2 Samuel 24:1

CHAPTER XXIV

David is tempted by Satan to number Israel and Judah, 1.

Joab remonstrates against it, but the king determines that it

shall be done; and Joab and the captains accomplish the work,

and bring the sum total to the king: viz.: eight hundred

thousand warriors in Israel, and five hundred thousand in

Judah, 2-9.

David is convinced that he has done wrong; and the prophet Gad

is sent to him, to give him his choice of three judgments,

one of which God is determined to inflict upon the nation,

10-13.

David humbles himself before God; and a pestilence is sent,

which destroys seventy thousand men, 14, 15.

The angel of the Lord being about to destroy Jerusalem, David

makes intercession, and the plague is stayed, 16, 17.

Gad directs him to build an altar to the Lord on the

threshing-floor of Araunah, where the plague was stayed, 18.

He purchases this place for the purpose, and offers

burnt-offerings and peace-offerings. 19-25.

NOTES ON CHAP. XXIV

Verse 2 Samuel 24:1. He moved David against them] God could not be angry with David for numbering the people if he moved him to do it; but in the parallel place (1 Chronicles 21:1) it is expressly said, Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. David, in all probability, slackening in his piety and confidence toward God, and meditating some extension of his dominions without the Divine counsel or command, was naturally curious to know whether the number of fighting men in his empire was sufficient for the work which he had projected. See more on 2 Samuel 24:10. He therefore orders Joab and the captains to take an exact account of all the effective men in Israel and Judah. God is justly displeased with this conduct, and determines that the props of his vain ambition shall be taken away, either by famine, war, or pestilence.