John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. Notwithstanding the king’s word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host , etc.] Who it seems were of the same mind with Joab, and were against numbering the people, yet their arguments and remonstrances were of no avail with the king; he was determined it should be done, and laid his commands upon them to do it, which they were obliged to comply with: and Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel ; seeing him resolute and determined, they submitted, took his orders, and set out to execute them.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - For the people's sin David was left to act wrong, and in his chastisement they received punishment. This example throws light upo God's government of the world, and furnishes a useful lesson. The prid of David's heart, was his sin in numbering of the people. He though thereby to appear the more formidable, trusting in an arm of flesh mor than he should have done, and though he had written so much of trustin in God only. God judges not of sin as we do. What appears to u harmless, or, at least, but a small offence, may be a great sin in the eye of God, who discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. Eve ungodly men can discern evil tempers and wrong conduct in believers, of which they themselves often remain unconscious. But God seldom allow those whom he loves the pleasures they sinfully covet.
Original Hebrew ויחזק2388 דבר1697 המלך4428 אל413 יואב3097 ועל5921 שׂרי8269 החיל2428 ויצא3318 יואב3097 ושׂרי8269 החיל2428 לפני6440 המלך4428 לפקד6485 את853 העם5971 את853 ישׂראל׃3478
