“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?”
Context:The verse is part of the account of King David’s decision to conduct a census of the people of Israel and Judah. Joab, the commander of David’s army, questions the king’s motives behind this action.
Key Points:
- David’s Desire for a Census:David’s decision to conduct a census was a controversial move. In the ancient Near East, a census was typically conducted to assess military strength or to impose taxes on the population. However, David’s motives behind the census are not explicitly stated in the text. Some scholars suggest that he may have wanted to gauge the size of his army or determine the potential resources at his disposal.
- Joab’s Concern:Joab, in his response to David, questions the necessity and motive behind the census. He wonders why David takes delight in this action, implying that he sees it as unnecessary or potentially problematic. Joab’s concern may stem from the fact that conducting a census could be perceived as an act of pride or self-reliance, indicating a lack of trust in God’s providence.
- David’s Response and Consequences:After Joab voices his concern, David’s heart smote him, recognizing the gravity of his decision. Later, the prophet Gad delivers a message from God to David, offering him three options for punishment due to his census. David chooses to fall into the hand of the Lord rather than that of men, and as a result, a severe plague befalls the nation, resulting in the loss of many lives. David eventually repents and pleads with God for mercy.
Lessons and Applications:
- Trust in God’s Providence:The story highlights the importance of trusting in God’s provision and guidance rather than relying solely on human strength or resources. It serves as a reminder that our confidence should be in God rather than in our own abilities or accomplishments.
- The Consequences of Pride:David’s decision to conduct the census is seen as an act of pride, where he takes delight in the size of his kingdom and military might. The subsequent consequences emphasize the importance of humility and recognizing our dependence on God.
- Repentance and Mercy:David’s response to the consequences of his actions demonstrates the importance of genuine repentance and seeking God’s mercy. Despite the severity of the punishment, David pleads for mercy, acknowledging his wrongdoing.
- The Role of God’s Prophets:The prophet Gad plays a crucial role in this narrative by conveying God’s message to David. It highlights the importance of heeding the counsel of God’s chosen messengers and seeking their guidance in making decisions.
