2 Samuel 24:15

KJV

So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the LORD {H3068} sent {H5414} a pestilence {H1698} upon Israel {H3478} from the morning {H1242} even to the time {H6256} appointed {H4150}: and there died {H4191} of the people {H5971} from Dan {H1835} even to Beersheba {H884} seventy {H7657} thousand {H505} men {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So ADONAI sent a plague on Isra'el from that morning until the end of the specified time; 70,000 of the people died between Dan and Be'er-Sheva.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

So Jehovah sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed; and there died of the people from Dan even to Beer-sheba seventy thousand men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 24:15 records the immediate and devastating fulfillment of divine judgment upon Israel, a direct consequence of King David's unauthorized census. This verse vividly portrays the swift onset and widespread impact of the pestilence, highlighting the severe cost of disobedience and the profound ripple effect of a leader's sin across an entire nation, resulting in the death of seventy thousand men from one end of Israel to the other.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic moment of the divine judgment chosen by King David in response to his sin of numbering Israel. The narrative begins in [2 Samuel 24:1](/2_samuel/24-1 "2 Samuel 24:1 - David's Sinful Census") with the Lord's anger kindled against Israel, prompting David's decision to conduct a census, despite the strong objections of Joab ([2 Samuel 24:3](/2_samuel/24-3 "2 Samuel 24:3 - Joab's Warning to David")). After the census is completed and its results reported ([2 Samuel 24:9](/2_samuel/24-9 "2 Samuel 24:9 - Census Results")), David's conscience is smitten, and he confesses his sin to the Lord ([2 Samuel 24:10](/2_samuel/24-10 "2 Samuel 24:10 - David's Confession")). The prophet Gad then presents David with three options for punishment: seven years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of pestilence. David, acknowledging God's great mercy, chooses to "fall into the hand of the LORD" ([2 Samuel 24:14](/2_samuel/24-14 "2 Samuel 24:14 - David Chooses Pestilence")). Verse 15 immediately follows, detailing the swift and tragic execution of this chosen judgment, setting the stage for God's relenting and David's subsequent altar building at the threshing floor of Araunah in the verses that follow ([2 Samuel 24:16-25](/2_samuel/24-16 "2 Samuel 24:16-25 - God Relents and David Builds an Altar")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, kingship was understood as a covenantal relationship, where the king served as God's representative and the spiritual well-being of the nation was often tied to the king's obedience. A census, while not inherently sinful, could be problematic if undertaken out of pride, a lack of trust in God's provision, or a desire to rely on human strength (military numbers) rather than divine power. This specific census likely stemmed from David's pride or a desire to assess his military might, rather than relying on the Lord for victory and security. The concept of corporate solidarity was also prevalent, meaning the sin of a leader or even a few individuals could bring consequences upon the entire community. The idiom "from Dan even to Beersheba" was a common expression in ancient Israel, signifying the entire geographical breadth of the land, from its northernmost city to its southernmost, emphasizing the comprehensive reach of the plague.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Samuel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment for Sin**, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and His willingness to bring severe consequences, even through devastating means, when sin is committed, particularly by those in leadership. The plague's swiftness and widespread impact underscore the **Severity and Scope of Consequences** that can arise from disobedience, highlighting the immense cost of sin and the seriousness of divine displeasure. The phrase "to the time appointed" subtly introduces the theme of **God's Control and Mercy even in Judgment**, implying that the plague was not random or unending but operated within divinely ordained limits, showcasing God's ultimate authority even over the instruments of His wrath. This event also reinforces the theme of **Corporate Responsibility**, where the actions of a king directly impact the well-being and fate of his people, as seen in the parallel account in [1 Chronicles 21:14](/1_chronicles/21-14 "1 Chronicles 21:14 - The Plague Sent by God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pestilence (Hebrew, _dever'_):** This word (דֶּבֶר) specifically refers to a plague, epidemic, or murrain, often understood as a divinely sent affliction. It is a severe, widespread, and rapidly fatal disease, frequently associated with God's judgment against sin, as seen in the plagues of Egypt ([Exodus 9:3](/exodus/9-3 "Exodus 9:3 - Plague on Livestock")) and the wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 14:12](/numbers/14-12 "Numbers 14:12 - God Threatens to Strike with Pestilence")). Its use here emphasizes the direct, supernatural origin and the deadly nature of the judgment.
* **Seventy thousand (Hebrew, _shiv'im eleph'_):** This number (שִׁבְעִים אֶלֶף) signifies an immense, catastrophic loss of life. While large numbers in biblical texts can sometimes be symbolic or represent a vast multitude, the sheer scale here underscores the devastating impact of the plague and the severity of God's wrath, making the consequences tangible and horrifying.
* **From Dan even to Beersheba (Hebrew, _mi-Dan v'ad Be'er Sheva'_):** This idiomatic phrase (מִדָּן וְעַד בְּאֵר שָׁבַע) is a merism, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. Dan, in the far north, and Beersheba, in the far south, together encompass the entire geographical territory of Israel. Its inclusion here emphasizes the pervasive and comprehensive nature of the pestilence, indicating that no part of the nation was untouched by the divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel":** This opening clause immediately establishes divine agency. It is not a natural disaster but a direct, intentional act of God. The "pestilence" (דֶּבֶר) is the chosen instrument of judgment, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, and His righteous response to sin. The phrase "upon Israel" underscores the corporate nature of the judgment, affecting the entire nation due to their king's sin.
* **"from the morning even to the time appointed":** This phrase emphasizes both the swiftness and the controlled nature of the judgment. The plague began immediately ("from the morning") and continued for a specific, divinely determined duration ("to the time appointed"). This "appointed time" (מוֹעֵד, _mo'ed_) implies a set boundary, demonstrating that even in wrath, God acts with precision, purpose, and ultimately, restraint, hinting at His underlying mercy that would soon lead Him to relent.
* **"and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men":** This final clause details the horrific outcome and the vast scope of the devastation. The death toll of "seventy thousand men" is staggering, conveying the immense human cost of the plague. The phrase "from Dan even to Beersheba" signifies that the judgment swept across the entire land, affecting virtually every region of Israel, underscoring the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment for sin.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "the LORD sent," portraying God as an active agent directly intervening in human affairs to enact judgment. The phrase "from Dan even to Beersheba" serves as a **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts are used to represent the whole, effectively communicating the widespread and comprehensive nature of the plague across the entire land of Israel. The number "seventy thousand men" might be considered **Hyperbole** or a round number, used to emphasize the immense scale of the devastation rather than a precise count, thereby intensifying the emotional impact and underscoring the severity of the divine wrath. The swiftness "from the morning even to the time appointed" also highlights the **Dramatic Irony** of David's choice, as his preference for God's hand, while acknowledging mercy, still brought immediate and severe suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that sin, particularly the sin of those in leadership, has far-reaching and devastating consequences, affecting not only the individual but also the entire community. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the power to bring judgment. Yet, even within this judgment, there is a subtle hint of God's mercy, as the plague is limited to an "appointed time," foreshadowing His eventual relenting. This event serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin and the need for genuine repentance and atonement to avert or mitigate divine wrath.

