2 Samuel 24:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And again {H3254} the anger {H639} of the LORD {H3068} was kindled {H2734} against Israel {H3478}, and he moved {H5496} David {H1732} against them to say {H559}, Go {H3212}, number {H4487} Israel {H3478} and Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The anger of ADONAI blazed up against Isra'el, so he moved David to act against them by saying, "Go, take a census of Isra'el and Y'hudah."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

And again the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them, saying, Go, number Israel and Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 24:1 initiates the climactic narrative of David's reign, detailing a controversial census that provokes divine judgment upon Israel. The verse states that "the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel," leading Him to "move David" to command a national census of Israel and Judah. This seemingly straightforward act unfolds into a complex theological dilemma concerning divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the profound consequences of national and leadership sin, setting the stage for a severe plague and David's subsequent repentance and establishment of the temple site.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding major narrative in the book of 2 Samuel, immediately following a series of appendices (2 Samuel 21-23) that recount various exploits of David's mighty men, a famine, and David's final song and last words. Chapters 15-20 detail the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion and Sheba's revolt, which undoubtedly left the nation weakened and perhaps spiritually compromised. The phrase "And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel" suggests a continuity of divine displeasure, implying that the nation's spiritual state had not fully recovered or had continued in ways that provoked God, setting the stage for this final, significant act of judgment. The census narrative thus brings David's reign to a somber, yet ultimately redemptive, close, highlighting God's justice and mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Censuses in the ancient Near East were common, typically conducted for military conscription, taxation, or labor purposes. In Israel, the Torah provided specific guidelines for a census, notably requiring an atonement offering of a half-shekel from each counted individual (as detailed in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Offering")). This offering served as a ransom for their lives, acknowledging that all life belonged to God and that the counting of people could be seen as an act of human pride or reliance on numbers rather than divine provision. The absence of this atonement offering and the implied motive behind David's census (likely a desire to assess military strength or national might rather than to fulfill a divine command) are often cited as reasons for its sinfulness. The concept of corporate solidarity was also deeply ingrained in Israelite thought, meaning that the actions of a leader, especially a king, could have far-reaching consequences for the entire nation, explaining why Israel suffered for David's sin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several profound theological themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the tension between **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**. The statement "he moved David" ([2 Samuel 24:1](/2_samuel/24-1 "2 Samuel 24:1 - David's Census")) initially appears to place the impetus for the census squarely on God, yet David is undeniably held accountable for his actions and repents of his sin. This tension is further illuminated by comparing this passage with [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David"), which states that "Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel." This juxtaposition suggests that God, in His sovereign plan, can permit or even use the actions of evil agents or the inclinations of human hearts to bring about His purposes, including judgment or the exposure of sin. Secondly, the passage underscores the **Consequences of National Sin**. God's anger is kindled "against Israel," indicating that the nation as a whole bore responsibility for their collective unfaithfulness, even if the specific act of the census originated with David. This emphasizes that the actions of leaders can have far-reaching national consequences and that a nation's accumulated sin can provoke divine judgment. Finally, the census itself often symbolizes the danger of **Trust in Human Strength vs. Reliance on God**. David's desire to count his fighting men can be interpreted as a move towards self-reliance and a lack of full trust in God's power and protection, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - Trusting in God, Not Human Might"), which warns against relying on human military might.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anger (Hebrew, _'aph'_):** This word, literally meaning "nose" or "nostril," is a common biblical idiom for divine wrath or indignation, often depicted as a snorting or flaring of the nostrils. In this context, it signifies God's righteous and just displeasure with the accumulated sin of Israel. It is not a capricious emotion but a holy response to unfaithfulness and rebellion, indicating a breach of covenant. The phrase "again" emphasizes that this is not an isolated incident but a recurring theme of God's just response to His people's ongoing sin.
* **Moved (Hebrew, _suth'_):** The verb סוּת (_suth_) means "to entice," "incite," or "persuade." This is a crucial and often debated term in this verse due to the parallel account in [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David"), which attributes the incitement to Satan. In 2 Samuel, the active voice suggests God's direct involvement. However, theological interpretation often understands this as God's permissive will, allowing or orchestrating circumstances that led David to undertake the census, perhaps as a catalyst for judgment already due to Israel's sin. It does not imply God directly tempted David to sin (as [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt") clarifies God does not tempt anyone to evil), but rather that He permitted an action that exposed David's heart and brought about consequences for the nation's ongoing unfaithfulness. God's ultimate sovereignty means He can use various agents, even evil ones, to accomplish His ultimate purposes.
