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1 Chronicles 21

BSB·30 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Then Satanשָׂטָ֖ןśā·ṭān — Adversary, SatanH7854 — Full Word Study → rose upוַיַּֽעֲמֹ֥דway·ya·‘ă·mōḏ — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study → againstעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → and incitedוַיָּ֙סֶת֙way·yā·seṯ — to incite, provoke, or stir upH5496 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֔ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → to take a censusלִמְנ֖וֹתlim·nō·wṯ — To count, number, appoint, or ordainH4487 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →. 2So Davidדָּוִ֤ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Joabיוֹאָב֙yō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → andוְאֶל־wə·’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the commandersשָׂרֵ֣יśā·rê — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → of the troopsהָעָ֔םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, “Goלְכ֗וּlə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and count the Israelitesיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → fromמִבְּאֵ֥רmib·bə·’êr — Well of the OathH884 — Full Word Study → Beershebaשֶׁ֖בַעše·ḇa‘ — Well of the OathH884 — Full Word Study → toוְעַד־wə·‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → Danדָּ֑ןdān — He judgedH1835 — Full Word Study → and bring me a report, so that I may knowוְאֵדְעָ֖הwə·’ê·ḏə·‘āh — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → their numberמִסְפָּרָֽם׃mis·pā·rām — number, count, enumerationH4557 — Full Word Study →.” 3But Joabיוֹאָ֗בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “May the LORDיְהוָ֨הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → multiplyיוֹסֵף֩yō·w·sêp̄ — to add, increase, or do againH3254 — Full Word Study → His troopsעַמּ֤וֹ׀‘am·mōw — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → a hundredמֵאָ֣הmê·’āh — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → timesפְעָמִ֔יםp̄ə·‘ā·mîm — time, occasion, or instance of occurrenceH6471 — Full Word Study → over. My lordאֲדֹנִ֣י’ă·ḏō·nî — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, are they notהֲלֹא֙hă·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → allכֻּלָּ֥םkul·lām — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → servantsלַעֲבָדִ֑יםla·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → of my lordלַאדֹנִ֖יla·ḏō·nî — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study →? Whyלָ֣מָּהlām·māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → does my lordאֲדֹנִ֔י’ă·ḏō·nî — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → wantיְבַקֵּ֥שׁyə·ḇaq·qêš — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → to do thisזֹאת֙zōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study →? Whyלָ֛מָּהlām·māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → should he bringיִהְיֶ֥הyih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → guiltלְאַשְׁמָ֖הlə·’aš·māh — guilt, guiltiness, culpabilityH819 — Full Word Study → on Israelלְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃lə·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →?” 4Nevertheless, the king’s wordוּדְבַר־ū·ḏə·ḇar- — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → prevailedחָזַ֣קḥā·zaq — To strengthen, make firm, establishH2388 — Full Word Study → againstעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → Joabיוֹאָ֑בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study →. So Joabיוֹאָ֗בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → departedוַיֵּצֵ֣אway·yê·ṣê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → and traveledוַיִּתְהַלֵּךְ֙way·yiṯ·hal·lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → throughoutבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, and then he returnedוַיָּבֹ֖אway·yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃yə·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study →. 5And Joabיוֹאָ֛בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → reportedוַיִּתֵּ֥ןway·yit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֑ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → the totalמִסְפַּ֥רmis·par — number, count, enumerationH4557 — Full Word Study → numberמִפְקַד־mip̄·qaḏ- — Muster, appointed place, post, stationH4662 — Full Word Study → of the troopsהָעָ֖םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. In allכָֽל־ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֡לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → there wereוַיְהִ֣יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → 1,100,000 menאִישׁ֙’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → who drewשֹׁ֣לֵֽףšō·lêp̄ — to draw out, pull, or extractH8025 — Full Word Study → the swordחֶ֔רֶבḥe·reḇ — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study →, including 470,000אַרְבַּע֩’ar·ba‘ — The number four; a group of fourH702 — Full Word Study → in Judahוִֽיהוּדָ֕הwî·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →. 