 Mean?

1 Chronicles 21:2 in the King James Version says “And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the numb...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.”

1 Chronicles 21:2 · KJV

Context

1

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

2

And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.

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?

4

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ bears judgment for sin on our behalf.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of David's census and divine judgment occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Even godly leaders sin and face consequences challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ bears judgment for sin on our behalf teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֤יד2 of 20

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָב֙4 of 20

“to Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וְאֶל5 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׂרֵ֣י6 of 20

“and to the rulers”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הָעָ֔ם7 of 20

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְכ֗וּ8 of 20
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

סִפְרוּ֙9 of 20

“number”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

אֶת10 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל11 of 20

“Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מִבְּאֵ֥ר12 of 20
H0
שֶׁ֖בַע13 of 20

“from Beersheba”

H884

beer-sheba, a place in palestine

וְעַד14 of 20
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

דָּ֑ן15 of 20

“even to Dan”

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

וְהָבִ֣יאוּ16 of 20

“and bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלַ֔י17 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאֵֽדְעָ֖ה18 of 20

“of them to me that I may know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת19 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִסְפָּרָֽם׃20 of 20

“the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 21:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 21:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 27:23-24Judges 20:12 Samuel 17:112 Corinthians 12:7Deuteronomy 8:13-171 Samuel 3:20

Places in This Verse

Beersheba 1Settlement · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E23 verses across 10 books
DanSettlement · Modern: Tel Dan · 33.25°N, 35.65°E25 verses across 12 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 21 →

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