2 Samuel 24:3-4

( 1 Chronicles 21:3 , 1 Chronicles 21:4 ).—( THE ROYAL COUNCIL CHAMBER .)

Unheeded remonstrance.

This was not the first time that Joab remonstrated with David ( 2 Samuel 3:24 ; 2 Samuel 19:5 ); but his manner was now very different from what it had been before; arising, perhaps, from his recollection of the consequences of his former rudeness ( 2 Samuel 19:13 ), and his fear of the displeasure of the king, whose authority was fully restored. His remonstrance appears to have been made in a council of the captains of the army ( 2 Samuel 23:8 ), to whom the king declared his purpose, and by whom Joab's objection to it was supported ( 2 Samuel 24:4 ). As often happens in other instances, it was:

1 . Greatly needed, on account of a sinful and dangerous course about to be pursued.

2 . Properly offered.

3 . Impatiently received, and imperfectly considered; it may be because of:

4 . Resolutely rejected and wholly overborne. "The word of the king prevailed," etc. His persistency in his purpose, after the remonstrance,