1 Chronicles 27:23
David did not count the men aged twenty or under, because the LORD had said that He would make Israel as numerous as the stars of the sky.
Yet David did not count
This phrase highlights King David's decision to refrain from conducting a census of certain individuals. In the Hebrew context, the act of counting or taking a census was often associated with military or administrative purposes. However, it also carried spiritual implications, as it could imply a reliance on human strength rather than divine providence. David's choice here reflects a conscious decision to trust in God's promises rather than in numerical strength.

the men twenty years of age or younger
In ancient Israel, the age of twenty was significant as it marked the beginning of military service and full adult responsibilities. By not counting those under this age, David acknowledges a divine principle that values potential and future promise over immediate strength. This decision underscores a reliance on God's timing and provision, recognizing that the future of Israel rests in God's hands, not in the current military might.

because the LORD had promised
This phrase is pivotal, as it anchors David's actions in the faithfulness of God. The Hebrew word for "promised" conveys a sense of a solemn vow or covenant. David's decision is not arbitrary but is deeply rooted in the assurance of God's unchanging word. It reflects a deep trust in the divine promises that have been a cornerstone of Israel's identity and history.

to make Israel as numerous as the stars of the sky
This promise echoes the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 15:5, where God assured Abraham that his descendants would be as countless as the stars. This imagery of the stars serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to fulfill His promises beyond human comprehension. It speaks to the vastness and the divine blessing upon Israel, emphasizing that their strength and future are secured not by human efforts but by God's sovereign will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God and leadership. In this context, he is organizing the military and administrative divisions of Israel.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob. Here, it is the focus of God's promise of growth and blessing.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who made promises to the patriarchs about the growth and prosperity of their descendants.

4. Promise of Multiplication
Refers to God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would be as numerous as the stars.
Teaching Points
Faith in God's Promises
David's decision not to count the young men reflects his faith in God's promise. We are called to trust in God's promises, even when we cannot see their fulfillment immediately.

God's Sovereignty and Timing
The fulfillment of God's promises is in His timing. We must learn to wait on the Lord and trust His perfect plan for our lives.

Avoiding Self-Reliance
By not counting the young men, David avoids relying on human strength and numbers. We should also avoid placing our trust in worldly measures of success and instead rely on God's provision.

Generational Faithfulness
The promise to make Israel numerous was not just for David's time but for future generations. We should live in a way that honors God's promises for future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's decision not to count the young men demonstrate his faith in God's promises?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of trusting in God's promises in our daily lives?

3. How does the promise of multiplication to Israel connect with God's promises to us today?

4. What are some areas in our lives where we might be tempted to rely on human strength rather than God's provision?

5. How can we ensure that our faithfulness impacts future generations, in light of God's promises?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 15:5
God's promise to Abraham about his descendants being as numerous as the stars, which is the foundational promise referenced in 1 Chronicles 27:23.

Exodus 32:13
Moses reminds God of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Israel about multiplying their descendants, showing the continuity of this promise throughout Israel's history.

Hebrews 11:12
The New Testament reflection on the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, emphasizing faith in God's promises.
God's Promises Checking Man's WilfulnessR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 27:23
The Increase of IsraelJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 27:23
The Army, Tribal Princes, Royal PossessionsF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 27:1-34
Wisdom, Kindness, and FollyW. Clarkson, B. A.1 Chronicles 27:1-34
Wisdom, Kindness, and FollyW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 27:1-34
People
Aaron, Aaronites, Abiathar, Abiezer, Abner, Adiel, Adlai, Ahithophel, Ammizabad, Arkite, Asahel, Azareel, Azaziah, Azmaveth, Azriel, Baalhanan, Benaiah, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Chelub, Dan, David, Dodai, Eleazar, Eliezer, Elihu, Ezri, Hachmoni, Hanan, Hashabiah, Heldai, Helez, Hosea, Hoshea, Hushai, Iddo, Ikkesh, Ira, Ishmaiah, Israelites, Issachar, Jaasiel, Jashobeam, Jaziz, Jehdeiah, Jehiel, Jehoiada, Jehonathan, Jeremoth, Jerimoth, Jeroham, Joab, Joash, Joel, Jonathan, Kemuel, Levi, Levites, Maacah, Maachah, Maharai, Manasseh, Michael, Mikloth, Naphtali, Obadiah, Obil, Omri, Othniel, Pedaiah, Perez, Reubenites, Shamhuth, Shaphat, Shephatiah, Shimei, Shitrai, Sibbecai, Sibbechai, Simeonites, Uzziah, Zabdi, Zabdiel, Zadok, Zarhites, Zebadiah, Zebulun, Zechariah, Zerahites, Zeruiah, Zichri
Places
Anathoth, Gilead, Jerusalem, Netophah, Pirathon, Sharon, Shephelah
Topics
Age, Below, Count, David, Didn't, Heaven, Heavens, Increase, Less, Multiply, Numerous, Promised, Sky, Stars, Twenty
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 27:23

     1654   numbers, 11-99
     1655   hundreds and thousands
     4281   stars

Library
Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Chronicles 27:23 NIV
1 Chronicles 27:23 NLT
1 Chronicles 27:23 ESV
1 Chronicles 27:23 NASB
1 Chronicles 27:23 KJV

1 Chronicles 27:23 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 27:22
Top of Page
Top of Page