1 Chronicles 21:7

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

1 Chronicles 21:7 (KJV) states, "¶ And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel." This verse highlights the immediate divine reaction to King David's decision to conduct a census of Israel, an act that deeply offended God.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative detailing King David's sin in numbering the people of Israel and Judah. While a census itself wasn't inherently wrong (as seen in Numbers 1:2), David's motivation here was problematic. The parallel account in 2 Samuel 24:1 attributes the incitement to God's anger against Israel, while 1 Chronicles 21:1 states Satan incited David. The underlying issue was likely David's pride, a reliance on his own military strength rather than fully trusting in God for national security and prosperity. This act demonstrated a lack of faith and a desire to boast in human numbers, which God found grievous.

Key Themes

  • Divine Displeasure: God's immediate and strong disapproval of David's actions underscores His holiness and the seriousness with which He views sin, especially when it stems from pride or a lack of trust.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The verse clearly links God's displeasure to the subsequent judgment ("he smote Israel"). This illustrates the principle that sin has severe consequences, affecting not only the individual leader but also the people they represent.
  • God's Sovereignty in Judgment: Even though Satan is mentioned as an inciter, God remains sovereign, exercising His right to judge and bring about the consequences of sin. This judgment, in the form of a plague, was a direct act of divine will.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "displeased" is ra' (רַע), meaning "evil," "bad," or "grievous." It conveys a strong sense of moral offense and deep displeasure in God's sight. The term "smote" comes from nagaph (נָגַף), which means "to strike," "to plague," or "to defeat." In this context, it signifies a direct and forceful act of divine judgment and punishment, specifically referring to the devastating plague that followed (see 1 Chronicles 21:14).

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God takes sin seriously. For believers today, it highlights the importance of:

  • Humility Over Pride: Guarding against pride and self-reliance, especially when tempted to boast in our own achievements or resources rather than trusting fully in God.
  • Understanding Consequences: Recognizing that our actions, particularly those stemming from disobedience, can have far-reaching negative consequences for ourselves and those around us.
  • Seeking God's Will: Always seeking God's guidance and approval in our endeavors, rather than acting on human impulse or worldly wisdom. David's subsequent repentance and building of an altar on the threshingfloor of Ornan (see 1 Chronicles 21:26) demonstrate the path to reconciliation after divine displeasure.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 21:14 (2 votes)

    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 (2 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.

  • 1 Kings 15:5 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 21:14 (2 votes)

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