Old Testament
1 Chronicles 27:24
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, Joab, who was a military leader, started counting the people of Israel.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Joab son of Zeruiah began to take a census but did not finish, because wrath fell against Israel for it; the number was not recorded in the chronicles of King David.
Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Joab, who was a military leader, started counting the people of Israel. However, he didn’t complete the task. This was because God was displeased with the census, which led to anger against the nation. As a result, the final count was never recorded in the official records of King David. This incident highlights the importance of obedience to God’s will. Joab’s actions, though seemingly practical, were not aligned with God’s desires. The consequences of his incomplete task serve as a reminder that our actions can have significant implications. It’s crucial to consider how our decisions align with our values and beliefs. This story encourages us to reflect on our motivations and the potential impact of our choices on ourselves and others. Ultimately, it teaches us that some tasks may not be worth pursuing if they go against what is right and just in the eyes of God. We should seek guidance in our endeavors to ensure they are in harmony with our principles.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Chronicles 27:24 to your life
When faced with decisions, consider how they align with your values. Reflect on the potential consequences of your actions. Sometimes, it’s better to pause and seek guidance rather than rush into something that may not be right. Prioritize what truly matters in your life and choices. Trust your instincts and values to guide you forward in a meaningful way.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 27:24 mean?
1 Chronicles 27:24 describes how Joab, a military leader, began a census of Israel but did not complete it due to God's anger over the action. This verse emphasizes the importance of following God's will and the consequences of actions that go against it.
Why did Joab not finish the census in 1 Chronicles 27:24?
Joab did not finish the census because God was displeased with the counting of the people, which resulted in wrath against Israel. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for obedience to God's commands.
What is the significance of the census in 1 Chronicles 27:24?
The census in 1 Chronicles 27:24 is significant because it illustrates Joab's failure to heed God's will, leading to divine displeasure. The incomplete count highlights the consequences of actions that do not align with God's desires.
What can we learn from 1 Chronicles 27:24?
From 1 Chronicles 27:24, we learn the importance of aligning our decisions with our values and beliefs. It teaches us to consider the potential consequences of our actions and to seek guidance before proceeding with tasks that may not be right.

The Book of 1 Chronicles
Genealogies (Chs 1–9)
The record begins with the line from Adam to Noah and his sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The descendants of Japheth are listed, followed by the descendants of Ham, which include Nimrod, a mighty one in the earth, and the ancestors of the Philistines. The line of Shem is traced down to Abram, who is Abraham. The sons of Abraham—Ishmael and Isaac—are named, along with the sons of Abraham’s concubine Keturah. The generations of Ishmael are listed, followed by the descendants of Isaac’s son Esau, including the dukes and early kings of Edom.
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