Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 24 - Verse 9

During the time when David was king of Israel, he instructed his general, Joab, to conduct a census of the people in the land. Joab carried out the order and reported the numbers back to the king. The verse reveals that in Israel, there were eight hundred thousand strong and skilled warriors, ready for battle. In addition, the men of Judah numbered five hundred thousand. This information highlights the military strength and power of the unified kingdom under David's rule. It also reflects the organization and readiness of the Israelite army during this period. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for potential conflicts and the necessity of being vigilant in maintaining national security. It showcases the sizable and formidable forces that David had at his disposal to defend the kingdom and uphold its sovereignty.

In this verse from 2 Samuel 24:9, we see Joab providing King David with the count of the number of people in Israel and Judah. The theological interpretation of this verse is often focused on the consequences of David's decision to take a census of the people, which was seen as an act of pride and a lack of trust in God. This action ultimately led to a divine punishment on the people of Israel. The word "valiant" used to describe the men of Israel highlights their strength and courage in battle, while the mention of the men of Judah shows that they were also a significant force. Additionally, some word studies can focus on the significance of the numbers mentioned in the verse – eight hundred thousand in Israel and five hundred thousand in Judah – as a representation of the size and power of the armies at that time. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and trust in God's providence.