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O LORD my God, please let Your hand fall upon me and my father's house, but do not let this plague remain upon Your people."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_chronicles/21-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/13_1Ch_21_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Chronicles 21:17 - A Plague on Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And David said to God, Was it not I who gave the order to count the people? I am the one who has sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? O LORD my God, please let Your hand fall upon me and my father's house, but do not let this plague remain upon Your people." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_chronicles/21-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_chronicles/21-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_chronicles/">1 Chronicles</a> > <a href="/1_chronicles/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_chronicles/21-16.htm" title="1 Chronicles 21:16">◄</a> 1 Chronicles 21:17 <a href="/1_chronicles/21-18.htm" title="1 Chronicles 21:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/21.htm">New International Version</a> David said to God, &#8220Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? LORD my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> And David said to God, “I am the one who called for the census! I am the one who has sinned and done wrong! But these people are as innocent as sheep—what have they done? O LORD my God, let your anger fall against me and my family, but do not destroy your people.” <a href="/esv/1_chronicles/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O LORD my God, be against me and against my father’s house. But do not let the plague be on your people.” <a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave the order to count the people? I am the one who has sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? O LORD my God, please let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house, but do not let this plague remain upon Your people.” <a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/21.htm">King James Bible</a> And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued. <a href="/nkjv/1_chronicles/21.htm">New King James Version</a> And David said to God, “Was it not I who commanded the people to be numbered? I am the one who has sinned and done evil indeed; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, O LORD my God, be against me and my father’s house, but not against Your people that they should be plagued.” <a href="/nasb_/1_chronicles/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And David said to God, “Is it not I who commanded to count the people? Indeed, I am the one who has sinned and acted very wickedly, but these sheep, what have they done? LORD, my God, just let Your hand be against me and my father’s household, and not against Your people as a plague.” <a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> David said to God, &#8220Is it not I who commanded to count the people? Indeed, I am the one who has sinned and done very wickedly, but these sheep, what have they done? O LORD my God, please let Your hand be against me and my father&#8217s household, but not against Your people that they should be plagued.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_chronicles/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And David said to God, “Is it not I who commanded to count the people? Indeed, I am the one who has sinned and done very wickedly, but these sheep, what have they done? O LORD my God, please let Thy hand be against me and my father’s household, but not against Thy people that they should be plagued.” <a href="/lsb/1_chronicles/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And David said to God, “Is it not I who commanded to number the people? Indeed, I am the one who has sinned and done a great evil; but these sheep, what have they done? O Yahweh my God, please let Your hand be against me and my father’s household, but not against Your people that they should be plagued.” <a href="/amp/1_chronicles/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> David said to God, “Is it not I who commanded the people to be counted? I am the one who has sinned and done evil; but as for these sheep [the people of Israel], what have they done? O LORD my God, please let Your hand be against me and my father’s house, but not against Your people that they should be plagued.” <a href="/csb/1_chronicles/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> David said to God, “Wasn’t I the one who gave the order to count the people? I am the one who has sinned and acted very wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? LORD my God, please let your hand be against me and against my father’s family, but don’t let the plague be against your people.” <a href="/hcsb/1_chronicles/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> David said to God, &#8220Wasn&#8217t I the one who gave the order to count the people? I am the one who has sinned and acted very wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? My LORD God, please let Your hand be against me and against my father&#8217s family, but don&#8217t let the plague be against Your people.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_chronicles/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done very wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? let thy hand, I pray thee, O Jehovah my God, be against me, and against my father's house; but not against thy people, that they should be plagued. <a href="/cev/1_chronicles/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and David prayed, "It's my fault! I sinned by ordering the people to be counted. They have done nothing wrong--they are innocent sheep. LORD God, please punish me and my family. Don't let the disease wipe out your people." <a href="/erv/1_chronicles/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done very wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be against me, and against my father's house; but not against thy people, that they should be plagued. <a href="/gwt/1_chronicles/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David said to God, "I'm the one who ordered the people to be counted. I am the one who sinned and did wrong. What have these sheep done? LORD my God, let your punishment be against me and my father's family, but don't punish your people with a plague." <a href="/gnt/1_chronicles/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> David prayed, "O God, I am the one who did wrong. I am the one who ordered the census. What have these poor