1 Chronicles 21

1 Chronicles 21:1

Satan stood up] In 2 Sam. XXIV. 1. The Lord moved David against Israel. See the Observations on Esay VI. 9, 10.

to number Israel] Out of pride only and curiosity, and carnal confidence: Otherwise the thing in it self not simply unlawful, when done upon good grounds and to good ends: As we see it done at other times in Scripture. God commands it, Num. I. 3. and XXVI. 1, 2. And Solomon and Amaziah did it, 2 Chron. II. 17. and XXV. 5.

1 Chronicles 21:5

the summe of the number] 1100000. of Israel, able men; from twenty years old, and upwards. To the 800000. in 2 Sam. XXIV. 9. seeme to be added here those 288000. of Davids Trained Bands, 1 Chron. XXVII. 1,—15. already enrolled, in publick records. And their Colonels, Captains, Commanders, and Officers, to the number likely of 12000. which make up the said 1100000. To the 470000 of Judah are 30000. added more, in 2 Sam.

XXIV. 9. which addition either might be the number of the Regiments under those thirty Worthies of David, having one thousand in each: Or rather an Addition of so many out of Jerusalem only, or out of Levi, and Benjamin also (which still joyned themselves to Judah) after Joabs first return to Jerusalem, and giving up his number to the King. For he was weary of the service, it being abominable to him; and therefore he is said, not to count Levi and Benjamin; and to begin to number, but not to finish it, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the Chronicles of King David, 1 Chron. XXI. 6. and XXVII. 24. In all, 1600000. neither yet took he the number from twenty years old and under, 1 Chron. XXVII. 23.

1 Chronicles 21:15

It is enough] God in mercy shortens the three dayes of Pestilence, stops the Angel, and repents of the evil.

1 Chronicles 21:23

Ornan] Or Araunah was the more free, and forward in his Offer, so to expedite the businesse, for the staying of the Plague: for feare whereof, and of the Angel, he and his four sonnes had there hid themselves.

1 Chronicles 21:25

for the Place] For the whole place and plot of ground, with the Buildings, Gardens, and other things pertaining to it; which was a sufficient space and circuit of ground for the Building of the Temple upon it, with all the Courts, Chambers, Walls, &c., David gives here a great summe. Whereas he gives farre lesse for the bare threshingfloore, Oxen, and Instruments, 2 Sam. XXIV. 24. And David might give more then the worth, out of his royal bounty; as 1 King. X. 13.