6But Joab did not includeפָקַ֖דp̄ā·qaḏ — to visit, oversee, appoint, care forH6485 — Full Word Study → Leviוְלֵוִי֙wə·lê·wî — Joined, AttachedH3878 — Full Word Study → and Benjaminוּבִנְיָמִ֔ןū·ḇin·yā·min — Son of the right handH1144 — Full Word Study → in the countבְּתוֹכָ֑םbə·ṯō·w·ḵām — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the king’sהַמֶּ֖לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → commandדְּבַר־də·ḇar- — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → was detestableנִתְעַ֥בniṯ·‘aḇ — to abhor, regard with disgust or loathingH8581 — Full Word Study → toאֶת־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → himיוֹאָֽב׃yō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study →. 7Thisהַזֶּ֑הhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → commandהַדָּבָ֖רhad·dā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → was also evilוַיֵּ֙רַע֙way·yê·ra‘ — to break, spoil, or do evilH7489 — Full Word Study → in the sightבְּעֵינֵ֣יbə·‘ê·nê — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → of Godהָאֱלֹהִ֔יםhā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →; so He struckוַיַּ֖ךְway·yaḵ — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃פyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →. 8Then Davidדָּוִיד֙dā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Godהָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔יםhā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →, “I have sinnedחָטָ֣אתִֽיḥā·ṭā·ṯî — To sin; to miss the mark; to commit wrongdoingH2398 — Full Word Study → greatlyמְאֹ֔דmə·’ōḏ — Much, greatly, very, exceedinglyH3966 — Full Word Study → becauseאֲשֶׁ֥ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → I have doneעָשִׂ֖יתִי‘ā·śî·ṯî — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּ֑הhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → thingהַדָּבָ֣רhad·dā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study →. Nowוְעַתָּ֗הwə·‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study → I beg Youנָא֙nā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → to take awayהַֽעֲבֶר־ha·‘ă·ḇer- — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → the iniquityעֲו֣וֹן‘ă·wō·wn — Iniquity, guilt, or moral wrongdoingH5771 — Full Word Study → of Your servantעַבְדְּךָ֔‘aḇ·də·ḵā — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → I have acted veryמְאֹֽד׃פmə·’ōḏ — Much, greatly, very, exceedinglyH3966 — Full Word Study → foolishlyנִסְכַּ֖לְתִּיnis·kal·tî — to act foolishly; behave as a foolH5528 — Full Word Study →.” 9And the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → instructedוַיְדַבֵּ֤רway·ḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → Gadגָּ֔דgāḏ — Fortune, luckH1410 — Full Word Study →, David’sדָוִ֖ידḏā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → seerחֹזֵ֥הḥō·zêh — A seer; one who sees visionsH2374 — Full Word Study →, 10Goלֵךְ֩lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and tellוְדִבַּרְתָּ֨wə·ḏib·bar·tā — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֜ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → that this is whatכֹּ֚הkōh — thus, so, in this mannerH3541 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saysלֵאמֹ֗רlê·mōr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →: ‘Iאֲנִ֖י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → am offeringנֹטֶ֣הnō·ṭeh — to stretch out, extend, incline, bendH5186 — Full Word Study → you three options. Chooseבְּחַר־bə·ḥar- — To choose, select, or preferH977 — Full Word Study → oneאַחַ֥ת’a·ḥaṯ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → of them, and I will carry it outוְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה־wə·’e·‘ĕ·śeh- — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → against you.’” 11So Gadגָ֖דḡāḏ — Fortune, luckH1410 — Full Word Study → wentוַיָּ֥בֹאway·yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → and saidוַיֹּ֥אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֑ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →, “This is whatכֹּֽה־kōh- — thus, so, in this mannerH3541 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saysאָמַ֥ר’ā·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →: ‘You must chooseקַבֶּל־qab·bel- — to receive, take hold, acceptH6901 — Full Word Study → 12betweenאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → threeשָׁל֨וֹשׁšā·lō·wōš — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → yearsשָׁנִ֜יםšā·nîm — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study → of famineרָעָ֗בrā·‘āḇ — Famine; severe scarcity of foodH7458 — Full Word Study →, threeשְׁלֹשָׁ֨הšə·lō·šāh — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → monthsחֳדָשִׁ֜יםḥo·ḏā·šîm — A month; lunar period; new moonH2320 — Full Word Study → of being swept awayנִסְפֶּ֥הnis·peh — to sweep away, snatch, or gather hastilyH5595 — Full Word Study → beforeמִפְּנֵי־mip·pə·nê- — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → your enemiesצָרֶיךָ֮ṣā·re·ḵā — Narrow, tight, or distress; an adversary or enemyH6862 — Full Word Study → and overtakenלְמַשֶּׂגֶת֒lə·maś·śe·ḡeṯ — to overtake, reach, attain, graspH5381 — Full Word Study → by their swordsוְחֶ֣רֶבwə·ḥe·reḇ — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study →, orוְאִם־wə·’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → threeשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתšə·lō·šeṯ — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → daysיָ֠מִיםyā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → of the swordחֶ֣רֶבḥe·reḇ — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֤הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →days of plagueוְדֶ֙בֶר֙wə·ḏe·ḇer — Pestilence, plague, or disease as divine judgmentH1698 — Full Word Study → upon the landבָּאָ֔רֶץbā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →, with the angelוּמַלְאַ֣ךְū·mal·’aḵ — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → ravagingמַשְׁחִ֖יתmaš·ḥîṯ — to destroy, ruin, or corruptH7843 — Full Word Study → everyבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → partגְּב֣וּלgə·ḇūl — boundary, border, or limit of a regionH1366 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →.’ Now thenוְעַתָּ֣הwə·‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study →, decideרְאֵ֔הrə·’êh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → howמָֽה־māh- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → I should replyאָשִׁ֥יב’ā·šîḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → to Him who sent meשֹׁלְחִ֖יšō·lə·ḥî — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study →.” 13Davidדָּוִ֛ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → answeredוַיֹּ֧אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Gadגָּ֖דgāḏ — Fortune, luckH1410 — Full Word Study →, “I am deeply distressedצַר־ṣar- — Narrow, tight, or distress; an adversary or enemyH6862 — Full Word Study →. Pleaseנָּ֣אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study →, let me fallאֶפְּלָה־’ep·pə·lāh- — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → into the handבְיַד־ḇə·yaḏ- — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֗הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, forכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → His mercies are veryמְאֹ֔דmə·’ōḏ — Much, greatly, very, exceedinglyH3966 — Full Word Study → greatרַבִּ֤יםrab·bîm — great, many, abundant, mightyH7227 — Full Word Study →; but do notאַל־’al- — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → let me fallאֶפֹּֽל׃’ep·pōl — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → into the handsוּבְיַד־ū·ḇə·yaḏ- — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of menאָדָ֖ם’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study →.” 14So the LORDיְהוָ֛הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → sentוַיִּתֵּ֧ןway·yit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → a plagueדֶּ֖בֶרde·ḇer — Pestilence, plague, or disease as divine judgmentH1698 — Full Word Study → upon Israelבְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לbə·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, and seventyשִׁבְעִ֥יםšiḇ·‘îm — The number seventy; multiples of sevenH7657 — Full Word Study → thousandאֶ֖לֶף’e·lep̄ — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study → menאִֽישׁ׃’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → of Israelמִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֔לmî·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → fell deadוַיִּפֹּל֙way·yip·pōl — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study →. 