1 Chronicles 21:6 – “But Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, because the king’s command was repulsive to him.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In 1 Chronicles 21:6, Joab, King David’s military commander, refrains from counting the tribes of Levi and Benjamin during the census. His decision is significant because it shows Joab’s discomfort and disapproval of David’s command to count the fighting men of Israel. The phrase “the king’s command was repulsive to him” reveals Joab’s strong moral and spiritual objection to the census, suggesting that he believed the action was wrong in the eyes of God. Joab’s partial obedience—carrying out the census but excluding two tribes—indicates his inner conflict between obeying the king and his conscience.

Levi was the tribe dedicated to priestly duties, and they were often excluded from military-related matters. Benjamin may have been left out because it was a small tribe or possibly because of Joab’s own personal reasons. Whatever the specifics, Joab’s refusal to fully carry out David’s command highlights that even those in authority may need to exercise discernment when given orders that go against their conscience or spiritual understanding.

Historical Context

This event takes place during King David’s reign over Israel. David had enjoyed many military successes and was at the height of his power. In this context, David ordered a census to count the fighting men of Israel, which was typically done to assess military strength. However, taking a census in Israel was not an everyday occurrence and was usually done under God’s direct command, not simply at the king’s will. By ordering a census without God’s approval, David acted out of a desire to assess his military might—an act that implied reliance on human power instead of trust in God.

Joab, though often a ruthless military leader, showed spiritual insight here. He knew that the census was inappropriate and felt uncomfortable carrying out the order. His decision to exclude Levi and Benjamin was his way of showing resistance to David’s misguided command.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse touches on the importance of conscience and spiritual discernment. Even though Joab was under the authority of King David, he could not, in good conscience, fully obey an order he believed was wrong. This suggests that even those in positions of leadership should be cautious about following commands that go against God’s will or moral principles.

This verse also emphasizes the idea that God’s people are meant to depend on Him, not on their own strength. By excluding Levi, the priestly tribe dedicated to God’s service, Joab may have been making a symbolic gesture: reminding David that Israel’s strength came from the Lord, not from military numbers.

Literary Analysis

In terms of literary structure, this verse adds depth to the narrative by showing that not everyone involved in the census was comfortable with it. While David insisted on the count, Joab’s reluctance and partial disobedience create a tension in the story. Joab’s decision to exclude two tribes from the census contrasts with the rest of his actions, revealing his inner struggle and disapproval.

The phrase “the king’s command was repulsive to him” is striking, as it demonstrates the strong emotions involved. Joab didn’t just disagree with David’s order; he found it morally and spiritually offensive, further emphasizing that this census was not aligned with God’s will.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Numbers 1:47-49: “The ancestral tribe of the Levites, however, was not counted along with the others. The Lord had said to Moses: ‘You must not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the census of the other Israelites.’” This passage explains why the tribe of Levi was not usually counted in military censuses. Joab’s exclusion of Levi aligns with this practice.
• 1 Samuel 15:22: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” This verse highlights the importance of obedience to God over rituals or commands, emphasizing that following God’s will is paramount.
• Acts 5:29: “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’” This reflects the principle that God’s commands take precedence over human authority, much like Joab’s resistance to David’s command in this verse.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, 1 Chronicles 21:6 serves as a reminder to follow one’s conscience and spiritual convictions, even in the face of authority or peer pressure. Joab’s refusal to fully comply with David’s order shows that obedience to God’s principles takes precedence over obedience to human commands. It encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and make decisions that align with God’s will, even when it’s difficult.

This verse also reinforces the idea that our strength as Christians doesn’t come from external resources—whether military, financial, or social power—but from God. Joab’s decision to exclude Levi, the priestly tribe, underscores the importance of keeping God at the center of our lives and relying on Him for our strength and security.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His desire for His people to depend on Him completely. The census that David ordered represented a move away from that dependence, which is why it displeased God. Yet even in the midst of David’s misstep, God’s love remains evident in the way He provides opportunities for repentance and restoration.

Joab’s resistance to the census is a reminder that God is patient and that He works through the hearts of individuals to guide them back to the right path. Though David’s actions led to consequences, God’s loving discipline eventually led David to repentance, demonstrating His desire to restore His people rather than condemn them.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse points to the greater truth that ultimate reliance on human strength is futile, and true dependence must be placed on God, a theme fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Just as Joab resisted trusting in military might, Jesus teaches us to trust fully in God’s provision and strength.

• John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This verse reflects the same principle that Joab understood—that human strength and success are meaningless apart from God.
• Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Just as Israel was to rely on God rather than numbers, Christians are called to rely on Christ for strength in all areas of life.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there moments when you feel pressured to follow authority or cultural norms, even when they go against your spiritual convictions?
2. How does Joab’s refusal to fully comply with David’s command encourage you to stand firm in your faith, even when it’s difficult?
3. In what areas of your life might you be tempted to rely on your own strength rather than trusting in God?
4. How does this passage challenge you to ensure that your decisions are aligned with God’s will, even when others disagree?
5. What does this story reveal about God’s desire for His people to fully depend on Him, and how does that apply to your walk with Christ?

1 Chronicles 21:6 reminds us that true strength comes from reliance on God, not human power, and that we are called to follow our spiritual convictions, even when it’s uncomfortable. Through Jesus Christ, we find the ultimate example of dependence on God’s will and the strength to walk in faith.