1 Chronicles 21:2

1Ch 21:2 And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know [it].

Ver. 2. That I may know it.] But what needs that, now that there was a general aut pax aut pactio, peace or truce with all nations? Curiosity it was, at least: yea, it was pride and creature confidence that pricked David on to this numbering of the people, and made him so peremptory. The herbalists write of a certain plant which they call the Devil’s bit: because, being of sovereign use for mankind, the devil is thought, by simple people, of malice to bite off the root of it, which is found very small, or none at all. Humility is like unto this root, and may be called devil’s bit: not because he can ever bite it off, but for that he never leaveth nibbling at it.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

That is, from South to North.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

(2) And to the rulers (captains) of the people.—Omitted in Samuel, which reads, “Joab, the captain of the host, who was with him.” The “captains of the host” are, however, associated in the work of the census with Joab (2Sa_24:4). The fact that Joab and his staff were deputed to take the census seems to prove that it was of a military character.

Go.—Plural.

Number.—Enrol, or register (sifrû). A different word (mânâh) is used in 1Ch_21:1, and in the parallel place. Samuel has, “Run over, I pray, all the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba,” using the very word (shût) which, in the prologue of Job (1Ch_1:7; 1Ch_2:2) Satan uses of his own wanderings over the earth.

From Beersheba even to Dan.—As if the party were to proceed from south to north. (See 1Ch_21:4.) The reverse order is usual. (See Jdg_20:1; 1Sa_3:20.)

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

2. to Joab] The object being to number “those who drew sword,” the captain of the host was the most suitable person to entrust with the business.

rulers] R.V. princes.

from Beer-sheba even to Dan] From the extreme south even unto the extreme north of the land.

Dan] The modern Tell-el-Kâdî, about forty minutes distance from Bâniâs (Paneas), north of Lake Huleh (Waters of Merom). Bädeker, p. 264.

that I may know it] Either with a view to imposing a tax or to undertaking some fresh great military expedition.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And to the rulers of the people. So Num_1:4, "And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers" (see also 1Ch_27:22-24; 2Sa_24:4, 2Sa_24:5)

The sin of self-gratulation.

The narrative does not clearly and explicitly state David"s intention in thus commanding a census of the people to be made. Probably he desired to know the numbers of the people of his kingdom as it had been extended by successful war; but this he wished rather for his own self-glorying than for national purposes. It was an act of self-will, and it failed from full loyalty to the theocratic idea which had been so well maintained during David"s reign. In just this lay its sin and its mischief. Dean Stanley calls the taking of this census "an attempt not unnaturally suggested by the increase of his power, but implying a confidence and pride alien to the spirit inculcated on the kings of the chosen people. The apprehension of a Nemesis on any overweening display of prosperity, if not consistent with the highest revelations of the Divine nature in the gospel, pervades all ancient, especially all Oriental, religions." And Ewald says, "The only satisfactory explanation of this measure is that it was intended as the foundation of an organized and vigorous government, like that of Egypt or Phoenicia, under which the exact number of the houses and inhabitants of every city and village would have to be obtained so as to be able to summon the people for general taxation. But it is well known what a profound aversion and what an instinctive abhorrence certain nations, ancient and modern, harbour against any such design which they dimly suspect, not perhaps without good reason, is likely to result in a dangerous extension of the governing power, and its encroachment on the sanctity of the private home." We may notice what peril often lies in the return of temptation upon a man after he has conquered it. David had warred in loyal dependence on God, but he fell when attempting to gather up the results of his victory. A camp is never so exposed to attack as in the time of exhaustion and over-confidence that immediately succeeds a victory. Illustrate from the power that lies in the backward suck of a broken wave.

I SELF-GRATULATION ON ACCOUNT OF RESULTS OF LABOUR. Compare Nebuchadnezzar"s boasting over great Babylon. Contrast the spirit manifested in St. Paul"s boastings. He says, "By the grace of God I am what I am." Show how keen we are for results, both in business and in religious spheres. The miser delights to count up his hoards, and the religious man is in peril of self-satisfaction in reckoning up his converts. Few of us can bear to have the true fruitage of our life-labour shown us yet; and we learn to think it most wise and good of our great Master that he puts off the harvest-day until by-and-by. Then we may venture to come "bringing our sheaves with us." Enough now for us is the joy of workers in their work.

II SELF-GRATULATION ON ACCOUNT OF SPIRITUAL TRIUMPHS. Illustrate from the peril of the hermit, monk, or nun; persons who devote themselves wholly to spiritual culture. Show that the humility they seek is ever slipping from their grasp, and subtle pride is asserting its place. St. Simeon Stylites on his pillar was probably prouder than any king. And so now exclusive attention to the training of feelings and emotions tends to self-gratulation. Perhaps more men are proud of their goodness than proud of their greatness. Against this subtle and insidious form of evil we all need to watch. And the great Heart-searcher needs to cleanse the very thoughts and heart, finding out for us our secret wicked ways.

III The SINFULNESS of all self-gratulation is seen in the evil influence of it on others. Some it excites to imitations. Others it impresses with our insincerity, and so with an idea of the worthlessness of all religion. It prevents our exercising a good influence on others. Nothing more certainly shuts up a man"s power than the impression he may produce of his pride and self-conceit. Whatever we may win, one law applies dont boast.

R.T.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.