people done? LORD, my God, punish me and my family, and spare your people." <a href="/isv/1_chronicles/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> David told God, "Wasn't I the one who ordered the census of the population? Wasn't it I who sinned and acted wickedly? Now as for these sheep, what have they done? LORD God, please let your hand be against me and my ancestral household, but don't let your people be ravaged by plague!" <a href="/msb/1_chronicles/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And David said to God, ?Was it not I who gave the order to count the people? I am the one who has sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? O LORD my God, please let Your hand fall upon me and my father?s house, but do not let this plague remain upon Your people.? <a href="/net/1_chronicles/21.htm">NET Bible</a> David said to God, "Was I not the one who decided to number the army? I am the one who sinned and committed this awful deed! As for these sheep--what have they done? O LORD my God, attack me and my family, but remove the plague from your people!" <a href="/nheb/1_chronicles/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> David said to God, "Isn't it I who commanded the people to be numbered? It is even I who have sinned and done very wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O LORD my God, be against me, and against my father's house; but not against your people, that they should be plagued." <a href="/wbt/1_chronicles/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And David said to God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thy hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be afflicted. <a href="/web/1_chronicles/21.htm">World English Bible</a> David said to God, “Isn’t it I who commanded the people to be counted? It is even I who have sinned and done very wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O Yahweh my God, be against me and against my father’s house; but not against your people, that they should be plagued.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_chronicles/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David says to God, “Did I not command to number the people? Indeed, it [is] I who have sinned, and done great evil: and these, the flock, what did they do? O YHWH, my God, please let Your hand be on me, and on the house of my father, and not on Your people—to be plagued.” <a href="/ylt/1_chronicles/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David saith unto God, 'Did not I -- I say to number the people? Yea, I it is who have sinned, and done great evil: and these, the flock, what did they? O Jehovah, my God, let, I pray Thee, Thy hand be on me, and on the house of my father, and not on Thy people -- to be plagued.' <a href="/slt/1_chronicles/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will say to God, Is it not I who said to number in the people? and I am he who sinned, and doing evil I did evil; and these sheep, what did they? O Jehovah my God, thy hand now shall be upon me and upon my father's house; and not to smite upon thy people.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_chronicles/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And David said to God: Am not I he that commanded the people to be numbered? It is I that have sinned: it is I that have done the evil: but as for this flock, what hath it deserved? O Lord my God, let thy hand be turned, I beseech thee, upon me, and upon my father's house: and let not thy people be destroyed. <a href="/cpdv/1_chronicles/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And David said to God: “Am I not the one who ordered that the people be numbered? It is I who sinned; it is I who did evil. This flock, what does it deserve? O Lord my God, I beg you to let your hand be turned against me and against the house of my father. But let not your people be struck down.” <a href="/nabre/1_chronicles/21.htm">New American Bible</a> and David prayed to God: “Was it not I who ordered the census of the people? I am the one who sinned, I did this wicked thing. But these sheep, what have they done? O LORD, my God, strike me and my father’s family, but do not afflict your people with this plague!” <a href="/nrsvce/1_chronicles/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave the command to count the people? It is I who have sinned and done very wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Let your hand, I pray, O LORD my God, be against me and against my father’s house; but do not let your people be plagued!”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_chronicles/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And David said to the LORD, Is it not I who commanded the people to be numbered? Even I it is who have sinned, and the folly which I have committed is great; but as for these innocent sheep, what have they done? Let thy hand, O LORD my God, be against me and against my father's house; but let the plague cease from the people. <a href="/hpbt/1_chronicles/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David said to LORD JEHOVAH: “I am he who said, “Number the people”, and I am he who has sinned, and the evil that I have committed is very great, but these innocent sheep, what have they done? LORD JEHOVAH, my God, let your hand be against me and against the house of my father, and let the plague be stopped from the people!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_chronicles/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David said unto God: 'Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done very wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? let Thy hand, I pray Thee, O LORD my God, be against me, and against my father's house; but not against Thy people, that they should be plagued.' <a href="/sep/1_chronicles/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David said to God, Was it not I that gave orders to number the people? and I am the guilty one; I have greatly sinned: but these sheep, what have they done? O Lord God, let thy hand be upon me, and upon my father's house, and not on thy people for destruction, O Lord! <a href="/parallel/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtNNY-qpWWI?start=5950" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/21.htm">A Plague on Israel</a> …16When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown. 17<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wîḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">And David</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“Was it not</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">who gave the order</a> <a href="/hebrew/4487.htm" title="4487: lim·nō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll.">to count</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: bā·‘ām (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people?</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî- (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">am the one</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: ḥā·ṭā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">has sinned</a> <a href="/hebrew/7489.htm" title="7489: wə·hā·rê·a‘ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; properly, to spoil; figuratively, to make good for nothing, i.e. Bad.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/7489.htm" title="7489: hă·rê·‘ō·w·ṯî (V-Hifil-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to spoil; figuratively, to make good for nothing, i.e. Bad.">acted wickedly.</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: wə·’êl·leh (Conj-w:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">But these</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: haṣ·ṣōn (Art:: N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">sheep,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: meh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">have they done?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">O LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">my God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">please</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">let Your hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: tə·hî (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">fall upon</a> <a href="/hebrew/bî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">and my father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: ū·ḇə·ḇêṯ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">house,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4046.htm" title="4046: lə·mag·gê·p̄āh (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- A blow, slaughter, plague, pestilence. From nagaph; a pestilence; by analogy, defeat.">let this plague</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ū·ḇə·‘am·mə·ḵā (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">remain upon Your people.”</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/24-17.htm">2 Samuel 24:17</a> When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.” <a href="/exodus/32-32.htm">Exodus 32:32</a> Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.” <a href="/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22</a> But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?” <a href="/numbers/16-47.htm">Numbers 16:47-48</a> So Aaron took the censer as Moses had ordered and ran into the midst of the assembly. And seeing that the plague had begun among the people, he offered the incense and made atonement for the people. / He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted. <a href="/2_samuel/24-10.htm">2 Samuel 24:10</a> After David had numbered the troops, his conscience was stricken and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.” <a href="/2_samuel/24-1.htm">2 Samuel 24:1</a> Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.” <a href="/2_samuel/24-15.htm">2 Samuel 24:15-16</a> So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel from that morning until the appointed time, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. / But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. <a href="/1_kings/18-36.htm">1 Kings 18:36-37</a> At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. / Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” <a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">Psalm 51:1-4</a> For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. / Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. / For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ... <a href="/psalms/106-23.htm">Psalm 106:23</a> So He said He would destroy them—had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them. <a href="/isaiah/53-6.htm">Isaiah 53:6</a> We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. <a href="/ezekiel/22-30.htm">Ezekiel 22:30</a> I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one. <a href="/daniel/9-16.htm">Daniel 9:16-19</a> O Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, I pray that Your anger and wrath may turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all around us. / So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary. / Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion. ... <a href="/matthew/27-4.htm">Matthew 27:4</a> “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” <a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a> Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And David said to God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let your hand, I pray you, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on your people, that they should be plagued.It is not I<a href="/1_chronicles/21-8.htm">1 Chronicles 21:8</a> And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.<a href="/2_samuel/24-17.htm">2 Samuel 24:17</a> 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.<a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Psalm 51:4</a> Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.these sheep<a href="/1_kings/22-17.htm">1 Kings 22:17</a> And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.<a href="/psalms/44-11.htm">Psalm 44:11</a> Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.what have<a href="/2_samuel/24-1.htm">2 Samuel 24:1</a> And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.let thine<a href="/genesis/44-33.htm">Genesis 44:33</a> Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren.<a href="/exodus/32-32.htm">Exodus 32:32,33</a> Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written… <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11,12</a> I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep… on my father's<a href="/exodus/20-5.htm">Exodus 20:5</a> Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;<a href="/2_samuel/12-10.htm">2 Samuel 12:10</a> Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.<a href="/psalms/51-14.htm">Psalm 51:14</a> Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.that they should<a href="/joshua/22-18.htm">Joshua 22:18</a> But that ye must turn away this day from following the LORD? and it will be, seeing ye rebel to day against the LORD, that to morrow he will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/17-20.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-10.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-6.htm">Count</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-16.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-15.