2Sa 24:1 | TNotes | STEP | 24:1 The reason God’s anger ... burned against Israel is unknown (but see Deut 4:25 ; 6:14-15 ; 29:22-28 ; 31:16-18 ). • Caused ... to harm reflects a Hebrew verb ( suth ) used elsewhere in the sense of enticing or inciting someone to do wrong (1 Sam 26:19 , “stirred you up against me”). Census -taking was usually unpopular with citizens, who resented it as an intrusion into their private affairs. They regarded it as a prelude to taxation or forced military service (see study note on 2 Sam 24:9). If David was motivated by pride or was preparing for an illegitimate war (as 24:9 might suggest), this might explain why it was a sin for him (24:10 ).

a24:1►

bDeut 4:25►

c6:14-15►

d29:22-28►

e31:16-18►

f1 Sam 26:19►

g24:9►

h24:10►

‏ 2 Samuel 24:1

24:1 ^a The reason God’s anger ... burned against Israel is unknown (but see Deut 4:25 ^b; 6:14-15 ^c; 29:22-28 ^d; 31:16-18 ^e).

• Caused ... to harm reflects a Hebrew verb (suth) used elsewhere in the sense of enticing or inciting someone to do wrong (1 Sam 26:19 ^f, “stirred you up against me”). Census-taking was usually unpopular with citizens, who resented it as an intrusion into their private affairs. They regarded it as a prelude to taxation or forced military service (see study note on 2 Sam 24:9). If David was motivated by pride or was preparing for an illegitimate war (as 24:9 ^g might suggest), this might explain why it was a sin for him (24:10 ^h).