Contemplative Bible Reading

Some thoughts about Bible verses

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An Arbitrary, Large Number

November 14th, 2015 · No Comments

1 Chronicles 27:23-24 (New Living Translation)

23 When David took his census, he did not count those who were younger than twenty years of age, because the Lord had promised to make the Israelites as numerous as the stars in heaven. 24 Joab son of Zeruiah began the census but never finished it because the anger of God fell on Israel. The total number was never recorded in King David’s official records.

King David wanted to count the people of God. There are many administrative chores a King can accomplish with such a count. The count, however, was never finished as God—you know, Him, the Creator—became angry.

In the middle of this (hi)story, we find the phrase “as numerous as the stars in heaven.” How many stars are their in heaven? I don’t think we yet have the technology to count.

Here is a view of the “as numerous as the stars in heaven.” God told David, “Don’t worry about the numbers. I am with you. I am more than sufficient.”

David, well, he another one of his bad moments (just like I have my bad moments). David wanted to make sure that David could handle the challenges of being King. From time to time, God snaps his finger at us and reminds us that He is more than sufficient.

God, help me in my unbelief. Help me in my bad moments. I’m not King of Israel, but I have some responsibilities and there are many times when I want to count all the resources to be sure that I can do it myself, without you.

 

Tags: 1 Chronicles · Old Testament

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