Joab the son of Zeruiah began to take a census, but didn’t finish; and wrath came on Israel for this. The number wasn’t put into the account in the chronicles of King David.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 24. Number, those above 20; but he acted with reluctance, ( Tirinus.) and the wrath of heaven prevented the entire completion of the king’s order. Calmet. 21:6 and 2 Kennicott. 24:9.—David. It would hence appear that the list was perfected, but not delivered to the king. The commissioners retained some of the lists; and, perhaps from these, Esdras has inserted what relates to Benjamin, (Calmet. 7:6) as the account was not given in Calmet. 21:6. Calmet.—This list may, however, have been made at another time; as we are informed that Benjamin and Levi were not numbered. Bible.—The Book of Kings, where we find it, is therefore a different work. D.