* [Exodus 12:29](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29 - The Tenth Plague")
* [Numbers 16:46-49](/numbers/16-46 "Numbers 16:46-49 - Aaron Makes Atonement for the Plague")
* [1 Chronicles 21:14](/1_chronicles/21-14 "1 Chronicles 21:14 - Parallel Account of the Plague")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of 2 Samuel 24:15 serves as a sobering reminder of the profound and often communal consequences of sin, particularly when committed by those in positions of authority. It challenges us to consider the ripple effect of our choices, recognizing that our actions, especially those rooted in pride or a lack of trust in God, can impact not only ourselves but also those around us. This passage calls us to a deeper understanding of God's justice, which, while severe, is always righteous and ultimately aimed at bringing about repentance and restoration. It compels us to cultivate humility, seek divine wisdom in leadership, and prioritize reliance on God over human strength or worldly measures of success. Furthermore, it underscores the critical importance of swift and genuine repentance when we recognize our transgressions, trusting in God's great mercy even as we face the consequences of our actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the corporate impact of David's sin in this verse challenge our individualistic understanding of sin and its consequences today?**
* **What does "falling into the hand of the LORD" (as David chose in [2 Samuel 24:14](/2_samuel/24-14 "2 Samuel 24:14 - David's Choice")) mean for us when facing difficult choices or consequences for our actions?**
* **In what ways can leaders today learn from David's actions and their repercussions, particularly regarding humility and reliance on God?**

