ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author explores some elements of an ancient discussion: differing voices within Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Chronicles and Samuel–Kings, as each sought to come to terms with the troubling story of David numbering Israel at divine instigation–and its baneful aftermath. He argues that the shepherds featured earlier in the book are blamed, no less explicitly, for not keeping count of their flock. The author argues that many portions of Samuel resonate with–even better, wrestle with–the perplexing census narrative at the end. He suggests that several themes in other biblical books are also attempts to cope with this classic and mysterious tale of the divinely incited danger faced by David, his house and Israel. The author suggests that the puzzling lack of closure in the account of the census and its aftermath functions to leave the reader of Samuel, or indeed of Samuel and Kings together, uncertain as to the extent of the malign entail of this episode.
