2 Samuel 24:8

Afrikaans DB 2006 (Die Boodskap)

Hulle het die hele land deurgegaan. Dit het nege maande en twintig dae gevat voor hulle weer terug was in Jerusalem.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes the end of a census that King David ordered. The census-takers finished counting all the people in the land and returned to Jerusalem after nine months and twenty days. It shows the vastness of the kingdom and the time-consuming nature of such a task.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your school took a long time to count all the kids, like counting all the stars in the sky. It took nine months and twenty days to count all the people in King David's big kingdom, just like it would take a really long time to count all the kids in the biggest school ever!

Historical Background

The Book of 2 Samuel was likely written by several authors, including the prophet Nathan and the prophet Gad. It was written during the time of the divided kingdom, around 930 BCE. The audience was the Israelites who needed to remember their history and the kings who ruled over them.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, this verse can remind us of the importance of taking time to understand the scope of a project or task. For instance, when planning a large event or a community project, recognizing the time and resources needed can prevent overwhelming stress and ensure success.

Topics

• census
• administration
• David
• Israel
• record-keeping
• time management

Related Verses

• Exodus 30:11-12
• 1 Chronicles 21:1-17
• Luke 2:1-5
• 1 Corinthians 14:33
• Psalm 139:1-16

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King David order a census?

King David ordered a census, possibly to assess the strength of his army or to justify his power, although this action was displeasing to God according to biblical accounts.

What was the purpose of the census?

The census was intended to count the people in the kingdom, which could help in organizing the military and administrative aspects of the kingdom.

How long did the census take?

The census took a total of nine months and twenty days, indicating the extensive and time-consuming nature of the task.

What can we learn from this verse about planning?

This verse teaches us the importance of proper planning and recognizing the time and effort required for large-scale tasks, ensuring they are managed effectively.