15Then Godהָאֱלֹהִ֨ים׀hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → sentוַיִּשְׁלַח֩way·yiš·laḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → an angelמַלְאָ֥ךְ׀mal·’āḵ — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study → to destroyלְהַשְׁחִיתָהּ֒lə·haš·ḥî·ṯāh — to destroy, ruin, or corruptH7843 — Full Word Study → Jerusalemלִֽירוּשָׁלִַם֮lî·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study →, but as the angel was doing soוּכְהַשְׁחִ֗יתū·ḵə·haš·ḥîṯ — to destroy, ruin, or corruptH7843 — Full Word Study →, the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saw itרָאָ֤הrā·’āh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → and relentedוַיִּנָּ֣חֶםway·yin·nā·ḥem — to comfort, console, or show compassion; to repent or change one's mindH5162 — Full Word Study → fromעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the calamityהָֽרָעָ֔הhā·rā·‘āh — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study →, and He saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to the angelלַמַּלְאָ֤ךְlam·mal·’āḵ — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study → who was destroying the peopleהַמַּשְׁחִית֙ham·maš·ḥîṯ — to destroy, ruin, or corruptH7843 — Full Word Study →, “Enoughרַ֔בraḇ — great, many, abundant, mightyH7227 — Full Word Study →! Withdrawהֶ֣רֶףhe·rep̄ — to slacken, weaken, or grow feebleH7503 — Full Word Study → your handיָדֶ֑ךָyā·ḏe·ḵā — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → nowעַתָּ֖ה‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study →!” At that time the angelוּמַלְאַ֤ךְū·mal·’aḵ — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → was standingעֹמֵ֔ד‘ō·mêḏ — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study → byעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → the threshing floorגֹּ֖רֶןgō·ren — Threshing floor; agricultural work areaH1637 — Full Word Study → of Ornanאָרְנָ֥ן’ā·rə·nān — His joy or His gladnessH771 — Full Word Study → the Jebusiteהַיְבוּסִֽי׃סhay·ḇū·sî — Inhabitant of JebusH2983 — Full Word Study →. 16When Davidדָוִ֜ידḏā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → lifted upוַיִּשָּׂ֨אway·yiś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → his eyesעֵינָ֗יו‘ê·nāw — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → and sawוַיַּ֞רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → the angelמַלְאַ֤ךְmal·’aḵ — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → standingעֹמֵ֗ד‘ō·mêḏ — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study → betweenבֵּ֤יןbên — between, among, in the midst ofH996 — Full Word Study → heavenהַשָּׁמַ֔יִםhaš·šā·ma·yim — The heavens; sky; dwelling place of GodH8064 — Full Word Study → andוּבֵ֣יןū·ḇên — between, among, in the midst ofH996 — Full Word Study → earthהָאָ֙רֶץ֙hā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →, with a drawnשְׁלוּפָה֙šə·lū·p̄āh — to draw out, pull, or extractH8025 — Full Word Study → swordוְחַרְבּ֤וֹwə·ḥar·bōw — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study → in his handבְּיָד֔וֹbə·yā·ḏōw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → stretched outנְטוּיָ֖הnə·ṭū·yāh — to stretch out, extend, incline, bendH5186 — Full Word Study → overעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִָ֑םyə·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study →, Davidדָּוִ֧ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → and the eldersוְהַזְּקֵנִ֛יםwə·haz·zə·qê·nîm — An old person; an elder with authority and wisdomH2205 — Full Word Study →, clothedמְכֻסִּ֥יםmə·ḵus·sîm — to cover, conceal, hideH3680 — Full Word Study → in sackclothבַּשַּׂקִּ֖יםbaś·śaq·qîm — Coarse cloth worn as a sign of mourning or repentanceH8242 — Full Word Study →, fellוַיִּפֹּ֨לway·yip·pōl — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → facedownפְּנֵיהֶֽם׃pə·nê·hem — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study →. 17And Davidדָּוִ֣ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶֽל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Godהָאֱלֹהִ֡יםhā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →, “Was it notהֲלֹא֩hă·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → Iאֲנִ֨י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → who gave the orderאָמַ֜רְתִּי’ā·mar·tî — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to countלִמְנ֣וֹתlim·nō·wṯ — To count, number, appoint, or ordainH4487 — Full Word Study → the peopleבָּעָ֗םbā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →? Iוַאֲנִי־wa·’ă·nî- — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → am the oneה֤וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → has sinnedחָטָ֙אתִי֙ḥā·ṭā·ṯî — To sin; to miss the mark; to commit wrongdoingH2398 — Full Word