1 Chronicles 21:17 And David said to God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed… It is a most pathetic scene. The angel of the Lord, who had smitten with his destroying sword "throughout all the coasts of Israel," was passing by the threshing-floor of the Jebusite. His drawn sword was stretched out over Jerusalem; yet it fell not, for he was bidden to "stay his hand." The king and his princes and counsellors, clad in sackcloth, were prostrate in penitence and supplication before the vision - before the Lord. And David was taking the sin to himself, and invoking the penalty upon himself, as he bowed low before the righteous Judge and Avenger. We observe in David's language - I. A SPIRIT DIFFERENT FROM THAT OFTEN OBSERVABLE IN MEN'S CONFESSIONS. There is no sign of: 1. A disposition to shift the sin upon others. 2. Or of a willingness that others should bear the penalty of the sin, 3. Or of a tendency to extenuate the guile of sinful action. We observe - II. A FRANK AND FULL CONFESSION OF PERSONAL GUILT. This includes: 1. An acknowledgment of his own offence. 2. A submission to the Divine wisdom and justice. He is willing that the hand of God, that is, the chastening and afflicting hand, should fall upon him and inflict the strokes which he is well aware he merits. III. COMPASSION AND INTERCESSION FOR THE UNOFFENDING SUFFERERS. How truly is this David's language! Under the influence of deep emotion he speaks, as men are wont to do in such circumstances, the language of his youth. His poor subjects are, to his view, like guileless, helpless sheep, scattered and smitten. He implores that in compassion it may please the Lord to save them. IV. THE RECOGNITION BY THE LORD OF THIS SPIRIT AND LANGUAGE. David's attitude was pleasing to the Lord. Reconciliation ensued. An altar was built, and sacrifices offered and accepted. And the angel of the Lord "put up his sword again into the sheath thereof." - T. Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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