What does 1 Chronicles 27:23 mean?
"¶ But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens." - 1 Chronicles 27:23
1 Chronicles 27:23 - "¶ But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens."
1 Chronicles 27:23 (KJV) states, "But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the Lord had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens."
The book of 1 Chronicles, which is part of the Old Testament, focuses on the history of Israel, particularly the reign of King David. This particular verse comes at the end of a chapter that details the various leaders and commanders who served under David, as well as the organization of the different tribes of Israel for military service.
In this verse, we see a significant decision made by King David in regards to taking a census. David decided not to number the people under the age of twenty, even though it was common in ancient times to count all able-bodied men for military purposes. This decision was based on the command of the Lord, who had promised to increase the nation of Israel to be as numerous as the stars in the sky.
The context of this verse is essential in understanding its significance. King David had previously taken a census of the people in direct disobedience to the Lord's command, which resulted in severe consequences for the nation (2 Samuel 24). As a result, David learned the importance of seeking and following the will of God in all matters, including military planning and organization.
The theme of obedience to God's commands and trusting in His promises is central to this verse. It highlights the importance of faith and reliance on God's guidance rather than relying on human strength and numbers. The decision to not count the young men reflects David's understanding of the sovereignty and providence of God in fulfilling His promises to increase the nation of Israel.
Furthermore, this verse can be seen as a symbol of God's faithfulness and His fulfillment of His covenant with the people of Israel. The comparison of the nation's growth to the stars in the sky also reflects the abundant and immeasurable blessings that God intended for His chosen people.
In a broader context, this verse serves as a reminder for believers to seek God's will in all aspects of life and to trust in His promises, even when circumstances or human logic may suggest otherwise. It teaches the importance of humility, obedience, and faith in God's plan for His people.
Overall, 1 Chronicles 27:23 (KJV) holds a deep and profound meaning within the larger narrative of the Bible. It emphasizes the significance of obedience to God's commands, the trust in His promises, and the recognition of His sovereignty and faithfulness. As believers, we can draw inspiration from this verse to seek God's will and trust in His providence in our own lives.
1 Chronicles 27:23 Artwork
1 Chronicles 27:23 - "¶ But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens."
1 Chronicles 23:27 - "For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above:"
1 Chronicles 1:27 - "Abram; the same is Abraham."
1 Chronicles 23:23 - "The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three."
1 Chronicles 11:27 - "Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,"
1 Chronicles 8:23 - "And Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan,"
1 Chronicles 23:18 - "Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief."
1 Chronicles 23:16 - "Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief."
1 Chronicles 8:27 - "And Jaresiah, and Eliah, and Zichri, the sons of Jeroham."
1 Chronicles 23:7 - "¶ Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei."
1 Chronicles 26:23 - "Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:"
1 Chronicles 27:17 - "Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok:"
1 Chronicles 27:27 - "And over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite:"
1 Chronicles 1:23 - "And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan."
1 Chronicles 7:27 - "Non his son, Jehoshua his son."
1 Chronicles 23:15 - "The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer."
1 Chronicles 15:23 - "And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark."
1 Chronicles 27:33 - "And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:"
1 Chronicles 24:27 - "¶ The sons of Merari by Jaaziah; Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri."
1 Chronicles 23:20 - "Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah the first, and Jesiah the second."
1 Chronicles 3:23 - "And the sons of Neariah; Elioenai, and Hezekiah, and Azrikam, three."
1 Chronicles 27:3 - "Of the children of Perez was the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month."
1 Chronicles 27:19 - "Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:"
1 Chronicles 23:12 - "¶ The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four."
1 Chronicles 16:27 - "Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place."
1 Chronicles 2:27 - "And the sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel were, Maaz, and Jamin, and Eker."
1 Chronicles 27:22 - "Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel."
1 Chronicles 23:8 - "The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three."
1 Chronicles 26:27 - "Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD."
1 Chronicles 23:21 - "¶ The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish."