1Ch 21:1-14 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Chr 21:1-22:1: 21:1–22:1 This account of the census closely parallels 2 Sam 24:1-25 but has an entirely different focus. The Chronicler’s account provides the context for the dedication of the altar and the preparations for building the Temple (1 Chr 22 ). 21:1 Satan (or the adversary ) motivated David to take a census of his military forces (cp. 2 Sam 24:1 ). The Chronicler seems to interpret the narrative of Samuel in light of his theology of Satan as the adversary of God and humanity. As God allows Satan to work in the world, Satan unwittingly fulfills God’s purposes (cp. 2 Chr 18:3-34 ; Job 1:6–2:7 ; Zech 3:1-2 ; Matt 4:1-11 ; John 13:27 ; 1 Cor 5:5 ; 2 Cor 12:7 ; 1 Tim 1:20 ; Rev 20:3 , 7-9 ).

Summary for 1Chr 21:1-22:1: 21:1–22:1 ^a This account of the census closely parallels 2 Sam 24:1-25 ^b but has an entirely different focus. The Chronicler’s account provides the context for the dedication of the altar and the preparations for building the Temple (1 Chr 22 ^c). 21:1 ^d Satan (or the adversary) motivated David to take a census of his military forces (cp. 2 Sam 24:1 ^e). The Chronicler seems to interpret the narrative of Samuel in light of his theology of Satan as the adversary of God and humanity. As God allows Satan to work in the world, Satan unwittingly fulfills God’s purposes (cp. 2 Chr 18:3-34 ^f; Job 1:6–2:7 ^g; Zech 3:1-2 ^h; Matt 4:1-11 ⁱ; John 13:27 ^j; 1 Cor 5:5 ^k; 2 Cor 12:7 ^l; 1 Tim 1:20 ^m; Rev 20:3 ⁿ, 7-9 ^o).
21:7 ^p The study note on 2 Sam 24:1 discusses possible reasons why God was very displeased with the census.
21:9 ^q Gad is later mentioned as having compiled a list of “the events of King David’s reign” (29:29 ^r).