King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 27:23 Mean?
“But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.”
Context
21
Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner:
22
Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel.
23
But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.
24
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. was: Heb. ascended
25
And over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(23) **But David took** (Numbers 3:40, *nāsā’mispar*) **not the number of them.**—This and the next verse contain concluding remarks on the two lists communicated in 1Chronicles 27:1-22. The heading of the chapter professes that the “sons of Israel, *according to their number*,” is the subject in hand. This appended note limits that statement to those who were above “twenty years old,” that is, to those who were of the military age. The reference is undoubtedly to the census, of which 1 Chronicles 21 gave the account; and it is evident that one of the main objects of that census was the military and political organisation here so scantily and obscurely described.
**Because the Lord had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.**—The reason why David restricted the census to those who were capable of bearing arms (see Genesis 15:5; Genesis 22:17). The idea implied seems to be that to attempt to number Israel would be to evince a distrust of Jehovah’s faithfulness; and, perhaps, that such an attempt could not possibly succeed.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 27:23 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 27:23
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge