1 Chronicles 21:17

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."

Study Bible

And David said to God
This phrase marks a direct communication between David and God, highlighting the personal relationship and accountability David feels. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies a declaration or confession, indicating David's earnestness in addressing God. Historically, this reflects the theocratic nature of Israel, where leaders were expected to communicate directly with God, especially in times of crisis.

Was it not I who gave the order to count the people?
David acknowledges his responsibility for the census, which was against God's will. The act of counting the people, in this context, was seen as a reliance on human strength rather than divine provision. The Hebrew word for "count" (פָּקַד, paqad) can also mean to muster or appoint, suggesting a military or administrative intent that disregarded God's sovereignty.

I am the one who has sinned and acted very wickedly
David's confession is profound, as he uses two terms for his wrongdoing: "sinned" (חָטָא, chata) and "acted very wickedly" (הֵרַע, hera). The former implies missing the mark or falling short of God's standards, while the latter suggests a deliberate evil action. This dual acknowledgment underscores the gravity of his actions and his understanding of sin's impact.

but these sheep, what have they done?
David refers to the people of Israel as "sheep," a metaphor that evokes the image of a shepherd caring for his flock. This reflects David's role as a king and shepherd of his people, echoing Psalm 23. The rhetorical question emphasizes the innocence of the people, who suffer due to their leader's sin, highlighting the communal consequences of personal sin.

O LORD my God
This invocation is deeply personal, combining the covenant name of God (YHWH) with "my God," indicating a personal relationship and trust. It reflects David's reliance on God's mercy and his understanding of God's character as both just and compassionate.

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. The "hand" of God often symbolizes power and judgment in the Hebrew Bible, and David's plea is for that judgment to be redirected from the people to himself.

but do not let this plague remain upon Your people
David's intercession for the people is a selfless act of leadership, prioritizing their well-being over his own. The term "plague" (דֶּבֶר, deber) refers to a devastating disease or disaster, often seen as divine retribution. David's plea is for God's mercy to be extended to the people, sparing them from further suffering.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who ordered the census, recognizing his sin and pleading for mercy on behalf of his people.

2. God
The sovereign Lord to whom David prays, acknowledging His authority and seeking His mercy.

3. The Census
An event initiated by David that led to God's displeasure and a subsequent plague on Israel.

4. The Plague
A divine punishment sent by God as a consequence of David's sin, affecting the people of Israel.

5. The People of Israel
Referred to as "sheep" by David, they suffer due to the king's actions, highlighting the communal impact of sin.

Teaching Points

The Weight of Leadership
Leaders bear significant responsibility for their actions, which can have widespread consequences. David's acknowledgment of his sin is a model for accountability.

The Nature of Repentance
True repentance involves recognizing one's sin, taking responsibility, and seeking God's mercy, as demonstrated by David's plea.

Intercessory Prayer
David's prayer for his people shows the power and importance of interceding for others, especially those affected by our actions.

God's Mercy and Justice
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.

Communal Impact of Sin
Sin often affects more than just the individual; it can have communal repercussions, reminding us to consider the broader impact of our actions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's response to his sin in 1 Chronicles 21:17 inform our understanding of true repentance?

2. In what ways can leaders today learn from David's example of taking responsibility for his actions?

3. How does the concept of intercessory prayer, as seen in David's plea, apply to our prayer life today?

4. What does this passage teach us about the balance between God's justice and mercy?

5. How can we be more aware of the communal impact of our personal sins, and what steps can we take to mitigate these effects?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 24
This parallel account provides additional context and details about the census and its consequences.

Psalm 51
David's prayer of repentance, illustrating his heart of contrition and desire for God's mercy.

Exodus 30:12
Instructions about taking a census, emphasizing the need for atonement to prevent a plague.

Matthew 9:36
Jesus' compassion for the people, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd, similar to David's view of the Israelites.

1 Peter 5:2-3
Encouragement for leaders to shepherd God's flock willingly and humbly, contrasting with David's initial failure.