Old Testament
2 Samuel 24:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Once again the LORD's anger burned against Israel. He stirred up David against them, saying, "Go and count the people of Israel and Judah."
Compare translations
And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
What 2 Samuel 24:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a moment of tension between God and Israel. The LORD's anger is ignited once more, indicating that something has gone wrong in the relationship between the people and their Creator. To address this, God prompts King David to take a census of the Israelites. This act of counting the people may seem straightforward, but it carries deeper implications about trust and reliance on God. By focusing on numbers, David might be tempted to rely on military strength rather than on God’s guidance. This moment serves as a reminder that our actions can have significant consequences, especially when they stem from a place of pride or self-sufficiency. It challenges us to reflect on where we place our trust and how we measure success. Ultimately, this story illustrates the importance of humility and dependence on God in all aspects of life, rather than merely counting our resources or achievements. It invites us to seek God’s will above our own understanding.
How to apply 2 Samuel 24:1 to your life
This passage encourages us to examine our own lives and where we place our trust. Are we counting our achievements and resources instead of relying on God? Let this be a reminder to seek God’s guidance in our decisions and to prioritize our relationship with Him over worldly measures of success. Trust in God leads to true strength and fulfillment.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Samuel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: The Census and the Threshing Floor (2 Samuel 24:1–25)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Samuel 24:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Samuel 24:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Samuel 24:1 mean?
2 Samuel 24:1 describes a moment when the LORD's anger against Israel leads Him to prompt King David to take a census of the people. This act signifies a potential shift in David's reliance from God to military strength, highlighting the importance of trust in God over mere numbers.
What is the significance of David's census in 2 Samuel 24:1?
David's census in 2 Samuel 24:1 is significant because it reflects a moment of pride and self-sufficiency. By counting the people, David risks placing his trust in military might rather than in God's guidance, illustrating the consequences of turning away from reliance on God.
Why was the LORD angry in 2 Samuel 24:1?
The LORD's anger in 2 Samuel 24:1 indicates that Israel had strayed from their relationship with Him, prompting God to stir David to take a census. This anger suggests a deeper issue of disobedience or lack of faith among the people.
What themes are present in 2 Samuel 24:1?
Key themes in 2 Samuel 24:1 include God's anger, the consequences of pride, the importance of humility, and the need for dependence on God. The passage serves as a reminder to prioritize faith over worldly measures of success.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.