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?" But Joab replied to the kingJoab, the commander of King David's army, is a significant figure in the narrative of 2 Samuel. His role as a military leader is well-documented, and his interactions with David often reveal his pragmatic and sometimes morally ambiguous nature. The Hebrew root for "replied" (עָנָה, 'anah) suggests a response or answer, indicating Joab's active engagement with the king's command. Historically, Joab's position allowed him to speak candidly with David, reflecting the trust and authority he held within the kingdom. May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over
This phrase reflects a blessing and a wish for divine favor. The invocation of "the LORD your God" underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing that any increase in military might should be attributed to divine providence rather than human effort. The concept of multiplying "a hundred times over" is hyperbolic, expressing a desire for abundant blessing. In the Hebrew context, such expressions of multiplication often signify completeness and divine favor, as seen in other scriptural blessings. and may the eyes of my lord the king see it
Joab's wish for David to witness the multiplication of troops is both a personal and national aspiration. The phrase "the eyes of my lord the king" highlights the personal involvement and responsibility of the king in the welfare of his people. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a king's ability to see and oversee his kingdom was crucial for maintaining order and prosperity. This wish implies a hope for David's continued leadership and success, aligning with the biblical theme of the king as God's appointed shepherd over Israel. But why does my lord the king want to do this?
Joab's question reveals his concern and perhaps his understanding of the potential consequences of David's decision. The Hebrew word for "want" (חָפֵץ, chafetz) conveys a sense of desire or delight, suggesting that David's motivation is being scrutinized. Joab's inquiry reflects a deeper moral and theological issue: the reliance on human strength versus trust in God's provision. This question foreshadows the subsequent events in the narrative, where David's census is seen as an act of pride or lack of faith, leading to divine judgment. Joab's challenge serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's will and wisdom in leadership decisions. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel who orders a census of the fighting men, an action that reflects a reliance on military strength rather than on God. 2. JoabThe commander of David's army, who questions the king's decision to conduct a census, showing his awareness of the potential spiritual implications. 3. The LORDThe God of Israel, whose will and commands are central to the account and whose displeasure with the census leads to consequences for Israel. 4. IsraelThe nation over which David reigns, affected by the king's decisions and the subsequent divine response. 5. CensusThe event ordered by David, which is seen as an act of pride or lack of trust in God, leading to divine judgment. Teaching Points Trust in God Over Human StrengthDavid's decision to count the troops reflects a reliance on human resources rather than divine provision. Believers are reminded to place their trust in God rather than in their own strength or resources. The Role of Wise CounselJoab's questioning of David's decision highlights the importance of listening to wise counsel. Christians should seek and heed godly advice, especially when making significant decisions. Consequences of DisobedienceThe account demonstrates that actions contrary to God's will can lead to severe consequences. It serves as a warning to remain obedient to God's commands. Repentance and RestorationAlthough not detailed in this specific verse, the broader context shows David's eventual repentance. This teaches the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking God's forgiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Joab's response to David's command reveal about his understanding of God's will and the potential consequences of the census? 2. How does the account of the census in 2 Samuel 24 compare to the instructions given in Exodus 30:12, and what can we learn about the importance of following God's commands precisely? 3. In what ways can we be tempted to rely on our own strength or resources instead of trusting in God, and how can we guard against this tendency? 4. How can we ensure that we are open to receiving and acting upon wise counsel from others, especially when it challenges our own plans or desires? 5. Reflecting on the broader account of 2 Samuel 24, what steps can we take to seek God's forgiveness and restoration when we recognize that we have acted outside of His will? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 21This parallel account provides additional details about the census and its consequences, including the role of Satan in inciting David. Exodus 30:12This verse outlines the proper way to conduct a census, emphasizing the need for atonement to prevent a plague, highlighting the spiritual oversight in David's action. Psalm 20:7This verse contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the LORD, underscoring the spiritual lesson of reliance on God rather than military might. People Araunah, Canaanites, Dan, David, Gad, Gadites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Joab, ZidonPlaces Aroer, Beersheba, Dan, Gilead, Jazer, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kadesh, Negeb, Sidon, TyreTopics Add, Delight, Desirous, However, Hundred, Hundredfold, Hundred-fold, Joab, Jo'ab, Multiply, Pleasure, Replied, Seeing, Soever, Troops, Whatever, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 24:3 1655 hundreds and thousands 2 Samuel 24:1-9 5249 census 2 Samuel 24:1-16 7236 Israel, united kingdom 2 Samuel 24:1-17 5087 David, reign of Library The Exile --Continued.
We have one psalm which the title connects with the beginning of David's stay at Adullam,--the thirty-fourth. The supposition that it dates from that period throws great force into many parts of it, and gives a unity to what is else apparently fragmentary and disconnected. Unlike those already considered, which were pure soliloquies, this is full of exhortation and counsel, as would naturally be the case if it were written when friends and followers began to gather to his standard. It reads like …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of DavidThe Universal Chorus
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that stteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. M en have generally agreed to dignify their presumptuous and arrogant ^* disquisitions on the works and ways of God, with the name of wisdom ; though the principles upon which they proceed, and the conclusions which they draw from …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Consolations against Impatience in Sickness.
If in thy sickness by extremity of pain thou be driven to impatience, meditate-- 1. That thy sins have deserved the pains of hell; therefore thou mayest with greater patience endure these fatherly corrections. 2. That these are the scourges of thy heavenly Father, and the rod is in his hand. If thou didst suffer with reverence, being a child, the corrections of thy earthly parents, how much rather shouldst thou now subject thyself, being the child of God, to the chastisement of thy heavenly Father, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
As the cooled earth no longer permits us to understand the phenomena of primitive creation, because the fire which penetrated it is extinct, so deliberate explanations have always appeared somewhat insufficient when applying our timid methods of induction to the revolutions of the creative epochs which have decided the fate of humanity. Jesus lived at one of those times when the game of public life is freely played, and when the stake of human activity is increased a hundredfold. Every great part, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus Of Love to God
I proceed to the second general branch of the text. The persons interested in this privilege. They are lovers of God. "All things work together for good, to them that love God." Despisers and haters of God have no lot or part in this privilege. It is children's bread, it belongs only to them that love God. Because love is the very heart and spirit of religion, I shall the more fully treat upon this; and for the further discussion of it, let us notice these five things concerning love to God. 1. The …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 24:3 NIV2 Samuel 24:3 NLT2 Samuel 24:3 ESV2 Samuel 24:3 NASB2 Samuel 24:3 KJV
2 Samuel 24:3 Commentaries
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