David’s heart struck him after he had counted the people. David said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in that which I have done. But now, the LORD, put away, I beg you, the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 10. David’s heart struck him, after the people were numbered. That is, he was touched with a great remorse for the vanity and pride which had put him upon numbering the people. Challoner.—His sin must have been internal, and probably involved a secret confidence in his riches and power, without referring all to God, ( Bible.) or trusting entirely in him. Saint Ambrose pœn. chapter 9. Saint Augustine c. Faust. xxii. 66. and so forth—There was otherwise no prohibition for David’s taking this account, ( Calmet.) which is so natural for a prince, and may frequently prove of great service. Bible.—Josephus (vii. 13.) and others assert, that he neglected to require the payment of half a sicle. Tirinus. E.—But where does God complain of this neglect? and how do they know that the injunction which was once given to Moses, when the tabernacle was furnished, (Exodus 30:12) was to remain in force afterwards? Oleaster (on Exod.) says David acted against God’s intention, who had promised that the Israelites should be innumerable. But this reason seems childish; and did not the king abstain, on that very account, from numbering any but those who were fit for war? 1 Chronicles 27:23. Calmet.—Struck him. Contrition and confession are specified here, as satisfaction is, verse 12. Temporal sufferings are inflicted, even after the sin has been remitted, verse 16. Worthington.