1 Chronicles 21:1

¶ And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

And Satan {H7854} stood up {H5975} against Israel {H3478}, and provoked {H5496} David {H1732} to number {H4487} Israel {H3478}.

The Adversary [Hebrew: Satan] now rose up against Isra'el and incited David to take a census of Isra'el.

Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.

And Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 21:1 (KJV): "¶ And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel."

Context of 1 Chronicles 21:1

This verse marks a significant turning point in David's reign, leading to a national calamity. The book of 1 Chronicles, written after the Babylonian exile, often emphasizes the Davidic line, the Temple, and the importance of obedience to God, serving as a spiritual history for the returning exiles. Unlike its parallel account in 2 Samuel 24:1, which states "the anger of the LORD was again kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah," 1 Chronicles explicitly attributes the instigation of David's sin to Satan. This highlights the Chronicler's theological perspective, emphasizing the direct malevolent influence of spiritual forces.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Satan's Active Role: This verse provides a clear example of Satan's direct involvement in tempting humanity. He "stood up against Israel" not just generally, but specifically by "provoking David." This shows Satan as an active adversary, seeking to disrupt God's plans and lead His people into sin, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., 1 Peter 5:8).
  • The Nature of Temptation: While Satan provoked David, David remained accountable for his choice. The act of numbering Israel was not inherently wrong (censuses were taken in the wilderness, for example, in the book of Numbers). However, David's motivation was likely rooted in pride, a desire to boast in military strength rather than trusting solely in God's power and provision. It may have also lacked proper adherence to Mosaic law regarding censuses (e.g., Exodus 30:12).
  • Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: The difference between 1 Chronicles 21:1 and 2 Samuel 24:1 provides important theological insight. It suggests that while God's sovereign plan may allow for certain events (even those involving temptation), human responsibility for sin remains. Satan acts as an instigator, but the individual makes the choice. God's ultimate purpose can even use such events to bring about His will, such as revealing sin and leading to repentance and divine judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "provoked" is suth (סוּת), which means "to incite," "to instigate," or "to allure." It carries the connotation of a strong, persuasive influence to do something, often something negative. This emphasizes the active, malicious intent of Satan in this instance.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers of the reality of spiritual warfare and the schemes of the enemy. Just as Satan sought to provoke David, he seeks to tempt and mislead individuals today. It underscores the importance of:

  • Vigilance: Being aware of the adversary's tactics and resisting his temptations (James 4:7).
  • Humility: Recognizing that true strength comes from reliance on God, not on human resources or achievements. Pride often precedes a fall.
  • Accountability: Understanding that even when tempted, we are responsible for our choices and actions. David's subsequent repentance and God's judgment, as described later in this chapter (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:8), serve as a powerful testament to the consequences of sin and the path to restoration.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 24:1 (12 votes)

    ¶ 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 Samuel 24:25 (12 votes)

    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.

  • Zechariah 3:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

  • Job 2:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

  • 1 Kings 22:20 (5 votes)

    And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.

  • 1 Kings 22:22 (5 votes)

    And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade [him], and prevail also: go forth, and do so.

  • Job 1:6 (5 votes)

    ¶ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.