Definition: And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah [were] five hundred thousand men.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 24:9. It’s a really important passage about the dangers of war and the importance of obedience to God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Joab is giving something up: In ancient times, Joab was a soldier for King David. He was entrusted with a large amount of soldiers – an army – for Israel’s defense. Giving it away: Instead of keeping the entire army for himself, he gave all of it to the king, David. The Number is Large: David had an enormous number of soldiers – around eight hundred thousand! That's a huge amount of people. They Were Valiant: These weren’t just ordinary soldiers; they were skilled and brave warriors. They were dedicated to fighting for the kingdom of Israel. The People of Israel Were Affected: These men were specifically focused on fighting in Israel, defending its land and people. What's the Significance? This verse is a warning about the potential consequences of disobedience and war. It highlights: The Cost of War: The verse shows that war, especially when it’s large-scale and involves so many people, carries a terrible price. It suggests that the conflict could be devastating for Israel. Importance of Obedience: David's actions were seen as a sign of disrespect to God. Giving away so much power and life to the king was considered wrong. The Context - Judah The verse also mentions Judah, which is a specific group of people within Israel. It’s important to understand that Judah was a significant part of ancient Israel and had its own traditions and laws. The fact that they were smaller in number than the Israelites suggests there might have been a tension or division within the community. In short, this verse tells us that David's actions with his army were a serious warning about the potential dangers of war and the importance of following God’s commands. --- Do you want me to: Explain a particular aspect of the verse in more detail? Give you some historical context? Discuss what this verse might teach us today?