What was the purpose of the census in the Bible?

Censuses in the Old Testament. The census lists of the Old Testament represent genuine sources, though colored and interpreted by later redactors according to the latter’s understanding and aims. In its historical origin the census served the purpose of ascertaining the military strength of the tribes.

How many times was a census taken of the Israelites?

What are we to learn from all these population figures? There are in fact two censuses, one in Chapter 1, taken in the second year from the Exodus, and another one in Chapter 26, taken 38 years later just before the Israelites were to enter the land of Canaan.

What did God tell David?

“Now then, tell my servant David, `This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you.

Which was the smallest tribe in Israel?

tribe of Benjamin
Responding to a growing threat from Philistine incursions, the Israelite tribes formed a strong, centralised monarchy during the eleventh century BC. The first king of this new entity was Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin (1 Samuel 9:1–2), which at the time was the smallest of the tribes.

Why was God so angry at David for taking the census?

THE ANSWER SCROLL: Why was God so angry at David for taking the census? Why was God so angry at David for taking the census? Answer: The parallel account of the incident surrounding the census reveals it was Satan who incited David to take the census: “Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel” ( 1 Chronicles 21:1 ).

Who “moved David” to take the census?

However, the wording of 2 Samuel 24:1 says that it was God who “moved David” to take the census. This discrepancy can be explained by the understanding that sometimes God sovereignly permits Satan to act in order to achieve His purposes.

What was David’s purpose for the census of Israel?

A census was preliminary to a draft of soldiers and a levying of taxes. It seems, therefore, that David’s intent was to increase the royal power in a way that contrasted with humble reliance on God. As Deuteronomy chapter 17 so strongly insists, the human kingship of Israel was to be noticeably dependent on God’s divine kingship.

Why was it wrong for David to multiply Israel?

We do not know since scripture does not clearly say. But it appears that it is wrong for at least one reason. David’s motive for doing it is wrong. Later in 1 Chronicles 27:23-24, we are told that David did not believe God would multiply Israel in the future.