King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:1 Mean?

2 Samuel 24:1 in the King James Version says “And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel an...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 24:1 · KJV

Context

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

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. Go: or, Compass

3

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?

Read 2 Samuel 24 full chapter

Commentary

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

This verse contributes to the narrative of Census and Plague, emphasizing pride, judgment, provision. David's census represents prideful self-reliance rather than dependence on God. The plague's devastation demonstrates sin's consequences extending beyond the sinner. David's purchase of Araunah's threshing floor and sacrifice there establishes the future temple location. Theological themes include the danger of pride, corporate consequences of leaders' sins, the necessity of proper sacrifice, God's mercy in limiting judgment, and divine purpose even in disciplinary actions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 24 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding pride, judgment, provision provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of pride, judgment, provision?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּ֙סֶף֙1 of 16

“And again”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

אַף2 of 16

“the anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לַֽחֲר֖וֹת4 of 16

“was kindled”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל5 of 16

“Israel”

H3478

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

וַיָּ֨סֶת6 of 16

“and he moved”

H5496

properly, to prick, i.e., (figuratively) stimulate; by implication, to seduce

אֶת7 of 16
H853

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

דָּוִ֤ד8 of 16

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בָּהֶם֙9 of 16
H0
לֵאמֹ֔ר10 of 16

“against them to say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֵ֛ךְ11 of 16
H1980

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

מְנֵ֥ה12 of 16

“number”

H4487

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

אֶת13 of 16
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל14 of 16

“Israel”

H3478

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

וְאֶת15 of 16
H853

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

יְהוּדָֽה׃16 of 16

“and Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 24:1 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 2 Samuel 24:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 21:11 Chronicles 27:23-24James 1:13-14Genesis 50:201 Kings 22:20-232 Samuel 16:10

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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