2Sa 24:17 | JFB | STEP | 17. David . . . said —or, "had said," I have sinned . . . but these sheep, what have they done? —The guilt of numbering the people lay exclusively with David. But in the body politic as well as natural, when the head suffers, all the members suffer along with it; and, besides, although David's sin was the immediate cause, the great increase of national offenses at this time had ( ) kindled the anger of the Lord.

2 Samuel 24:17

17. David . . . said—or, "had said,"

I have sinned . . . but these sheep, what have they done?—The guilt of numbering the people lay exclusively with David. But in the body politic as well as natural, when the head suffers, all the members suffer along with it; and, besides, although David's sin was the immediate cause, the great increase of national offenses at this time had (2Sa 24:1) kindled the anger of the Lord.