1 Chronicles 21:5 is a verse situated within the narrative of King David's census of Israel, a significant event recorded in the Old Testament. This verse is part of a larger passage that details the consequences of David's actions and the divine response to his decision to number the people of Israel.

Text of 1 Chronicles 21:5 :
"Joab reported to David the total number of the troops. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah."

Context and Analysis:
The context of 1 Chronicles 21:5 is crucial for understanding its significance. The chapter begins with Satan inciting David to take a census of Israel, an act that was seen as a demonstration of pride and reliance on military strength rather than trust in God. Despite Joab's objections, David insists on conducting the census.

The verse itself provides the results of the census, as reported by Joab, the commander of David's army. The numbers reflect the military strength of Israel and Judah, with 1,100,000 men in Israel and 470,000 in Judah who were capable of wielding a sword. These figures underscore the substantial size of the nation's military forces at the time.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the census represents a moment of spiritual failure for David. The act of numbering the people was not inherently wrong, but David's motivation and the manner in which it was conducted were problematic. It suggested a shift in David's trust from God to human resources and military might. This reliance on human strength rather than divine providence was contrary to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where God was to be their ultimate protector and provider.

The consequences of this act were severe. God, displeased with David's decision, offered him a choice of three punishments: three years of famine, three months of defeat by enemies, or three days of plague. David chose to fall into the hands of the Lord, resulting in a devastating plague that claimed the lives of 70,000 men in Israel (1 Chronicles 21:14).

Historical and Literary Considerations:
The Chronicler, the author of 1 Chronicles, presents this narrative with a focus on the spiritual lessons to be learned from Israel's history. The account parallels the narrative found in 2 Samuel 24, though with some variations in detail and emphasis. The Chronicler's version highlights the role of divine judgment and mercy, as well as the importance of repentance and atonement.

Conclusion:
1 Chronicles 21:5 serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and self-reliance. It illustrates the importance of placing trust in God rather than in human strength or numbers. The verse, and the surrounding narrative, calls believers to reflect on their own sources of security and to seek God's guidance and forgiveness in times of moral and spiritual failure.1100000 (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 21:5
Joab gave up the sum of the numbering of the people to David. All those of Israel were one million one hundred thousand men who drew sword: and in Judah were four hundred seventy thousand men who drew sword.
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1100000 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 1100000 (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 21:5 Joab
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