1 And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

2 For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.

3 And Joab said unto the king, Now the Lord thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

4 Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.

5 And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:

6 Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtimhodshi; and they came to Danjaan, and about to Zidon,

7 And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites: and they went out to the south of Judah, even to Beersheba.

8 So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.

9 And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.

10 And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

11 For when David was up in the morning, the word of the Lord came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,

12 Go and say unto David, Thus saith the Lord, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

13 So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.

14 And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.

15 So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.

16 And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the Lord was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

17 And David spake unto the Lord when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

18 And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the Lord in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.

19 And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the Lord commanded.

20 And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.

21 And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the Lord, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

22 And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood.

23 All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The Lord thy God accept thee.

24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

25 And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David numbers the people.
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.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
McArther Bible Commentary
This is the sixth and final inset to the Epilogue.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 10:6 Numbers 1:19 2 Samuel 21:1 2 Samuel 21:2 1 Chronicles 7:2 1 Chronicles 21:1 1 Chronicles 27:23 1 Chronicles 27:24

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David numbers the people.
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.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
McArther Bible Commentary
from Dan to Beersheba. A proverbial statement for all the land of Israel from north to south.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 21:14 Judges 20:1 2 Samuel 3:10 2 Samuel 24:15

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David numbers the people.
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.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
McArther Bible Commentary
But why? Although Joab protested the plan, he was overruled by David with no reason for the census being stated by David.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 1:11 2 Samuel 24:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David numbers the people.
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.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 24:3 2 Samuel 24:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David numbers the people.
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.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
McArther Bible Commentary
Aroer. The census began about fourteen miles east of the Dead Sea on the northern bank of the Arnon River, in the southeastern corner of Israel, and continued in a counterclockwise direction through the land. Jazer. A town in the territory of Gad about six miles west of Rabbah. Jazer was close to the border of the Ammonite territory.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 21:32 Numbers 32:35 Deuteronomy 2:36 Joshua 13:9 Joshua 13:16 Joshua 13:25 2 Samuel 24:4

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David numbers the people.
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.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
McArther Bible Commentary
Gilead. The Transjordan territory north of Gad. Dan Jaan. This was either a village near the town of Dan or a fuller name for Dan itself. Dan is twenty-five miles north of the Sea of Galilee.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 10:15 Joshua 19:28 Judges 1:31

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David numbers the people.
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.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
McArther Bible Commentary
Tyre. The census takers seem to have gone north from Dan and then west towards Sidon before turning south toward Tyre, a city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea ruled by David's friend Hiram (see note on 2Sa 5:11), but remaining in Israelite territory. Beersheba. A major settlement in the south of the land of Israel located about forty-five miles southwest of Jerusalem.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 21:22 Joshua 11:3 Joshua 19:29 Judges 3:3 2 Samuel 24:8 Zechariah 9:3

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David numbers the people.
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.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 24:7 2 Samuel 24:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David numbers the people.
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.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
McArther Bible Commentary
Israel eight hundred thousand … Judah … five hundred thousand. First Chronicles 1Ch 21:5 has "one million one hundred thousand" and "four hundred and seventy thousand," respectively. A solution can be found in seeing the 1 Chronicles figure including all the available men of military age, whether battle-seasoned or not. But the 2 Samuel figure could be 800,000 battle-seasoned soldiers with the additional 300,000 being of military age who were in reserve but never fought, or it could be the 288,000 in the standing army (1Ch 27:1-15) rounded off to 300,000. Either of these two contingents would make up the 1.1 million number of 1 Chronicles 21. As far as Judah was concerned, the number in 2 Samuel is 30,000 more than the 1 Chronicles figure. First Chronicles makes it clear that the numbering was not completed by Joab, because he did not get to the census regarding Benjamin (or Levi) before David came under conviction about completing it all. Joab was glad to stop when he saw the king's changed heart. Because of the procedure selected (see note on 2Sa 24:5), the numbering of Benjamin would have been last, so their number was not included. In the record of 2 Samuel, the figure for Judah included the already-known number of 30,000 troops from Benjamin, hence the total of 500,000. The Benjamites remained loyal to David and Judah.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 1:26 Numbers 1:44 2 Samuel 24:8 1 Chronicles 21:5

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He chooses the pestilence.
It is well, when a man has sinned, if he has a heart within to smite him for it. If we confess our sins, we may pray in faith that God would forgive them, and take away, by pardoning mercy, that sin which we cast away by sincere repentance. What we make the matter of our pride, it is just in God to take from us, or make bitter to us, and make it our punishment. This must be such a punishment as the people have a large share in, for though it was David's sin that opened the sluice, the sins of the people all contributed to the flood. In this difficulty, David chose a judgment which came immediately from God, whose mercies he knew to be very great, rather than from men, who would have triumphed in the miseries of Israel, and have been thereby hardened in their idolatry. He chose the pestilence; he and his family would be as much exposed to it as the poorest Israelite; and he would continue for a shorter time under the Divine rebuke, however severe it was. The rapid destruction by the pestilence shows how easily God can bring down the proudest sinners, and how much we owe daily to the Divine patience.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
McArther Bible Commentary
David's heart condemned him. Although God's prohibition is not clear in the text, it was clear to David. sinned greatly … done very foolishly. David recognized the enormity of his willful rebellion against God. David's insight saw the seriousness of his error in relying on numerical strength instead of on the Lord, who can deliver by many or few (see 1Sa 14:6).
Bible Cross References
Numbers 12:11 1 Samuel 13:13 1 Samuel 24:5 2 Samuel 12:13 2 Samuel 24:17 1 Kings 8:35 2 Chronicles 16:9

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He chooses the pestilence.
It is well, when a man has sinned, if he has a heart within to smite him for it. If we confess our sins, we may pray in faith that God would forgive them, and take away, by pardoning mercy, that sin which we cast away by sincere repentance. What we make the matter of our pride, it is just in God to take from us, or make bitter to us, and make it our punishment. This must be such a punishment as the people have a large share in, for though it was David's sin that opened the sluice, the sins of the people all contributed to the flood. In this difficulty, David chose a judgment which came immediately from God, whose mercies he knew to be very great, rather than from men, who would have triumphed in the miseries of Israel, and have been thereby hardened in their idolatry. He chose the pestilence; he and his family would be as much exposed to it as the poorest Israelite; and he would continue for a shorter time under the Divine rebuke, however severe it was. The rapid destruction by the pestilence shows how easily God can bring down the proudest sinners, and how much we owe daily to the Divine patience.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
McArther Bible Commentary
Gad. See note on 1Sa 22:5.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 9:9 1 Samuel 22:5 2 Samuel 24:12 1 Chronicles 21:9 1 Chronicles 25:5 1 Chronicles 29:29 2 Chronicles 29:25

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He chooses the pestilence.
It is well, when a man has sinned, if he has a heart within to smite him for it. If we confess our sins, we may pray in faith that God would forgive them, and take away, by pardoning mercy, that sin which we cast away by sincere repentance. What we make the matter of our pride, it is just in God to take from us, or make bitter to us, and make it our punishment. This must be such a punishment as the people have a large share in, for though it was David's sin that opened the sluice, the sins of the people all contributed to the flood. In this difficulty, David chose a judgment which came immediately from God, whose mercies he knew to be very great, rather than from men, who would have triumphed in the miseries of Israel, and have been thereby hardened in their idolatry. He chose the pestilence; he and his family would be as much exposed to it as the poorest Israelite; and he would continue for a shorter time under the Divine rebuke, however severe it was. The rapid destruction by the pestilence shows how easily God can bring down the proudest sinners, and how much we owe daily to the Divine patience.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 24:11 2 Samuel 24:13 1 Chronicles 27:24

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He chooses the pestilence.
It is well, when a man has sinned, if he has a heart within to smite him for it. If we confess our sins, we may pray in faith that God would forgive them, and take away, by pardoning mercy, that sin which we cast away by sincere repentance. What we make the matter of our pride, it is just in God to take from us, or make bitter to us, and make it our punishment. This must be such a punishment as the people have a large share in, for though it was David's sin that opened the sluice, the sins of the people all contributed to the flood. In this difficulty, David chose a judgment which came immediately from God, whose mercies he knew to be very great, rather than from men, who would have triumphed in the miseries of Israel, and have been thereby hardened in their idolatry. He chose the pestilence; he and his family would be as much exposed to it as the poorest Israelite; and he would continue for a shorter time under the Divine rebuke, however severe it was. The rapid destruction by the pestilence shows how easily God can bring down the proudest sinners, and how much we owe daily to the Divine patience.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
McArther Bible Commentary
famine … enemies … plague. David was given a choice of three possible punishments for his sin of numbering the people: (1) three years of famine in Israel (see note on 1Ch 21:12); (2) three months of fleeing from his enemies; or (3) three days of pestilence in the land. Implicit in the threat of pursuit by enemies was death by the sword. Famine, sword, and plague were OT punishments of the Lord against His sinful people (Lev 26:23-26; Deu 28:21-26; Jer 14:12).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 24:12 1 Chronicles 21:12 Ezekiel 14:21