* **Number (Hebrew, _paqad'_):** The verb פקד (_paqad_) is a versatile term meaning "to visit," "to appoint," "to muster," or "to count." While counting people for administrative purposes was not inherently sinful (as seen in the censuses in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census") and [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census")), the sinfulness here lies in the underlying motive and the omission of the required atonement money (as per [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Census Atonement Money")). David's census was likely driven by pride, a desire to boast in his military strength, or a reliance on human resources rather than absolute trust in God for Israel's security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel,"**: This opening clause immediately sets a somber tone, indicating that God's righteous indignation was not new but a renewed response to the ongoing spiritual state of the nation. The "again" implies a pattern of sin and divine displeasure, suggesting that the census was not the *cause* of God's anger but the *occasion* for a judgment already warranted by Israel's accumulated unfaithfulness and rebellion. God's anger is a holy attribute, a just reaction to sin that seeks to bring about repentance and restoration.
* **"and he moved David against them"**: This is the most challenging and debated phrase. It explicitly states that God Himself "moved" or "incited" David. As discussed in the key word analysis, this is best understood not as God tempting David to sin, but as God's sovereign permission or orchestration of circumstances that led David to an action that exposed his pride and reliance on human strength. This act served as a catalyst for divine judgment upon a nation that was already under God's displeasure. The "against them" clarifies that David's action, though initiated by God's permissive will, would ultimately bring negative consequences upon Israel.
* **"to say, Go, number Israel and Judah."**: This is the specific command given by David, resulting from the divine "moving." The act of numbering Israel and Judah (distinguishing the northern and southern kingdoms, though still united under David) was problematic not in its administrative nature, but in its underlying motivation. It likely stemmed from David's pride, a desire to assess his military might, or a reliance on human numbers rather than divine protection. Furthermore, the omission of the required atonement money (as stipulated in [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Census Atonement Money")) rendered the census an act of disobedience and a violation of covenant protocol, making it a sinful endeavor in God's eyes.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Anthropomorphism** in the phrase "the anger of the LORD was kindled," attributing human emotion and action (anger, kindling) to God to convey His righteous indignation. More significantly, the narrative presents a profound **Narrative Tension** and **Paradox** concerning the source of David's incitement. While 2 Samuel 24:1 states "he moved David," the parallel account in [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David") explicitly states that "Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel." This **Juxtaposition** forces the reader to grapple with the complexities of divine sovereignty, human free will, and the role of evil in God's overarching plan. It suggests that God, in His ultimate control, can permit evil agents to act within His boundaries, using their actions to achieve His own purposes, such as bringing about a necessary judgment or exposing the true state of human hearts. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as David's command to number the people immediately signals that a severe consequence or judgment is imminent, building suspense for the unfolding plague.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse underscores the profound biblical truth that God is absolutely sovereign over all creation and human affairs, even in seemingly negative or paradoxical circumstances. While God does not tempt humanity to sin, He can, in His righteous judgment, allow or orchestrate situations that expose the sinfulness of human hearts and bring about deserved consequences for individual or national unfaithfulness. The tension between God "moving" David and Satan "inciting" David (as seen in [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David")) highlights the mystery of divine sovereignty working through secondary causes, whether human inclination or demonic influence, to achieve His ultimate purposes. This narrative serves as a stark reminder that pride and self-reliance, particularly in leadership, can have devastating ripple effects, bringing divine judgment upon an entire community. Ultimately, it points to the necessity of humility, repentance, and absolute trust in God's provision and protection rather than human strength or numbers.
* [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David")
* [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Samuel 24:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the motives behind our actions and the true source of our security. It reminds us that God's anger is not arbitrary but a righteous response to sin, and that corporate sin, whether in a nation, church, or family, can invite divine discipline. We are called to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that true strength and security come not from our own resources, achievements, or numbers, but from complete reliance on God's power and provision. This passage encourages us to be vigilant against the subtle temptations of pride and self-sufficiency, which can lead us to trust in human wisdom or might rather than in the Lord. It also highlights the weighty responsibility of leadership, as the choices of those in authority can have far-reaching consequences for those under their care. Ultimately, it calls us to a deeper understanding of God's sovereign hand, even in difficult circumstances, trusting that His ultimate purpose is always just and redemptive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the tension between God "moving" David and Satan "inciting" David challenge or deepen your understanding of divine sovereignty and human responsibility?**
* **In what areas of your life or community might you be tempted to rely on your own strength, numbers, or achievements rather than fully trusting in God?**
* **What does God's "anger" in this passage teach us about His character and His response to sin, both individually and corporately?**
* **How can leaders today apply the lessons from David's census regarding humility, accountability, and the impact of their decisions on those they lead?**

