Definition: And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see [it]: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 24:3. It's a really interesting and slightly unsettling passage about God’s perspective on Israel. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s plan to give Israel a massive number of people – almost ten times more than they currently have. And, crucially, he wants the king to see this huge number. But, there's a twist: God is enjoying this massive population and seems to find it pleasing. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Joab said unto the king…” : This tells us who is speaking – Joab, a trusted advisor to King David. “…Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many sovereness they be, an hundredfold…” : This means God is giving Israel incredible power and influence. He’s multiplying their number to a scale that's almost unimaginable – a hundred times more than they currently have. "...and that the eyes of my lord the king may see [it]…” : This is the key part. God wants the king to see this huge number of people. It’s like saying, “Observe this vast population!” “but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?” : This is where it gets a little more complex and raises some serious questions. The King seems to be enjoying this large number, perhaps because it gives him power or control over his people. What’s the bigger picture? This verse is part of a larger story about God's plan to establish a vast kingdom under his control. It speaks to themes of: Divine Sovereignty: God is in charge and has ultimate authority. Power & Influence: He wants to use his power to influence the world and shape events. The King’s Role: The king is portrayed as being at the center of this plan, and God seems to be pleased with his position. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted within a context of political maneuvering and potential abuse of power. It raises questions about justice, fairness, and the dangers of unchecked authority. --- Disclaimer: I’m an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on interpretations of scripture and historical understanding. Different theological perspectives may offer different readings. Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?