2 Samuel 24:17

KJV

And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} spake {H559} unto the LORD {H3068} when he saw {H7200} the angel {H4397} that smote {H5221} the people {H5971}, and said {H559}, Lo, I have sinned {H2398}, and I have done wickedly {H5753}: but these sheep {H6629}, what have they done {H6213}? let thine hand {H3027}, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's {H1} house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David spoke to ADONAI when he saw the angel striking the people; he said, "Here, I have sinned, I have done wrong. But these sheep, what have they done? Please! Let your hand be against me and against my father's family!"

Berean Standard Bible

When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.”

American Standard Version

And David spake unto Jehovah when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done perversely; but these sheep, what have they done? let thy hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 24:17 captures King David's profound and immediate repentance in the face of devastating divine judgment. After his unauthorized census brought a plague upon Israel, David, witnessing the angel of the LORD smiting the people, expresses deep remorse for his sin. He intercedes with a shepherd's heart, offering himself and his household as a substitute for the suffering "sheep," demonstrating a powerful blend of confession, empathy, and self-sacrificial love for his nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated at the climax of 2 Samuel, specifically within the account of David's census and its dire consequences (2 Samuel 24:1-25). The narrative begins with God's anger against Israel, which leads to David being incited (or allowing himself to be incited, as 1 Chronicles 21:1 clarifies by Satan) to number the people. This act, likely born of pride or a desire to rely on military strength rather than divine provision, is immediately recognized by David as sin (2 Samuel 24:10). The prophet Gad then presents David with three choices of judgment (2 Samuel 24:11-13), from which David chooses to "fall into the hand of the LORD" (2 Samuel 24:14). Consequently, a plague descends upon Israel, claiming seventy thousand lives (2 Samuel 24:15). Verse 17 marks the moment David sees the angel of the LORD actively executing judgment, prompting his desperate and contrite plea. This intercession directly precedes the halting of the plague at the threshing floor of Araunah and the subsequent building of an altar, which ultimately brings atonement and cessation of the judgment (2 Samuel 24:18-25).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a king was often viewed as the shepherd of his people, responsible for their well-being and protection, a role David himself embodied from his youth (compare [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalm/78-70 "Psalm 78:70-72 - God Chose David as Shepherd")). A census, while sometimes legitimate (e.g., for military conscription or taxation), could also signify a king's reliance on human might rather than God's covenant faithfulness, especially if undertaken without divine command or proper ritual (cf. [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Atonement Money for the Census")). David's census appears to fall into this category of presumptuous pride. The concept of corporate solidarity was also prominent, where the sin of a leader could bring consequences upon the entire community. The "angel of the LORD" (מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה, _malʾaḵ YHWH_) often served as a divine agent, executing God's will, whether for deliverance or judgment. David's plea to "let thine hand... be against me" reflects a deep understanding of his leadership responsibility and the corporate ramifications of his actions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, **the gravity of sin, especially leadership sin**, is starkly portrayed, as David's single act of disobedience brings widespread suffering. Second, **profound repentance** is evident in David's immediate, unequivocal confession, "Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly," echoing his contrite heart seen elsewhere (e.g., [Psalm 51:4](/psalm/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - David's Confession of Sin")). Third, the theme of **a shepherd's heart and intercession** shines through David's compassionate identification with his people as "these sheep" and his willingness to bear the punishment himself, reminiscent of Moses' intercession for Israel (e.g., [Exodus 32:32](/exodus/32-32 "Exodus 32:32 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")). Finally, the narrative highlights **God's justice and mercy**, demonstrating that while sin incurs judgment, genuine repentance and intercession can move God to halt the destructive consequences and open a path to atonement (as seen in [2 Samuel 24:25](/2_samuel/24-25 "2 Samuel 24:25 - David Builds an Altar and the Plague Stops")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sinned (Hebrew, _ḥāṭā'_):** This verb, commonly translated "to sin," literally means "to miss the mark" or "to go astray." In David's confession, it signifies a failure to meet God's standard, a deviation from the path of righteousness and obedience. It implies a moral and spiritual transgression against God's will.
* **Wickedly (Hebrew, _hiršaʿtî'_):** Derived from the root _rāšaʿ_, meaning "to be wicked" or "to act wickedly." This term is stronger than "sinned" and denotes a deliberate act of evil or injustice. David's use of this word indicates his deep understanding that his census was not merely an error but a profound moral failing that had severe consequences.
* **Sheep (Hebrew, _haṣṣōʾn'_):** This term is a poignant metaphor for the people of Israel. It emphasizes their innocence, vulnerability, and blamelessness in the context of David's personal transgression. For David, a former shepherd and now the "shepherd" of God's people, this word underscores his pastoral responsibility and the tragic irony of his sin bringing harm to his own flock.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people":** This clause establishes the immediate catalyst for David's prayer. The visual, visceral encounter with the angel of the LORD actively executing judgment is what breaks David's heart and drives him to direct, desperate communication with God. It underscores the reality and severity of divine judgment.
* **"and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly":** This is David's unreserved, unequivocal confession. The exclamation "Lo!" (or "Behold!") emphasizes the immediacy and sincerity of his acknowledgment. He takes full personal responsibility, offering no excuses or attempts to mitigate his guilt. This confession is foundational to his subsequent intercession.
* **"but these sheep, what have they done?":** Here, David transitions from confession to intercession, expressing profound empathy and a sense of injustice on behalf of his people. He sees them as innocent victims, "sheep" who have done nothing to deserve the plague brought on by *his* sin. This rhetorical question highlights his pastoral heart and his deep concern for his flock.
* **"let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.":** This is the climax of David's intercession, a powerful act of self-sacrifice. He is willing to bear the full brunt of God's wrath himself, and even extend it to his own family, to spare the innocent people. This demonstrates a selfless love and a profound understanding of his responsibility as king, willing to take the punishment for his people's sake.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Pathos**, evoking deep emotion, particularly pity for the suffering people and admiration for David's contrite and self-sacrificial spirit. David's plea, "but these sheep, what have they done?", is a powerful rhetorical question designed to highlight the perceived injustice of the people's suffering for his sin, further enhancing the emotional impact. The use of **Metaphor** is central, with the people of Israel being referred to as "these sheep," directly connecting to David's own background as a shepherd and his divinely appointed role as the shepherd-king of God's flock. This metaphor underscores their vulnerability and his responsibility. Furthermore, the entire latter half of the verse functions as a profound act of **Intercession**, where David stands in the gap for his people, offering himself as a substitute. This foreshadows a greater intercession to come.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 24:17 stands as a powerful testament to the nature of true repentance and the profound responsibility of leadership. David's immediate and unreserved confession, coupled with his willingness to bear the consequences of his sin, illustrates that genuine contrition involves not only acknowledging wrongdoing but also accepting its painful repercussions. The verse underscores the corporate impact of individual sin, particularly for those in positions of authority, demonstrating how a leader's actions can bring blessing or judgment upon an entire community. Yet, it also reveals God's responsiveness to a broken and contrite heart, showing that even in the midst of judgment, divine mercy can be extended through humble intercession. David's self-sacrificial offer foreshadows a greater, perfect sacrifice.