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He chooses the pestilence.
It is well, when a man has sinned, if he has a heart within to smite him for it. If we confess our sins, we may pray in faith that God would forgive them, and take away, by pardoning mercy, that sin which we cast away by sincere repentance. What we make the matter of our pride, it is just in God to take from us, or make bitter to us, and make it our punishment. This must be such a punishment as the people have a large share in, for though it was David's sin that opened the sluice, the sins of the people all contributed to the flood. In this difficulty, David chose a judgment which came immediately from God, whose mercies he knew to be very great, rather than from men, who would have triumphed in the miseries of Israel, and have been thereby hardened in their idolatry. He chose the pestilence; he and his family would be as much exposed to it as the poorest Israelite; and he would continue for a shorter time under the Divine rebuke, however severe it was. The rapid destruction by the pestilence shows how easily God can bring down the proudest sinners, and how much we owe daily to the Divine patience.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 1 Chronicles 21:1-13.
McArther Bible Commentary
fall into the hand of the Lord. David knew that the Lord would be more merciful than his enemies, so he took the third option.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 9:8 Psalm 51:1 Psalm 119:156 Psalm 130:4 Psalm 130:7

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He chooses the pestilence.
It is well, when a man has sinned, if he has a heart within to smite him for it. If we confess our sins, we may pray in faith that God would forgive them, and take away, by pardoning mercy, that sin which we cast away by sincere repentance. What we make the matter of our pride, it is just in God to take from us, or make bitter to us, and make it our punishment. This must be such a punishment as the people have a large share in, for though it was David's sin that opened the sluice, the sins of the people all contributed to the flood. In this difficulty, David chose a judgment which came immediately from God, whose mercies he knew to be very great, rather than from men, who would have triumphed in the miseries of Israel, and have been thereby hardened in their idolatry. He chose the pestilence; he and his family would be as much exposed to it as the poorest Israelite; and he would continue for a shorter time under the Divine rebuke, however severe it was. The rapid destruction by the pestilence shows how easily God can bring down the proudest sinners, and how much we owe daily to the Divine patience.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 24:2 1 Chronicles 21:14 1 Chronicles 27:24 Habakkuk 3:2

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The staying the pestilence.
Perhaps there was more wickedness, especially more pride, and that was the sin now chastised, in Jerusalem than elsewhere, therefore the hand of the destroyer is stretched out upon that city; but the Lord repented him of the evil, changed not his mind, but his way. In the very place where Abraham was stayed from slaying his son, this angel, by a like countermand, was stayed from destroying Jerusalem. It is for the sake of the great Sacrifice, that our forfeited lives are preserved from the destroying angel. And in David is the spirit of a true shepherd of the people, offering himself as a sacrifice to God, for the salvation of his subjects.
McArther Bible Commentary
relented. Or repented, grieved, an expression of God's deep sorrow over man's sin and evil (see 1Sa 15:11, 1Sa 15:29). Araunah the Jebusite. Araunah (or Ornan) was a pre-Israelite inhabitant of Jerusalem. He owned a threshing floor north of the citadel of Jerusalem and outside its fortified area. Key Word Jerusalem: 2Sa 5:5; 2Sa 8:7; 2Sa 11:1; 2Sa 15:8, 2Sa 15:29; 2Sa 16:15; 2Sa 17:20; 2Sa 19:19; 2Sa 24:16-related to the word for "peace." During the reign of King David, Jerusalem was made the political and religious capital of Israel and became central to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Jerusalem is described variously in the Old Testament as the city of God (Psa 87:1-3), the place where God has put His name (2Ki 21:4), a place of salvation (Isa 46:13), the throne of God (Jer 3:17), and a holy city (Isa 52:1). The prophets foresaw an approaching time when Jerusalem would be judged because of its iniquity (Mic 4:10-12), but, in pronouncing judgment, they could also see its glorious restoration (Isa 40:2; Isa 44:25-28; Dan 9:2; Zep 3:16-20). This vision of a restored Jerusalem included the hope of a New Jerusalem in which God would gather all His people (Isa 65:17-19; Rev 21:1-2).
Bible Cross References
Acts 12:23 1 Corinthians 10:10 Exodus 12:23 Exodus 32:14 1 Samuel 15:11 2 Kings 19:35 Jeremiah 26:19

