1 Chronicles 21:4 kjv
Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 21:4 nkjv
Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came to Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 21:4 niv
The king's word, however, overruled Joab; so Joab left and went throughout Israel and then came back to Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 21:4 esv
But the king's word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came back to Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 21:4 nlt
But the king insisted that they take the census, so Joab traveled throughout all Israel to count the people. Then he returned to Jerusalem
1 Chronicles 21 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sam 24:4 | Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed... | Parallel account, shows Joab's reluctance again. |
| 1 Chr 21:2 | "Go, number Israel... so that I may know the number." | David's initial sinful command. |
| 1 Chr 21:3 | Joab objects to David's command... why should this be a cause of guilt? | Joab's clear counsel and recognition of the sin. |
| 1 Chr 21:7 | But God was displeased... and struck Israel. | Divine disapproval of the census. |
| 2 Sam 12:9 | "Why have you despised the word of the LORD?" | Contrast to obeying human word that displeases God. |
| Ps 51:4 | "Against you, you only, have I sinned..." | David's subsequent repentance for his actions. |
| Prov 12:15 | The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. | David's refusal of good counsel. |
| Prov 15:22 | Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. | Lack of listening to wise advice here. |
| Prov 1:25 | "Because you ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof." | Rejection of wisdom's reproof. |
| Jer 17:5 | "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength..." | Reliance on human strength/numbers vs. God. |
| Ps 20:7 | Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD. | Contrast of trust in military strength. |
| Ps 33:16 | The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength. | God's power over human might. |
| Zech 4:6 | "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts." | God's way is not human power. |
| Rom 13:1 | Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. | General principle of submitting to authority. |
| Acts 5:29 | But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men." | Limits of obedience to human authority when it conflicts with God's. |
| Deut 17:19-20 | He shall read it all the days of his life... so that he may not turn aside... | King's responsibility to obey God's law. |
| Esth 8:8 | A document written in the king's name... may not be revoked. | Power and irrevocability of a king's command. |
| Gen 41:40 | "...only in the throne will I be greater than you." | Pharaoh's absolute authority acknowledged. |
| Josh 1:7-8 | Only be strong and very courageous... so that you may prosper... | Exhortation to obey God's commands. |
| Judg 21:6 | And the people had compassion... saying, "One tribe is cut off..." | The result of poor decisions affecting the whole nation. |
1 Chronicles 21 verses
1 Chronicles 21 4 Meaning
This verse describes the moment King David's authoritative command to take a census of Israel ultimately superseded the strong objection and wise counsel of his trusted military commander, Joab. Despite Joab's clear articulation of the potential sinfulness and futility of the census, David's will prevailed, compelling Joab to execute the king's directive throughout the land. It signifies the point of no return for David's ill-advised decision, setting in motion the chain of events that would lead to divine judgment.
1 Chronicles 21 4 Context
Chapter 21 of 1 Chronicles narrates King David's fateful decision to conduct a census of Israel, an act motivated by pride and reliance on human numbers rather than divine provision. This particular verse, 1 Chronicles 21:4, falls after Joab's impassioned plea and stern warning against the census, which he correctly identifies as bringing guilt upon Israel. It details how, despite Joab's strong opposition and valid reasons for not proceeding, David's royal decree held sway. This set in motion the practical execution of a command that directly displeased the Lord, leading to severe divine judgment in the form of a devastating plague upon Israel. The historical context shows ancient Near Eastern kings often conducted censuses for military conscription, taxation, or national organization. However, David's census, as portrayed in this account and its parallel in 2 Samuel 24, appears to have stemmed from a lack of faith, likely a desire to count his fighting men rather than trusting God for victory and security, making it a presumptuous act in God's eyes.
1 Chronicles 21 4 Word analysis
- However (wĕ- / וְ): This conjunctive particle often means "and" but here serves as an adversative, signifying a strong contrast or opposition to what was just stated (Joab's passionate dissuasion). It highlights that despite the convincing argument, the subsequent action moved in the opposite direction.
- the king’s word (dĕvar ha-melekh / דְבַר הַמֶּלֶךְ):
- dĕvar (word/command/matter): Carries significant weight, embodying the king's direct and authoritative instruction. It implies not just an utterance but an effectual command with legal and binding force.
- ha-melekh (the king): Refers specifically to King David. In ancient Israel, the king's command was supreme, short of contradicting direct divine law, and held absolute authority over his subjects.
