2 Samuel 24:3

theLord thy God add, &c. Cp. Deuteronomy 1:11.

and that the eyes, &c. That is, may it happen in the king's life-time.

why doth my lord, &c. "Why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?" is the further explanation of Joab's thoughts given in 1 Chronicles 21:3. It is probable that a shrewd practical man like Joab, whose life shews no signs of being influenced by religious motives, opposed the king's purpose more from the fear of exciting disaffection among the people by a scheme to increase the burdens of military service, than from a sense that the king's spirit was displeasing to God, though the latter motive may not have been altogether absent.