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.
David said to God, 'Wasn't it me who commanded the people to be counted? I'm the one who sinned and did wrong. But these people are like innocent sheep—what did they do wrong? Please, LORD my God, let your punishment fall on me and my family, but not on your people who shouldn't have to suffer for this.'
David takes full responsibility for his sin of conducting an unauthorized census and pleads with God to punish him instead of the innocent people.
📚 Historical Context
This prayer comes after David ordered a census of Israel against God's will, which brought divine judgment in the form of a plague that killed 70,000 people. David is interceding as he sees an angel of the Lord ready to destroy Jerusalem, recognizing that his pride and disobedience as king had catastrophic consequences for his people.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.