* [Psalm 51:4](/psalm/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - David's Confession of Sin")
* [Exodus 32:32](/exodus/32-32 "Exodus 32:32 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")
* [1 Chronicles 21:17](/1_chronicles/21-17 "1 Chronicles 21:17 - David's Plea to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's raw and immediate confession in 2 Samuel 24:17 serves as a timeless paradigm for our own approach to sin. It challenges us to abandon excuses, blame-shifting, and self-justification, moving instead toward a posture of radical honesty before God. His "shepherd's heart" for "these sheep" compels us to consider the ripple effects of our actions, especially for those under our care or influence. Leaders, whether in family, church, or society, are called to recognize the profound weight of their decisions and to cultivate a selfless concern for the well-being of those they lead. This verse is a powerful call to intercessory prayer, urging us to stand in the gap for others, bearing their burdens and seeking God's mercy on their behalf, even when their suffering is a consequence of our own failings. Ultimately, it reminds us that God, though just, is also merciful and responsive to genuine repentance and a humble spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's immediate and unreserved confession challenge our own tendencies to make excuses for sin?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a "shepherd's heart" for those under our influence or care, taking responsibility for their well-being?**
* **When faced with the consequences of our actions, are we willing to intercede selflessly for others, even at personal cost?**

### FAQ
**Why was David's census considered a sin?**
Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state *why* the census was a sin, but contextual clues and theological implications suggest it was rooted in a lack of trust in God and an act of pride. Numbering the people for military strength or taxation could imply a reliance on human might rather than divine provision and protection. 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 incited David to take a census," indicating a spiritual temptation that exploited David's pride or desire for self-reliance. It was not the act of counting itself that was sinful, but the underlying motivation and the spirit in which it was done, which demonstrated a departure from full dependence on the Lord.

**What does David mean by "my father's house" in his plea?**
Answer: When David says, "let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house," he is referring to his own household, his family, and his lineage. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the head of the household represented the entire family, and consequences often extended to the family unit. By including "my father's house," David is intensifying his plea for personal and familial suffering over that of the innocent nation. It underscores his willingness to bear the full, corporate weight of the judgment, extending beyond himself to those closest to him, demonstrating the depth of his self-sacrificial intercession.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound confession and self-sacrificial intercession in 2 Samuel 24:17 serve as a powerful Old Testament shadow pointing to the ultimate, perfect intercessor and substitute: Jesus Christ. David, the shepherd-king, pleads for his "sheep" and offers himself as a substitute for their punishment, demonstrating a deep love and willingness to bear the consequences of his own sin on behalf of his people. However, David himself was a sinner, and his intercession, while effective in halting the plague, could not fundamentally atone for sin or provide a lasting solution. In contrast, Jesus Christ is the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"). He, though sinless, willingly became sin for us, bearing the full wrath of God on the cross, so that we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). David's cry, "what have they done?", finds its ultimate answer in Christ, who truly "had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth" ([Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Suffering Servant's Innocence")), yet was "pierced for our transgressions" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")). Unlike David, whose intercession was a temporary reprieve, Christ's sacrifice provides eternal atonement and His ongoing intercession before the Father ensures our salvation and access to grace ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Continual Intercession")). Thus, David's broken plea anticipates the perfect Lamb of God who 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 21:16

And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders [of Israel, who were] clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

1 Chronicles 21:17

And David said unto God, [Is it] not I [that] commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but [as for] these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

Psalms 74:1

¶ Maschil of Asaph. O God, why hast thou cast [us] off for ever? [why] doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?

2 Samuel 24:10

¶ And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

Ezekiel 34:23

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

Ezekiel 34:24

And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken [it].

Job 42:6

Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes.