MPV Commentary

Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.

Currently viewing commentary for 2 Samuel 24

Sections for 2 Samuel 24
2Sa 24:1-9 David Numbers the People.
2Sa 24:10-14 He, Having Three Plagues Propounded by GAD, Repents, and
2Sa 24:15-25 His Intercession to God; the Plague Ceases.
2Sa 24:10-14 He, Having Three Plagues Propounded by GAD, Repents, and

David's heart was filled with regret after he had taken the census of the people.

10-13. David said to the Lord, "I have sinned." The act of numbering the people wasn't inherently sinful; Moses had done it by God's express authority. However, David acted independently and for unworthy reasons: pride, vainglory, self-confidence, and distrust of God. He was driven by ambitious designs for conquest, seeking to force the people into military service and determine if he could muster an army sufficient for his plans. This was a breach of Israel's constitution and an infringement on the people's liberties, contrary to God's policy that required Israel to remain separate.

13. Shall seven years of famine come upon you—this would be in addition to the three years already mentioned (see 1 Chronicles 21:11).

14. David said, "Let us fall now into the hand of the Lord." His overwhelming sense of guilt led him to accept the punishment, despite its apparent severity. Choosing pestilence was a good principle for David; in this way, he would be equally exposed to danger as his people, and it was just that he should share their fate. By choosing pestilence, David demonstrated his trust in God's goodness, based on long experience.