1 Chronicles 21:6

French (BDS) 2015 (La Bible du Semeur 2015)

Joab n’avait recensé ni les ressortissants de la tribu de Lévi ni ceux de Benjamin, tant l’ordre du roi lui répugnait.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Joab refuses to count the people of Levi and Benjamin because King David's order to count all the people was considered wrong by Joab. This shows that Joab had moral boundaries and refused to follow orders that he thought were wrong.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game where you count all your toys, but your friend says you shouldn't count the stuffed animals. That's kind of what's happening here. King David wanted to count everyone, but Joab thought it was wrong to count Levi and Benjamin, so he didn't do it.

Historical Background

The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely written after the Babylonian exile, around the 4th century BCE. It was written to remind the returning Israelites of their history and heritage. The cultural setting was a time when the Israelites were trying to re-establish their identity and religious practices after being exiled.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, this verse can remind us of the importance of standing up for what we believe is right, even when it means going against authority. For example, a teacher might ask you to cheat on a test, but you refuse because you know it's wrong.

Topics

• obedience
• moral integrity
• leadership
• census
• divine judgment
• human rebellion

Related Verses

• Exodus 30:12
• Numbers 26:1-51
• 1 Samuel 15:22
• Matthew 22:21
• Romans 13:5

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joab not count Levi and Benjamin?

Joab did not count Levi and Benjamin because he believed that King David's command to count all the people was wrong and went against God's will.

What does this verse tell us about Joab?

This verse shows that Joab had a sense of moral integrity and was willing to disobey orders he considered morally wrong.

How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of 1 Chronicles?

This verse is part of the narrative that highlights the consequences of King David's actions and the importance of following God's will rather than human desires.

What can we learn from Joab's refusal to follow David's order?

We can learn that it is important to stand up for what we believe is right, even if it means going against those in authority, as long as it aligns with moral and ethical principles.