### FAQ
**Why was David's census considered a sin, leading to such severe consequences?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state why David's census was sinful, but scholarly consensus points to several possibilities. It was likely not the act of numbering itself, but the underlying motive. A census was often conducted for military conscription or taxation, implying a reliance on human strength and resources rather than a complete trust in God for the nation's security and provision. This could have been an act of pride, a desire to boast in numbers, or a lack of faith in God's ability to protect His people. Furthermore, there was a precedent in [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Ransom for Numbering"), which required a ransom payment when numbering the people to avert a plague, suggesting that a census, if not conducted under specific divine instruction and with proper atonement, could incur divine displeasure. David's immediate conviction and confession in [2 Samuel 24:10](/2_samuel/24-10 "2 Samuel 24:10 - David's Confession") confirm that he recognized his action as a grave offense against the Lord.

**Why did innocent people die for David's sin?**

Answer: The death of seventy thousand people for David's sin highlights the ancient Israelite concept of corporate solidarity, where the actions of a leader could have profound consequences for the entire community. The king was seen as the representative head of the nation, and his spiritual standing often affected the well-being of his people. Additionally, [2 Samuel 24:1](/2_samuel/24-1 "2 Samuel 24:1 - The Lord's Anger Against Israel") states that "the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel," suggesting that the people themselves may have been in a state of sin or rebellion that contributed to God's decision to allow such a judgment to fall. While difficult for modern sensibilities to grasp, this demonstrates God's complex justice, where individual and corporate responsibility are intertwined, and the consequences of sin can be far-reaching, even impacting those who seem "innocent." Ultimately, it underscores the gravity of sin and God's sovereign right to act as He wills.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The devastating plague in 2 Samuel 24:15, a direct consequence of King David's sin, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate judgment for sin and the divine provision for atonement found in Jesus Christ. David's census, born of pride and a lack of trust in God, brought death to seventy thousand. In stark contrast, Jesus, the perfect King, came not to count His subjects for military might, but to gather them through humble service and ultimate sacrifice. The plague stopped at the threshing floor of Araunah, a place of sacrifice and future temple site, pointing to the necessity of a substitutionary offering to appease divine wrath. This moment prefigures the cross of Christ, where the ultimate Lamb of God, Jesus, bore the corporate sin of humanity, taking upon Himself the pestilence of sin and death that we deserved ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). While David's sin brought judgment and death, Christ's perfect obedience and atoning death bring forgiveness, life, and reconciliation ([Romans 5:12-21](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12-21 - Adam and Christ Compared")). He is the true King who perfectly represents His people, not by incurring judgment upon them, but by absorbing it on their behalf, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice that permanently takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 21:14

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

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.

Revelation 6:8

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

1 Chronicles 27:4

And over the course of the second month [was] Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course [was] Mikloth also the ruler: in his course likewise [were] twenty and four thousand.

Numbers 25:9

And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

1 Samuel 6:19

¶ And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten [many] of the people with a great slaughter.

Isaiah 37:36

Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.