### FAQ
**Why was the census wrong if God commanded censuses elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: The sinfulness of David's census was not in the act of counting itself, as censuses were commanded by God for specific purposes (e.g., for military readiness or taxation, as seen in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census") and [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census")). The problem lay in David's underlying motive and the omission of a crucial divine requirement. David's census was likely driven by pride, a desire to boast in his military might, or a reliance on human strength and numbers rather than absolute trust in God for Israel's security and victory. Furthermore, the Law explicitly required an atonement offering of a half-shekel for each person counted during a census (as detailed in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Offering")). This offering served as a ransom for their lives, acknowledging that all life belonged to God. David's failure to adhere to this divine protocol, combined with his presumptuous motives, rendered the census an act of disobedience and sin.

**Did God directly tempt David to sin by "moving" him to number Israel?**

Answer: No, the Bible clearly states that God does not tempt anyone to sin. [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt") declares, "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone." The phrase "he moved David" in [2 Samuel 24:1](/2_samuel/24-1 "2 Samuel 24:1 - David's Census") is best understood in light of God's sovereign, permissive will. God, in His ultimate control, can allow or orchestrate circumstances that expose the hidden sin or pride in a person's heart. The parallel account in [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David") states that "Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel." This suggests that God permitted Satan to incite David, using this demonic influence within His sovereign plan to bring about a necessary judgment upon Israel, whose accumulated sin had already kindled God's anger. Thus, God did not tempt David, but allowed David's own sinful inclination (or Satan's incitement) to manifest, leading to consequences that served God's righteous purposes.

**Why was Israel punished for David's sin in the census?**

Answer: Israel was punished for David's sin due to the principle of corporate solidarity, which was a deeply ingrained concept in ancient Israelite society. In this framework, the actions of a leader, especially a king chosen by God, could have profound consequences for the entire nation. David, as the head of the covenant people, represented them. His sin, particularly one rooted in pride and a lack of trust in God, reflected a deeper spiritual malaise within the nation itself, which had already provoked God's anger (as indicated by "again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel"). The plague, therefore, was not merely a punishment for David's individual transgression but a divine judgment upon the accumulated unfaithfulness and spiritual compromise of the nation as a whole, for which David's sin served as the catalyst or final straw. It underscores that the spiritual health of a people is intrinsically linked to the integrity and obedience of its leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's sinful census, God's righteous anger, and the subsequent plague finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. David's failure to trust God fully, his reliance on human numbers, and his presumptuous act that brought judgment upon Israel, all highlight the desperate need for a perfect King. Unlike David, who succumbed to pride and brought calamity, Jesus is the [perfect King](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World") who always perfectly trusts His Father, never relying on human might or earthly armies but on divine power and spiritual authority (as seen in [Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus' Temptation") and [John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Withdraws from Being Made King")). The census, and specifically the requirement for atonement money in [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Census Atonement Money"), foreshadows the ultimate ransom required for humanity's sin. No amount of silver could truly atone for the deep-seated pride and rebellion of the human heart, but Christ, through His perfect life and sacrificial death, became the [ultimate atonement](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation") for our sins. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the righteous anger and judgment of God that was due to us, just as the plague fell on Israel. Through His perfect obedience and substitutionary sacrifice, Jesus provides the true and lasting security that David sought in vain through numbers, offering eternal life and reconciliation with God to all who trust in Him, thereby fulfilling the deepest longings and addressing the most profound failures of Old Testament Israel.

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

1 Chronicles 21:1

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

1 Chronicles 27:23

But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.

1 Chronicles 27:24

Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.

James 1:13

¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

1 Samuel 26:19

Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if [they be] the children of men, cursed [be] they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.

Genesis 50:20

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive.