The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 594

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vera. 1, 2 (1 Chron. xx.i. 1, 2).-(JERUSALEM.) A sinful census. 1. This census appears to have been ordered by David in one of the later years of his life. The word "again" (ver. 1) indicates that it was subsequent to the famine (eh. xx:i. 1, 14; ver. 25); and a. measure that occupied Joab and the captains of the host nine months and twenty days could only have been accomplished during a time of settled peace, such As succeeded the rebellions of Abs&lom and Sheba. "Three great external calamities are recorded in David's reign, which may be regarded as marking its beginning, its middle, and its close--a three years' famine, a three months' exile, a three days' pestilence" (Stanley). No man, however advanced in life, or whatever the wisdom he may have" learnt by experience," is wholly ex.empt from the power of temptation. 2. It was a census of those who were capable of bearing arms (ver. 9), and of the nature of a military organization (eh. viii. 15-18). "But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under," etc. (1 Chron. xx.vii. 23, 24). The result 11howed a great increase of the people-800,000 (1,100,000) warriors of Israel, 500,000 (470,000) of Judah, omitting Levi and Benjamin (1 Chron. x.xi. 6); representing a population of about five millions. 3. Its direct and declared object was that David might "know the number of the people," or become fully acquainted with its military strength, "its defensive power" (Keil). Of any additiona.l object, except what is implied in the words of Joab, "Why does my lord the king del,ight in this thing?" nothlng is stated. 4. It, nevertheless, was wrong and exceedingly sinful. This is evident, not only from the ex.postulation of Joab, but also from the confession of David himself (ver. 10), and the Divine chastisement that followed. Wherein consisted his sin? A census was not in itself and always sinful; for it had been expressly directed by God (Exod. u:x. 11-16; xx.xvili. 26; Numb. i. 2; uvi. 1--4, 63-65), and it was (as it still is) attended with important advantages. But this census was determined upon by David, (1) apparently without due inquiry, by means of oracle (1 Chron. xxi. 30) or prophet (ver. 11), concerning the will of the Divine King of Israel; without adequate grounds in relation to the welfare of the people; and without proper consideration of the danger of promoting a spirit of pride, and producing other evil consequences (Exod. xxx. 11, 12). "David forgot the commands of Moses, who told them_ beforeh3:11J. tha~ if the multitude were numbered, they should pay half a shekel (the pnce of a sm offering) to God for every head" (Josephus). In its omission "he invaded the rights of the supreme King of Israel, and set aside a positive command of God. The demanding the tax by his own authority might have created a national disturbance, and therefore should have prevented him from numbering his people" (Chandler). (2) Probably with warlike ~houghts and intentions, for the strengtheni.p~ of the ~rmy and the further extension of lL SAMUEL, • 2B  810 THE SEOOND DOOK OF MAMUEL. (on. xxrv. l-2G,