2 Samuel 24:10
And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֤ךְ
smote
H5221
וַיַּ֤ךְ
smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 27
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
לֵב
heart
H3820
לֵב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
2 of 27
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
אֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַֽחֲרֵי
him after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵי
him after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 27
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
כֵ֖ן
H3651
כֵ֖ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
6 of 27
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
סָפַ֣ר
that he had numbered
H5608
סָפַ֣ר
that he had numbered
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
7 of 27
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֑ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֑ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 27
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יְהוָ֔ה
and now I beseech thee O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
and now I beseech thee O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 27
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חָטָ֤אתִי
I have sinned
H2398
חָטָ֤אתִי
I have sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
14 of 27
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
מְאֹֽד׃
for I have done very
H3966
מְאֹֽד׃
for I have done very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
15 of 27
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 27
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשִׂ֔יתִי
in that I have done
H6213
עָשִׂ֔יתִי
in that I have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
17 of 27
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְעַתָּ֣ה
H6258
יְהוָ֔ה
and now I beseech thee O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
and now I beseech thee O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
19 of 27
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַֽעֲבֶר
take away
H5674
הַֽעֲבֶר
take away
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
20 of 27
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
נָא֙
H4994
נָא֙
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
21 of 27
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
22 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
25 of 27
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
2 Samuel 12:13And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.1 Samuel 13:13And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.Proverbs 28:13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.1 Samuel 24:5And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.2 Chronicles 16:9For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Historical Context
The historical setting of 2 Samuel 24 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding pride, judgment, provision provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage deepen your understanding of pride, judgment, provision?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
- In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
This verse contributes to the narrative of Census and Plague, emphasizing pride, judgment, provision. David's census represents prideful self-reliance rather than dependence on God. The plague's devastation demonstrates sin's consequences extending beyond the sinner. David's purchase of Araunah's threshing floor and sacrifice there establishes the future temple location. Theological themes include the danger of pride, corporate consequences of leaders' sins, the necessity of proper sacrifice, God's mercy in limiting judgment, and divine purpose even in disciplinary actions.