Study → and acted wickedlyוְהָרֵ֣עַwə·hā·rê·a‘ — to break, spoil, or do evilH7489 — Full Word Study →. But theseוְאֵ֥לֶּהwə·’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → sheepהַצֹּ֖אןhaṣ·ṣōn — flock of sheep or goatsH6629 — Full Word Study →, whatמֶ֣הmeh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → have they doneעָשׂ֑וּ‘ā·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →? O LORDיְהוָ֣הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → my Godאֱלֹהַ֗י’ĕ·lō·hay — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →, pleaseנָ֤אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → let Your handיָֽדְךָ֙yā·ḏə·ḵā — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → fall uponתְּהִ֨יtə·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → me and my father’sאָבִ֔י’ā·ḇî — H1 — Full Word Study → houseוּבְבֵ֣יתū·ḇə·ḇêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, but do notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → let this plagueלְמַגֵּפָֽה׃סlə·mag·gê·p̄āh — Divine plague or stroke of judgmentH4046 — Full Word Study → remain upon Your peopleוּֽבְעַמְּךָ֖ū·ḇə·‘am·mə·ḵā — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →.” 18Then the angelוּמַלְאַ֧ךְū·mal·’aḵ — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֛הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → orderedאָמַ֥ר’ā·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Gadגָּ֖דgāḏ — Fortune, luckH1410 — Full Word Study → to tellלֵאמֹ֣רlê·mōr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Davidלְדָוִ֑ידlə·ḏā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → to go upיַעֲלֶ֣הya·‘ă·leh — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → and buildלְהָקִ֤יםlə·hā·qîm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → an altarמִזְבֵּ֙חַ֙miz·bê·aḥ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study → to the LORDלַיהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → on the threshing floorבְּגֹ֖רֶןbə·ḡō·ren — Threshing floor; agricultural work areaH1637 — Full Word Study → of Ornanאָרְנָ֥ן’ā·rə·nān — His joy or His gladnessH771 — Full Word Study → the Jebusiteהַיְבֻסִֽי׃hay·ḇu·sî — Inhabitant of JebusH2983 — Full Word Study →. 19So Davidדָּוִיד֙dā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → went upוַיַּ֤עַלway·ya·‘al — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → at the wordבִּדְבַר־biḏ·ḇar- — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → that Gadגָּ֔דgāḏ — Fortune, luckH1410 — Full Word Study → had spokenדִּבֶּ֖רdib·ber — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → in the nameבְּשֵׁ֥םbə·šêm — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָֽה׃Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →. 20Now Ornanאָרְנָ֗ן’ā·rə·nān — His joy or His gladnessH771 — Full Word Study → was threshingדָּ֥שׁdāš — to tread, thresh, trampleH1758 — Full Word Study → wheatחִטִּֽים׃ḥiṭ·ṭîm — wheat grain or wheat cropH2406 — Full Word Study → when heוְאָרְנָ֖ןwə·’ā·rə·nān — His joy or His gladnessH771 — Full Word Study → turnedוַיָּ֣שָׁבway·yā·šāḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → and sawוַיַּרְא֙way·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → the angelהַמַּלְאָ֔ךְham·mal·’āḵ — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study →; and his fourוְאַרְבַּ֧עַתwə·’ar·ba·‘aṯ — The number four; a group of fourH702 — Full Word Study → sonsבָּנָ֛יוbā·nāw — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → who were with himעִמּ֖וֹ‘im·mōw — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → hid themselvesמִֽתְחַבְּאִ֑יםmiṯ·ḥab·bə·’îm — to hide, conceal, or keep secretH2244 — Full Word Study →. 21Davidדָוִ֖ידḏā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → cameוַיָּבֹ֥אway·yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → Ornanאָרְנָ֑ן’ā·rə·nān — His joy or His gladnessH771 — Full Word Study →, and when Ornanאָרְנָן֙’ā·rə·nān — His joy or His gladnessH771 — Full Word Study → looked outוַיַּבֵּ֤טway·yab·bêṭ — To look upon, regard, or behold with attentionH5027 — Full Word Study → and sawוַיַּ֣רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֔ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →, he leftוַיֵּצֵא֙way·yê·ṣê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → the threshing floorהַגֹּ֔רֶןhag·gō·ren — Threshing floor; agricultural work areaH1637 — Full Word Study → and bowedוַיִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּway·yiš·ta·ḥū — To bow down; to worship or show reverenceH7812 — Full Word Study → facedownאַפַּ֖יִם’ap·pa·yim — Anger, wrath, face, or noseH639 — Full Word Study → before Davidלְדָוִ֛ידlə·ḏā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →. 