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The staying the pestilence.
Perhaps there was more wickedness, especially more pride, and that was the sin now chastised, in Jerusalem than elsewhere, therefore the hand of the destroyer is stretched out upon that city; but the Lord repented him of the evil, changed not his mind, but his way. In the very place where Abraham was stayed from slaying his son, this angel, by a like countermand, was stayed from destroying Jerusalem. It is for the sake of the great Sacrifice, that our forfeited lives are preserved from the destroying angel. And in David is the spirit of a true shepherd of the people, offering himself as a sacrifice to God, for the salvation of his subjects.
McArther Bible Commentary
Let Your hand … be against me. Rather than witness the further destruction of his people, David called down God's wrath upon himself and his own family (cf. Exo 32:32).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 18:23 2 Samuel 7:8 2 Samuel 24:10 Psalm 74:1 Jonah 1:12

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's sacrifice, The plague removed.
God's encouraging us to offer to him spiritual sacrifices, is an evidence of his reconciling us to himself. David purchased the ground to build the altar. God hates robbery for burnt-offering. Those know not what religion is, who chiefly care to make it cheap and easy to themselves, and who are best pleased with that which costs them least pains or money. For what have we our substance, but to honour God with it; and how can it be better bestowed? See the building of the altar, and the offering proper sacrifices upon it. Burnt-offerings to the glory of God's justice; peace-offerings to the glory of his mercy. Christ is our Altar, our Sacrifice; in him alone we may expect to escape his wrath, and to find favour with God. Death is destroying all around, in so many forms, and so suddenly, that it is madness not to expect and prepare for the close of life.
McArther Bible Commentary
See 1Ch 21:18-27.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 50:10 2 Samuel 24:19 1 Chronicles 21:18

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's sacrifice, The plague removed.
God's encouraging us to offer to him spiritual sacrifices, is an evidence of his reconciling us to himself. David purchased the ground to build the altar. God hates robbery for burnt-offering. Those know not what religion is, who chiefly care to make it cheap and easy to themselves, and who are best pleased with that which costs them least pains or money. For what have we our substance, but to honour God with it; and how can it be better bestowed? See the building of the altar, and the offering proper sacrifices upon it. Burnt-offerings to the glory of God's justice; peace-offerings to the glory of his mercy. Christ is our Altar, our Sacrifice; in him alone we may expect to escape his wrath, and to find favour with God. Death is destroying all around, in so many forms, and so suddenly, that it is madness not to expect and prepare for the close of life.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 24:18 2 Samuel 24:20

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's sacrifice, The plague removed.
God's encouraging us to offer to him spiritual sacrifices, is an evidence of his reconciling us to himself. David purchased the ground to build the altar. God hates robbery for burnt-offering. Those know not what religion is, who chiefly care to make it cheap and easy to themselves, and who are best pleased with that which costs them least pains or money. For what have we our substance, but to honour God with it; and how can it be better bestowed? See the building of the altar, and the offering proper sacrifices upon it. Burnt-offerings to the glory of God's justice; peace-offerings to the glory of his mercy. Christ is our Altar, our Sacrifice; in him alone we may expect to escape his wrath, and to find favour with God. Death is destroying all around, in so many forms, and so suddenly, that it is madness not to expect and prepare for the close of life.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 24:19 2 Samuel 24:21

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's sacrifice, The plague removed.
God's encouraging us to offer to him spiritual sacrifices, is an evidence of his reconciling us to himself. David purchased the ground to build the altar. God hates robbery for burnt-offering. Those know not what religion is, who chiefly care to make it cheap and easy to themselves, and who are best pleased with that which costs them least pains or money. For what have we our substance, but to honour God with it; and how can it be better bestowed? See the building of the altar, and the offering proper sacrifices upon it. Burnt-offerings to the glory of God's justice; peace-offerings to the glory of his mercy. Christ is our Altar, our Sacrifice; in him alone we may expect to escape his wrath, and to find favour with God. Death is destroying all around, in so many forms, and so suddenly, that it is madness not to expect and prepare for the close of life.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 23:11 Genesis 50:10 Numbers 16:44 2 Samuel 24:20

