And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.
When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he spoke to the LORD and said, 'Look, I have sinned and done wrong. But these people are like innocent sheep - what have they done? Please let your punishment fall on me and my family instead.'
David takes full responsibility for his sin and pleads with God to punish him instead of the innocent people who are suffering because of his actions.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes after David conducted a census of Israel against God's will, which was considered an act of pride and lack of trust in God's provision. As punishment, God sent a plague that killed 70,000 people. David is now witnessing an angel of death destroying his people and realizes the devastating consequences of his disobedience.
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