22Then Davidדָּוִ֜ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Ornanאָרְנָ֗ן’ā·rə·nān — His joy or His gladnessH771 — Full Word Study →, “Grantתְּנָה־tə·nāh- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → me the siteמְק֣וֹםmə·qō·wm — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study → of this threshing floorהַגֹּ֔רֶןhag·gō·ren — Threshing floor; agricultural work areaH1637 — Full Word Study →, that I may buildוְאֶבְנֶה־wə·’eḇ·neh- — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study → an altarמִזְבֵּ֖חַmiz·bê·aḥ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study → to the LORDלַיהוָ֑הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →. Sell itתְּנֵ֣הוּtə·nê·hū — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → to me for the fullמָלֵא֙mā·lê — to fill, be full, fullnessH4392 — Full Word Study → priceבְּכֶ֤סֶףbə·ḵe·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study →, so that the plagueהַמַּגֵּפָ֖הham·mag·gê·p̄āh — Divine plague or stroke of judgmentH4046 — Full Word Study → uponמֵעַ֥לmê·‘al — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָֽם׃hā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → may be haltedוְתֵעָצַ֥רwə·ṯê·‘ā·ṣar — to restrain, withhold, hold backH6113 — Full Word Study →.” 23Ornanאָרְנָ֤ן’ā·rə·nān — His joy or His gladnessH771 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִיד֙dā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →, “My lord the king may takeקַֽח־qaḥ- — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → whatever seems good. Lookרְאֵה֩rə·’êh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study →, I will giveנָתַ֨תִּיnā·ṯat·tî — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → the oxenהַבָּקָ֜רhab·bā·qār — cattle, herd, ox, bovine livestockH1241 — Full Word Study → for the burnt offeringsלָֽעֹל֗וֹתlā·‘ō·lō·wṯ — burnt offering; ascending sacrificeH5930 — Full Word Study →, the threshing sledgesוְהַמּוֹרִגִּ֧יםwə·ham·mō·w·rig·gîm — Threshing sledge or sledH4173 — Full Word Study → for the woodלָעֵצִ֛יםlā·‘ê·ṣîm — Tree; wood; timberH6086 — Full Word Study →, and the wheatוְהַחִטִּ֥יםwə·ha·ḥiṭ·ṭîm — wheat grain or wheat cropH2406 — Full Word Study → for the grain offeringלַמִּנְחָ֖הlam·min·ḥāh — Gift offering; present or tributeH4503 — Full Word Study →I will giveנָתָֽתִּי׃nā·ṯāt·tî — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → it allהַכֹּ֥לhak·kōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study →.” 24Noלֹ֕אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study →,” repliedוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Kingהַמֶּ֤לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִיד֙dā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →, “I insist on payingקָנֹ֥הqā·nōh — to acquire, buy, or possess through paymentH7069 — Full Word Study → the fullמָלֵ֑אmā·lê — to fill, be full, fullnessH4392 — Full Word Study → priceבְּכֶ֣סֶףbə·ḵe·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֠יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → I will notלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → takeאֶשָּׂ֤א’eś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → for the LORDלַיהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → whatאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → belongs to you, nor will I offerוְהַעֲל֥וֹתwə·ha·‘ă·lō·wṯ — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → burnt offeringsעוֹלָ֖ה‘ō·w·lāh — burnt offering; ascending sacrificeH5930 — Full Word Study → that cost me nothingחִנָּֽם׃ḥin·nām — without cause; freely; in vainH2600 — Full Word Study →.” 25So Davidדָּוִ֛ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → paidוַיִּתֵּ֥ןway·yit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → Ornanלְאָרְנָ֖ןlə·’ā·rə·nān — His joy or His gladnessH771 — Full Word Study → sixשֵׁ֥שׁšêš — The number six; sixth in orderH8337 — Full Word Study → hundredמֵאֽוֹת׃mê·’ō·wṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → shekelsשִׁקְלֵ֣יšiq·lê — Ancient unit of weight and currency; shekelH8255 — Full Word Study → of goldזָהָ֔בzā·hāḇ — Gold; precious metal; wealth and valueH2091 — Full Word Study → for the siteבַּמָּק֑וֹםbam·mā·qō·wm — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study →. 26Andדָּוִ֤ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → thereשָׁ֨םšām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → he builtוַיִּבֶן֩way·yi·ḇen — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study → an altarמִזְבֵּ֙חַ֙miz·bê·aḥ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study → to the LORDלַיהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → and offeredוַיַּ֥עַלway·ya·‘al — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → burnt offeringsעֹל֖וֹת‘ō·lō·wṯ — burnt offering; ascending sacrificeH5930 — Full Word Study → and peace offeringsוּשְׁלָמִ֑יםū·šə·lā·mîm — Peace offering; fellowship sacrificeH8002 — Full Word Study →. He calledוַיִּקְרָא֙way·yiq·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → uponאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, who answered himוַיַּֽעֲנֵ֤הוּway·ya·‘ă·nê·hū — To answer, respond, or testifyH6030 — Full Word Study → with fireבָאֵשׁ֙ḇā·’êš — Fire; flame; burningH784 — Full Word Study → fromמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → heavenהַשָּׁמַ֔יִםhaš·šā·ma·yim — The heavens; sky; dwelling place of GodH8064 — Full Word Study → onעַ֖ל‘al — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the altarמִזְבַּ֥חmiz·baḥ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study → of burnt offeringהָעֹלָֽה׃פhā·‘ō·lāh — burnt offering; ascending sacrificeH5930 — Full Word Study →. 27Then the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → spokeוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to the angelלַמַּלְאָ֔ךְlam·mal·’āḵ — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study →, who put his swordחַרְבּ֖וֹḥar·bōw — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study → backוַיָּ֥שֶׁבway·yā·šeḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → intoאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → its sheathנְדָנָֽהּ׃nə·ḏā·nāh — sheath; scabbard for a swordH5084 — Full Word Study →. 28At thatהַהִ֔יאha·hî — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → timeבָּעֵ֣תbā·‘êṯ — Time, season, or appointed momentH6256 — Full Word Study →, when Davidדָּוִיד֙dā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → sawבִּרְא֤וֹתbir·’ō·wṯ — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → thatכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → had answered himעָנָ֣הוּ‘ā·nā·hū — To answer, respond, or testifyH6030 — Full Word Study → at the threshing floorבְּגֹ֖רֶןbə·ḡō·ren — Threshing floor; agricultural work areaH1637 — Full Word Study → of Ornanאָרְנָ֣ן’ā·rə·nān — His joy or His gladnessH771 — Full Word Study → the Jebusiteהַיְבוּסִ֑יhay·ḇū·sî — Inhabitant of JebusH2983 — Full Word Study →, he offered sacrificesוַיִּזְבַּ֖חway·yiz·baḥ — to slaughter an animal as a sacrifice or offeringH2076 — Full Word Study → thereשָֽׁם׃šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study →. 29For the tabernacleוּמִשְׁכַּ֣ןū·miš·kan — Tabernacle, dwelling place, sanctuaryH4908 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְ֠הוָהYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → thatאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Mosesמֹשֶׁ֧הmō·šeh — Drawn outH4872 — Full Word Study → had madeעָשָׂ֨ה‘ā·śāh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → in the wildernessבַמִּדְבָּ֛רḇam·miḏ·bār — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study → and the altarוּמִזְבַּ֥חū·miz·baḥ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study → of burnt offeringהָעוֹלָ֖הhā·‘ō·w·lāh — burnt offering; ascending sacrificeH5930 — Full Word Study → were presentlyבָּעֵ֣תbā·‘êṯ — Time, season, or appointed momentH6256 — Full Word Study → at the high placeבַּבָּמָ֖הbab·bā·māh — High place; elevated worship siteH1116 — Full Word Study → in Gibeonבְּגִבְעֽוֹן׃bə·ḡiḇ·‘ō·wn — Hill city of BenjaminH1391 — Full Word Study →, 30but Davidדָּוִ֛ידdā·wîḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → couldיָכֹ֥לyā·ḵōl — to be able, have power, endureH3201 — Full Word Study → notוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → goלָלֶ֥כֶתlā·le·ḵeṯ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → before itלְפָנָ֖יוlə·p̄ā·nāw — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → to inquireלִדְרֹ֣שׁliḏ·rōš — to seek, inquire, search diligentlyH1875 — Full Word Study → of Godאֱלֹהִ֑ים’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → he was afraidנִבְעַ֔תniḇ·‘aṯ — to terrify, frighten, or trouble with fearH1204 — Full Word Study → ofמִפְּנֵ֕יmip·pə·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the swordחֶ֖רֶבḥe·reḇ — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study → of the angelמַלְאַ֥ךְmal·’aḵ — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָֽה׃סYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 1 Chronicles 21
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