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-28.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-16.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-27.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-18.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-6.htm">Numbered</a> <a href="/joshua/24-5.htm">Plagued</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-13.htm">Please</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-7.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-8.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-11.htm">Wickedly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_chronicles/6-26.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-18.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/27-23.htm">Count</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-18.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-11.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-18.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-29.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-5.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-16.htm">Numbered</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/21-18.htm">Plagued</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-7.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/5-6.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-22.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-37.htm">Wickedly</a><div class="vheading2">1 Chronicles 21</div>1. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-1.htm">David, tempted by Satan, forces Joab to number the people</a> 5. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-5.htm">The number of the people being brought, David repents of it</a> 9. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-9.htm">David having three plagues proposed by God, chooses the pestilence</a> 14. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-14.htm">After the death of 70,000, David by repentance prevents the destruction of Jerusalem</a> 18. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-18.htm">David, by Gad's direction, purchases Ornan's threshing floor; </a> 26. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-26.htm">where having built an altar, God gives a sign of his favor by fire.</a> 28. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-28.htm">David sacrifices there, being restrained from Gibeon by fear of the angel</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_chronicles/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_chronicles/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_chronicles/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And David said to God, David, the second king of Israel, is known for his deep relationship with God, often seeking divine guidance. This phrase highlights his direct communication with God, a privilege and responsibility of his kingship. It reflects the biblical principle of personal accountability before God, a theme prevalent throughout the scriptures.“Was it not I who gave the order to count the people? David acknowledges his role in the census, which was against God's will. In the ancient Near Eastern context, censuses were often conducted for military or taxation purposes, but in Israel, they were to be commanded by God. This act of counting the people without divine instruction was seen as a lack of trust in God's provision and protection.I am the one who has sinned and acted wickedly. David's confession is a model of repentance, taking full responsibility for his actions. This aligns with the biblical theme of repentance, where acknowledgment of sin is the first step towards restoration. David's admission contrasts with other biblical figures who deflected blame, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability.But these sheep, what have they done? David refers to the people of Israel as "sheep," a common biblical metaphor for God's people, highlighting their vulnerability and need for guidance. This imagery is consistent with passages like <a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23</a>, where God is depicted as a shepherd. David's plea underscores his role as a shepherd-king, responsible for the welfare of his people.O LORD my God, The use of "LORD" (Yahweh) signifies a personal and covenantal relationship with God. This phrase reflects the intimate and reverent relationship David has with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises.please let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house, David offers himself and his family as a substitute for the punishment, demonstrating a willingness to bear the consequences of his actions. This self-sacrificial attitude is a type of Christ, who ultimately bore the sins of humanity. It also reflects the biblical principle of leadership, where leaders are accountable for their actions and their impact on others.but do not let this plague remain upon Your people.” David intercedes for the people, asking God to spare them from the consequences of his sin. This intercession is a foreshadowing of Christ's role as the ultimate intercessor. The plea for the removal of the plague highlights the theme of divine mercy and the power of prayer in seeking God's intervention.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel who ordered the census, recognizing his sin and pleading for mercy on behalf of his people. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The sovereign Lord to whom David prays, acknowledging His authority and seeking His mercy. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_census.htm">The Census</a> An event initiated by David that led to God's displeasure and a subsequent plague on Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_plague.htm">The Plague</a> A divine punishment sent by God as a consequence of David's sin, affecting the people of Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a> Referred to as "sheep" by David, they suffer due to the king's actions, highlighting the communal impact of sin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_weight_of_leadership.htm">The Weight of Leadership</a> Leaders bear significant responsibility for their actions, which can have widespread consequences. David's acknowledgment of his sin is a model for accountability. <a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_repentance.htm">The Nature of Repentance</a> True repentance involves recognizing one's sin, taking responsibility, and seeking God's mercy, as demonstrated by David's plea. <a href="/topical/i/intercessory_prayer.htm">Intercessory Prayer</a> David's prayer for his people shows the power and importance of interceding for others, especially those affected by our actions. <a href="/topical/g/god's_mercy_and_justice.htm">God's Mercy and Justice</a> While God is just in His punishment, He is also merciful. David's appeal to God's mercy reflects a deep understanding of God's character. <a href="/topical/c/communal_impact_of_sin.htm">Communal Impact of Sin</a> Sin often affects more than just the individual; it can have communal repercussions, reminding us to consider the broader impact of our actions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_chronicles_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 21</a> <a href="/q/who_made_david_count_israel's_troops.htm">Who incited David to count the fighting men of Israel? God did (2 Samuel 24: 1) Satan did (I Chronicles 2 1:1)</a> <a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_21_1_and_2_sam_24_1_differ.