1 Chronicles 21:7

KJV

¶ And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} was displeased {H3415}{H5869} with this thing {H1697}; therefore he smote {H5221} Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God was displeased with this and therefore punished Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

This command was also evil in the sight of God; so He struck Israel.

American Standard Version

And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 21:7 records the immediate and severe divine reaction to King David's unauthorized census of Israel. This act, rooted in pride and a lack of full trust in God's provision and protection, deeply offended the Lord. Consequently, this verse states that God's displeasure manifested in a direct and devastating judgment upon the nation of Israel, underscoring the gravity of David's sin and the far-reaching consequences of disobedience, particularly from a leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal narrative in the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically following David's decision to number the fighting men of Israel. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 21:1-6) establish the instigation of this act, attributed to Satan, and the resistance from Joab, David's commander, who recognized the potential for divine wrath. Despite Joab's protest, David insisted, and the census was carried out. Verse 7 acts as the immediate divine response, bridging David's sin with the subsequent judgment in the form of a plague (1 Chronicles 21:14). The Chronicler's account, while paralleling [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census and Plague"), places particular emphasis on the temple's future location, as the site of the plague's cessation at the threshing floor of Ornan (1 Chronicles 21:15-18) becomes the chosen place for the altar and ultimately, Solomon's Temple. This narrative thus highlights the consequences of sin, the necessity of atonement, and God's sovereign choice of a holy site.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a census was not inherently sinful; indeed, the Law commanded censuses for military enrollment or taxation purposes, as seen in [Numbers 1:2](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2 - Census for Military Service"). However, David's census here appears to have been motivated by a desire to boast in his military strength and numbers, rather than relying solely on God for national security. This act of self-reliance and pride was a profound affront to Yahweh, who had consistently demonstrated His power to deliver Israel regardless of their numerical superiority (e.g., Gideon's army in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Small Army")). Furthermore, ancient Near Eastern cultures often viewed the "numbering" of people or possessions as a royal prerogative, but for Israel, it was a divine prerogative, signifying ownership and blessing. David's action usurped this divine right, indicating a lack of trust in the covenant relationship and a shift towards humanistic confidence.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key theological themes central to the Chronicler's message. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people and holds even His anointed leaders accountable for their actions. The phrase "God was displeased" signifies a direct, personal offense against His holiness. Secondly, it highlights the **Corporate Consequences of Individual Sin**. David's sin, though personal, brought devastating judgment upon the entire nation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the covenant community and the profound impact of leadership's moral failures. This theme is echoed throughout Israel's history, as seen in the consequences of Achan's sin in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and its Consequences"). Lastly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, as God's judgment ultimately leads David to repentance and the establishment of an altar, foreshadowing the future site of the Temple, where reconciliation with God would be continually sought through sacrifice (1 Chronicles 21:26-30).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Displeased (Hebrew, _raʿ_):** The Hebrew word רַע (_raʿ_) carries a broad semantic range, meaning "evil," "bad," "grievous," or "displeasing." In this context, when applied to God's reaction, it signifies a profound moral offense and deep displeasure. It's not merely an irritation but a righteous indignation against an act that violated His character and covenant expectations. This word emphasizes the inherent wickedness of David's motivation, which God perceived as a direct affront.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nagaph_):** The Hebrew verb נָגַף (_nagaph_) means "to strike," "to plague," or "to defeat." It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe a direct, forceful act of divine judgment or punishment, often in the form of a plague or military defeat. Here, it denotes a swift and decisive intervention by God, indicating that the subsequent plague (1 Chronicles 21:14) was not a random misfortune but a deliberate, targeted act of divine retribution for David's sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God was displeased with this thing;":** This clause reveals God's immediate and unequivocal emotional and moral reaction to David's census. The "thing" refers specifically to David's decision to number the people, an act that, as explored in the context, stemmed from pride and a lack of trust in God. God's displeasure is not arbitrary but a righteous response to sin, demonstrating His holiness and His intolerance for human arrogance that usurps His divine prerogative. It establishes the direct causal link between David's action and the subsequent divine response.
* **"therefore he smote Israel.":** This clause presents the direct consequence of God's displeasure. The conjunction "therefore" clearly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. God's "smiting" refers to the severe judgment that followed, specifically the plague that devastated the nation (1 Chronicles 21:14). This highlights the corporate nature of sin's consequences in the Old Testament, where the actions of a leader could bring judgment upon the entire community. It underscores God's sovereignty in judgment and His commitment to upholding His covenant standards.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Cause and Effect**, directly linking God's "displeasure" to His act of "smiting Israel." This clear causal relationship emphasizes the immediate and unavoidable consequences of sin against a holy God. Furthermore, the phrase "God was displeased" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human emotion (displeasure) to God to help the reader grasp the depth of His righteous indignation. This is not to suggest human limitations in God but rather to communicate His moral response in relatable terms. The brevity and directness of the statement also lend it a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as David's attempt to quantify his strength ironically leads to a reduction in his people's numbers through divine judgment. The verse also serves as a point of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the severe judgment that will unfold in the subsequent verses (the plague), thereby building narrative tension and underscoring the gravity of David's transgression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that sin, particularly when it stems from pride and a lack of trust in divine providence, is not merely a human failing but a direct affront to God's character, eliciting His righteous displeasure. The corporate judgment that falls upon Israel, though initiated by David's sin, highlights the profound interconnectedness within the covenant community and the weighty responsibility of leadership. It underscores the biblical principle that sin has real, often devastating, consequences, and that God remains sovereign over both human actions and their repercussions. This divine response is not arbitrary but flows from God's perfect nature, which cannot tolerate unholy presumption.

* [Numbers 14:11-12](/numbers/14-11-12 "Numbers 14:11-12 - God's Displeasure with Israel's Unbelief")
* [Psalm 78:58-60](/psalms/78-58-60 "Psalm 78:58-60 - God's Displeasure with Israel's Idolatry")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Chronicles 21:7 is a powerful admonition for believers today, reminding us that God takes sin seriously, especially when it involves pride and self-reliance. It challenges us to examine our own motives, particularly in areas where we might be tempted to trust in our own resources, achievements, or numbers rather than fully in God. For leaders, it serves as a sober warning about the far-reaching impact of their decisions and the corporate consequences that can arise from personal sin or a deviation from God's will. We are called to cultivate humility, recognizing that all true strength and security come from God alone. This verse also encourages us to understand that while God is loving and merciful, He is also just and holy, and sin will always have consequences, both personal and communal. Our response to God's displeasure, like David's subsequent repentance, should be one of immediate confession and a turning back to Him, seeking His forgiveness and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength, resources, or achievements rather than fully trusting God?**
* **How does the concept of corporate consequences for individual sin challenge your understanding of personal responsibility within a community (family, church, nation)?**
* **What specific steps can you take to cultivate greater humility and a deeper reliance on God in your daily life and decisions?**
* **How does understanding God's displeasure with sin deepen your appreciation for His holiness and His provision for atonement?**

### FAQ
**Why was David's census considered a sin, given that censuses were sometimes commanded by God?**

Answer: David's census was sinful not because of the act of numbering itself, but because of his underlying motivation. Unlike the censuses commanded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel") for military organization or taxation, David's census here appears to have been driven by pride and a desire to boast in his own military strength and numerical superiority, rather than trusting in God's power and protection. This is implied by Joab's resistance in [1 Chronicles 21:3](/1_chronicles/21-3 "1 Chronicles 21:3 - Joab's Warning to David") and explicitly stated by God's displeasure in [1 Chronicles 21:7](/1_chronicles/21-7 "1 Chronicles 21:7 - God's Displeasure with David's Census"). It represented a lack of faith and a shift from divine reliance to humanistic confidence, which deeply offended God.

**Why did God punish all Israel for David's sin?**

Answer: The concept of corporate responsibility is prevalent in the Old Testament, where the actions of a leader or a few individuals could have consequences for the entire community. This highlights the interconnectedness of the covenant people and the representative nature of leadership. While David's sin initiated the judgment, it's also possible that the people themselves shared in a spirit of pride or had other unconfessed sins that made them susceptible to divine judgment. The plague served as a severe lesson on the gravity of sin, the holiness of God, and the need for national repentance and reliance on Him. This principle is also seen in the story of Achan in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and its Consequences"), where one man's sin led to defeat and death for others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's census and God's displeasure in 1 Chronicles 21:7, culminating in a devastating plague, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate solution to humanity's sin problem in Jesus Christ. David, though a king after God's own heart, failed by trusting in human strength over divine provision, bringing judgment upon his people. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true and perfect King, lived a life of absolute obedience and complete reliance on His Father, never succumbing to pride or self-sufficiency. He did not bring judgment upon His people but willingly became the recipient of God's wrath for the sins of the world (2 Corinthians 5:21). The "smiting" of Israel in this verse points forward to the ultimate "smiting" of the Son of God on the cross, where He bore the corporate consequences of humanity's rebellion, pride, and lack of trust (Isaiah 53:5). Through His perfect sacrifice, Jesus provides the atonement that David's offerings could only temporarily foreshadow, offering true reconciliation and freedom from the plague of sin for all who believe (Romans 5:8-10). He is the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world, fulfilling the need for a perfect intercessor and a flawless King who leads His people in perfect trust and obedience (John 1:29; Hebrews 7:25-27).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 21:14

And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land.

2 Samuel 24:1

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

1 Kings 15:5

Because David did [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any [thing] that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

Joshua 7:5

And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them [from] before the gate [even] unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

Joshua 22:16

Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD, What trespass [is] this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD?

Joshua 22:26

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:

1 Chronicles 21:14

So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.