1 Chronicles 21 – Everyone is disgusted but us

David commands that a census be taken, but Joab pleads against this action. Joab complies with the request, but since he is so disgusted, he does not count the tribes of Benjamin or Levi (v. 6). What is going on here? David has asked for the number of able-bodied men in the nation. The issue is that David has had success without counting the number of troops that he actually has at his disposal. This action is seen as trusting in the strength of the people rather than the strength of God. Are we doing the same? Do we hope that slick marketing will fill the seats or that a sharp youth center will solve our children’s woes? Our hope must not be misplaced as David’s was.