- prevailed (yekhol / יָכֹל): This verb means "to be able," "to be strong enough," "to overcome," or "to prevail." Here, it signifies that David's command exerted greater force or authority than Joab's objections, effectively overriding them. It denotes the successful assertion of power and will.
- against Joab (’al Yo’av / עַל יוֹאָב): This indicates that the king's word overcame Joab's resistance directly. It wasn't merely a suggestion; it was a confrontational overcoming of Joab's established position. Joab, David's shrewd and often ruthless commander, who frequently acted on his own initiative (e.g., Absalom's death), here finds himself powerless against David's absolute will, showing the limits of even a powerful subordinate’s authority.
- So Joab departed (wayyēṣe Yo’av / וַיֵּצֵא יוֹאָב): Signifies Joab's obedience, however reluctant. "Departed" marks the initiation of the census-taking process, leaving Jerusalem to begin the arduous task. It indicates compliance following the failure of his protest.
- and went through (wayyēhalekh / וַיֵּלֶךְ): Describes the act of traversing or passing through. It conveys the systematic nature of the census, covering widespread territory, indicating its comprehensive scope.
- all Israel (b'khol Yiśra’el / בְּכָל־יִשְׂרָאֵל): Refers to the entire nation of Israel. This detail emphasizes the expansive scope of the census, affecting the whole populace and encompassing every tribal territory designated for enumeration, except Levi and Benjamin as noted in later verses.
- and came to Jerusalem (wayyāvo' Yĕrûshālayim / וַיָּבֹא יְרוּשָׁלַיִם): This phrase indicates the completion of Joab's task. Returning to Jerusalem, the capital and seat of David's authority, signals that the census was finished and its results were ready to be presented. It marks the conclusion of the commissioned work.
- "the king's word prevailed against Joab": This phrase captures the essential conflict and its resolution. It highlights the tension between righteous counsel (Joab's warning against guilt) and ultimate royal authority (David's absolute command). Despite Joab's wisdom, his position was subordinate to the king's definitive will. This outcome, tragically, implies that David's sinful inclination overruled better judgment.
- "So Joab departed and went through all Israel and came to Jerusalem": This segment outlines the complete execution of the king's command. Joab's movement "through all Israel" shows the comprehensive reach of the census. His final return "to Jerusalem" signifies the fulfillment of his duty and the culmination of David's decision, ready for consequences. The narrative moves from resistance to resigned action, depicting the effective power of David’s authority.
1 Chronicles 21 4 Bonus section
The Chronicler's specific mention of "Satan" inciting David in 1 Chronicles 21:1 (vs. "the anger of the LORD" in 2 Samuel 24:1) adds another layer to this verse. It suggests that while David exercised his free will, his decision to reject Joab's sound counsel and proceed with the census was ultimately influenced by a malevolent spiritual force. This intensifies the tragedy of "the king’s word prevailed," as it was not merely a king overriding a servant, but a king influenced by evil overriding wisdom. The emphasis on "all Israel" highlights that David's decision and Joab's compelled action brought guilt upon the entire nation, reinforcing the corporate responsibility inherent in Israel's covenant with God. The omission of Levi and Benjamin from the census in 1 Chronicles 21:6, compared to the parallel account, highlights the Chronicler's focus on the purity of the priestly tribe and the historical preservation of the smallest tribe, perhaps showing a glimmer of adherence to God's law or a lingering consciousness of divine exceptions, despite the overarching disobedience.
1 Chronicles 21 4 Commentary
This verse serves as the turning point in the narrative of David's census. It's a poignant depiction of the limitations of wise counsel when confronted with determined royal authority. Joab, known for his pragmatic and sometimes brutal actions, remarkably emerges here as the voice of reason and moral discernment, foreseeing the sin and guilt associated with the census. His protest was not based on insubordination but a genuine understanding of potential spiritual harm to the nation. However, David's kingly will, even when flawed and proceeding from an ungodly impulse, overpowered Joab’s warnings. This showcases the significant power invested in a king's command in ancient Israel and the profound responsibility that came with such power. The ultimate consequence of David's word prevailing was divine displeasure and a widespread plague, underscoring that human authority, even royal, does not override God's law or bring blessing if it operates against His will. This account therefore warns against the dangers of stubbornness in leadership and valuing one's own agenda above divine wisdom, even if conveyed through a subordinate.