1 Chronicles 21 recounts one of the darkest episodes in King David's reign: his decision to number Israel, which God viewed as a grave sin. This chapter reveals a profound spiritual lesson about pride, presumption, and the consequences of straying from God's will. Though David quickly repents and receives God's mercy, the account shows that even a man after God's own heart must answer to divine justice. The chapter concludes with David's purchase of the threshing floor of Ornan, establishing the site where Solomon would later build the temple—turning judgment into grace.

Verses 1–5: The Temptation and the Census

The chapter opens with a stark contrast to the parallel account in 2 Samuel 24. Here, Satan actively provokes David to number Israel, while in Samuel, it says the anger of the Lord moved David to do so. Both are true: Satan tempted, but God permitted it to expose and refine David's heart. David's command to Joab and the rulers shows royal authority, yet the scope—from Beersheba to Dan—reveals a desire to survey his own power and might rather than to trust God's provision.

Joab's resistance (verse 3) is spiritually insightful. He recognizes the danger and actually remonstrates with the king, though ultimately the king's word prevails. The census yields staggering numbers: over one million men of military age in Israel and Judah combined. The very magnitude demonstrates the king's earthly strength—precisely what tempts pride.

Verses 6–7: God's Displeasure and Joab's Conscience

Notably, Joab deliberately excludes Levi and Benjamin from the count, demonstrating his moral conviction that the task is wrong. His conscience—informed by Scripture and the fear of the Lord—restrains him even when he cannot stop the king. God's response is immediate and severe: He is displeased and smites Israel. Sin against the Lord brings swift consequence, yet this judgment also awakens David's conscience.

Verses 8–14: Repentance and the Choice of Judgment

David's confession is wholehearted: "I have sinned greatly…I have done very foolishly" (verse 8). He does not excuse himself or blame circumstances. The Lord sends Gad, David's seer, with an offer of three punishments: seven years of famine, three months of defeat, or three days of plague. David's choice reveals his theology: "Let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies" (verse 13). He trusts God's character over human cruelty and chooses the shortest judgment administered by God Himself. Seventy thousand men fall to pestilence—a heavy price for David's sin, yet remarkably restrained by divine mercy.

Verses 15–22: The Angel, the Vision, and the Altar

The angel of the Lord, sword drawn over Jerusalem, brings David to his knees alongside the elders in sackcloth. David intercedes for his people (verse 17): "Is it not I that have sinned?" His shepherd's heart breaks for the flock rather than for himself. God commands the building of an altar at the threshing floor of Ornan. David insists on paying the full price (verses 22–24)—he will not offer to God what costs him nothing. This principle of costly obedience honors the Lord and establishes the very site where God's house would stand.

Verses 25–30: The Altar and God's Answer

David purchases the location for 600 shekels of gold, builds an altar, and offers sacrifices. God answers by fire from heaven upon the altar (verse 26)—the highest form of divine acceptance. The angel sheathes his sword, and judgment yields to mercy. David's swift repentance, humble intercession, and costly worship transform catastrophe into blessing.

Application for Today

This passage confronts us with sobering truths: sin has real consequences, even for believers, and pride precedes judgment. Yet it also reveals God's mercy toward the repentant. When we stumble, rapid confession, genuine sorrow, and costly obedience open the door to restoration. Like David, we are called to offer God not token gestures, but worship that truly costs us something—our pride, our comfort, our plans—trusting always in His great mercies.

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