241 And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
241 Again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, "Go and take a census of Israel and Judah."
241 Again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, "Go, number Israel and Judah."
241 Once again God's anger blazed out against Israel. He tested David by telling him, "Go and take a census of Israel and Judah."
241 Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, "Go, number Israel and Judah."
241 Once again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he caused David to harm them by taking a census. "Go and count the people of Israel and Judah," the Lord told him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 24:1
Commentary on 2 Samuel 24:1-9
(Read 2 Samuel 24:1-9)
For the people's sin David was left to act wrong, and in his chastisement they received punishment. This example throws light upon God's government of the world, and furnishes a useful lesson. The pride of David's heart, was his sin in numbering of the people. He thought thereby to appear the more formidable, trusting in an arm of flesh more than he should have done, and though he had written so much of trusting in God only. God judges not of sin as we do. What appears to us harmless, or, at least, but a small offence, may be a great sin in the eye of God, who discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. Even ungodly men can discern evil tempers and wrong conduct in believers, of which they themselves often remain unconscious. But God seldom allows those whom he loves the pleasures they sinfully covet.