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 21:1 say Satan incited David, whereas 2 Samuel 24:1 implies God did?</a> <a href="/q/why_isn't_david's_temple_ban_reason_given.htm">Why does God forbid David from building the temple in 1 Chronicles 22:8 but never give that explicit reason in the parallel accounts (e.g., 2 Samuel 7)?</a> <a href="/q/does_1_chr_28_5_align_with_david's_succession.htm">Does 1 Chronicles 28:5, where David says God chose Solomon as king, align with or contradict other biblical passages about political intrigue in David's succession?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_chronicles/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) And David said unto God.--Sam., "Jehovah." Samuel adds, "when he saw the angel that smote the people" (see our <a href="/1_chronicles/21-16.htm" title="And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces.">1Chronicles 21:16</a>); "and he said."Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered?--Literally, to number the people. In Samuel these words are wanting. They may have been added by the chronicler for the sake of clearness. "though they may also have formed part of the original narrative.Even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed.--Samuel reads, "Lo, I" (different pronoun) "have sinned, and I have dealt crookedly." Our text here may be paraphrastic, but hardly a corruption of the older one.But as for these sheep, what . . . father's house.--Verbatim as in Samuel, save that the appeal, "O Lord my God," is wanting there. (Literally, But these, the sheep. The king was the shepherd.)But not on thy people, that they should be plagued.--Literally, and on thy people, not for a plague. The strangeness of this order makes it likely that these words comprise two marginal notes, or glosses, which have crept into the text. They are not read in Samuel. <a href="/commentaries/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>and David דָּוִ֣יד (dā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse said וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶֽל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to God, הָאֱלֹהִ֡ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative “Was it not הֲלֹא֩ (hă·lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no I אֲנִ֨י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I who gave the order אָמַ֜רְתִּי (’ā·mar·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to count לִמְנ֣וֹת (lim·nō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4487.htm">Strong's 4487: </a> To weigh out, to allot, constitute officially, to enumerate, enroll the people? בָּעָ֗ם (bā·‘ām) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock I, [the shepherd], וַאֲנִי־ (wa·’ă·nî-) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I am the one ה֤וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are who אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that has sinned חָטָ֙אתִי֙ (ḥā·ṭā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn and וְהָרֵ֣עַ (wə·hā·rê·a‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7489.htm">Strong's 7489: </a> To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad acted wickedly. הֲרֵע֔וֹתִי (hă·rê·‘ō·w·ṯî) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7489.htm">Strong's 7489: </a> To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad But these וְאֵ֥לֶּה (wə·’êl·leh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those sheep, הַצֹּ֖אן (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock what מֶ֣ה (meh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what have they done? עָשׂ֑וּ (‘ā·śū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make O LORD יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel my God, אֱלֹהַ֗י (’ĕ·lō·hay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative please נָ֤א (nā) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> I pray', 'now', 'then' let Your hand יָֽדְךָ֙ (yā·ḏə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand fall upon תְּהִ֨י (tə·hî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be me בִּ֚י (bî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_0.htm">Strong's 0: </a> 0 and my father?s אָבִ֔י (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father house, וּבְבֵ֣ית (ū·ḇə·ḇêṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house but do not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no let this plague לְמַגֵּפָֽה׃ (lə·mag·gê·p̄āh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4046.htm">Strong's 4046: </a> A blow, slaughter, plague, pestilence remain upon Your people.? וּֽבְעַמְּךָ֖ (ū·ḇə·‘am·mə·ḵā) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">1 Chronicles 21:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">1 Chronicles 21:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">1 Chronicles 21:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">1 Chronicles 21:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">1 Chronicles 21:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">1 Chronicles 21:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">1 Chronicles 21:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">1 Chronicles 21:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">1 Chronicles 21:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">1 Chronicles 21:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-17.htm">OT History: 1 Chronicles 21:17 David said to God Isn't it (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_chronicles/21-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Chronicles 21:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 21:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_chronicles/21-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Chronicles 21:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 21:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>