Why did Joab obey David despite knowing the census was wrong? Setting the Scene—1 Chronicles 21:4 “Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and traveled throughout Israel, and then he returned to Jerusalem.” Why Joab Objected • He recognized the census violated God’s pattern (Exodus 30:12; Numbers 1:1-3) because no ransom money or divine command accompanied it. • He feared bringing guilt on Israel (1 Chronicles 21:3). • He sensed pride motivating David (2 Samuel 24:1). Why Joab Yielded Anyway • God-appointed authority – Romans 13:1: “For there is no authority except from God.” – 1 Samuel 24:6: David himself once said, “I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed.” Joab applied that same principle to David. • Military chain of command – As commander, Joab answered directly to the king; disobedience equaled insubordination. • Fear of temporal consequences – David had executed others for lesser offenses (2 Samuel 1:15; 4:12). • Desire to preserve national unity – Open defiance in front of officers could fracture Israel’s army. • Limited, reluctant compliance – He omitted Levi and Benjamin from the count (1 Chronicles 21:6), signaling protest while still obeying. • Divine sovereignty at work – 2 Samuel 24:1 notes, “the anger of the LORD burned against Israel,” indicating God allowed the census to expose deeper national sin. Joab’s compliance became an instrument for God’s larger purpose. Lessons for Today • Respect legitimate authority even when leaders err, unless obedience requires direct sin (Acts 5:29). • Voice warnings, yet maintain a submissive spirit (Hebrews 13:17). • Partial obedience never cancels sin’s impact; only repentance does (1 Chronicles 21:8). • God can overrule flawed human decisions to accomplish His righteous ends (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). |
    |