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's sacrifice, The plague removed.
God's encouraging us to offer to him spiritual sacrifices, is an evidence of his reconciling us to himself. David purchased the ground to build the altar. God hates robbery for burnt-offering. Those know not what religion is, who chiefly care to make it cheap and easy to themselves, and who are best pleased with that which costs them least pains or money. For what have we our substance, but to honour God with it; and how can it be better bestowed? See the building of the altar, and the offering proper sacrifices upon it. Burnt-offerings to the glory of God's justice; peace-offerings to the glory of his mercy. Christ is our Altar, our Sacrifice; in him alone we may expect to escape his wrath, and to find favour with God. Death is destroying all around, in so many forms, and so suddenly, that it is madness not to expect and prepare for the close of life.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 6:14 1 Kings 19:21

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's sacrifice, The plague removed.
God's encouraging us to offer to him spiritual sacrifices, is an evidence of his reconciling us to himself. David purchased the ground to build the altar. God hates robbery for burnt-offering. Those know not what religion is, who chiefly care to make it cheap and easy to themselves, and who are best pleased with that which costs them least pains or money. For what have we our substance, but to honour God with it; and how can it be better bestowed? See the building of the altar, and the offering proper sacrifices upon it. Burnt-offerings to the glory of God's justice; peace-offerings to the glory of his mercy. Christ is our Altar, our Sacrifice; in him alone we may expect to escape his wrath, and to find favour with God. Death is destroying all around, in so many forms, and so suddenly, that it is madness not to expect and prepare for the close of life.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 20:40 Ezekiel 20:41

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's sacrifice, The plague removed.
God's encouraging us to offer to him spiritual sacrifices, is an evidence of his reconciling us to himself. David purchased the ground to build the altar. God hates robbery for burnt-offering. Those know not what religion is, who chiefly care to make it cheap and easy to themselves, and who are best pleased with that which costs them least pains or money. For what have we our substance, but to honour God with it; and how can it be better bestowed? See the building of the altar, and the offering proper sacrifices upon it. Burnt-offerings to the glory of God's justice; peace-offerings to the glory of his mercy. Christ is our Altar, our Sacrifice; in him alone we may expect to escape his wrath, and to find favour with God. Death is destroying all around, in so many forms, and so suddenly, that it is madness not to expect and prepare for the close of life.
McArther Bible Commentary
costs me nothing. Sacrifice is an essential part of worship and service to God (see Mal 1:6-10; 2Co 8:1-5). fifty shekels. A little more than a pound of silver. First Chronicles 1Ch 21:25 says David paid 600 shekels of gold. How is this discrepancy resolved? In the initial transaction, David either bought or leased the small threshing floor (usually thirty or forty feet square) and purchased the oxen. Fifty shekels of silver was appropriate. After that, 1Ch 21:25 says he bought "the place," costing 180 times as much, and referring to the entire area of Mt. Moriah.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 21:24 1 Chronicles 21:25 Malachi 1:13 Malachi 1:14

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's sacrifice, The plague removed.
God's encouraging us to offer to him spiritual sacrifices, is an evidence of his reconciling us to himself. David purchased the ground to build the altar. God hates robbery for burnt-offering. Those know not what religion is, who chiefly care to make it cheap and easy to themselves, and who are best pleased with that which costs them least pains or money. For what have we our substance, but to honour God with it; and how can it be better bestowed? See the building of the altar, and the offering proper sacrifices upon it. Burnt-offerings to the glory of God's justice; peace-offerings to the glory of his mercy. Christ is our Altar, our Sacrifice; in him alone we may expect to escape his wrath, and to find favour with God. Death is destroying all around, in so many forms, and so suddenly, that it is madness not to expect and prepare for the close of life.
McArther Bible Commentary
the plague was withdrawn. This indicates that judgment is not the final action of the Lord toward either Israel or the house of David. God will fulfill the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants (cf. Ezek. 37).
Bible Cross References
Judges 21:4 1 Samuel 13:9 1 Samuel 14:35 2 Samuel 21:14 1 Kings 1:1 Ezekiel 16:42