1 Chronicles 21:8

Then David said to God, "I have sinned greatly because I have done this thing. Now I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly."

Study Bible

Then David said to God
This phrase marks a pivotal moment of confession and repentance. David, the king of Israel, acknowledges his wrongdoing directly to God, illustrating the personal relationship he maintains with the Divine. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies not just speaking, but a declaration or admission, indicating the seriousness of David's acknowledgment. Historically, this reflects the theocratic nature of Israel, where the king is not above divine law and must answer to God.

I have sinned greatly
David's admission of sin is profound. The Hebrew word for "sinned" (חָטָא, chata) means to miss the mark, suggesting a deviation from God's standards. The adverb "greatly" (מְאֹד, me'od) intensifies the confession, showing David's awareness of the magnitude of his transgression. This phrase underscores the gravity of sin in the biblical narrative and the importance of recognizing one's failures before God.

by doing this
This refers to David's act of conducting a census of Israel, which was against God's will. The historical context reveals that censuses were often conducted for military or taxation purposes, implying a reliance on human strength rather than divine provision. David's action reflects a lapse in trust in God, which is why it is considered a significant sin.

Now I implore You
The word "implore" (עָתַר, 'athar) conveys a sense of earnest pleading or supplication. David's approach to God is not one of entitlement but of humility and desperation. This reflects the biblical principle that repentance involves not just acknowledgment of sin but a heartfelt plea for mercy.

to take away the iniquity
The term "iniquity" (עָוֹן, avon) refers to guilt or the consequences of sin. David is not only seeking forgiveness but also the removal of the burden and consequences of his actions. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's forgiveness, which not only pardons but also restores.

of Your servant
By referring to himself as "Your servant," David acknowledges his position before God. The Hebrew word for servant (עֶבֶד, eved) implies submission and dedication. Despite being a king, David recognizes his ultimate role as a servant of God, emphasizing the biblical theme of humility and servitude to the Divine.

for I have acted very foolishly
The word "foolishly" (נָבַל, nabal) in Hebrew suggests a lack of wisdom or understanding, often associated with moral and spiritual failure. David's self-assessment is a recognition of his failure to act in accordance with God's wisdom. This phrase serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking divine guidance in all decisions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who ordered a census of the fighting men, an act that was against God's will and led to his repentance.

2. God
The Almighty, who is approached by David in repentance after realizing his sin.

3. Census
The event that triggered God's displeasure, as it demonstrated David's reliance on military strength rather than on God.

4. Israel
The nation affected by David's actions, as the census was conducted across the tribes of Israel.

5. Repentance
The act of David acknowledging his sin and seeking God's forgiveness.

Teaching Points

The Gravity of Sin
David acknowledges his sin as "great," reminding us that sin is serious and has consequences.

The Importance of Repentance
David's immediate response to his sin is to seek God's forgiveness, illustrating the importance of a repentant heart.

Reliance on God
The census was a demonstration of misplaced trust in human strength rather than in God's provision and protection.

God's Mercy
Despite the gravity of David's sin, he appeals to God's mercy, which is a central theme in the Christian faith.

Learning from Mistakes
David's experience teaches us to learn from our errors and to seek God's guidance in all decisions.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does David's response to his sin teach us about the nature of true repentance?

2. How can we apply the lesson of relying on God rather than our own strength in our daily lives?

3. In what ways does the account of David's census challenge us to examine our own motivations and actions?

4. How does the concept of God's mercy in this passage connect with other scriptures that speak of forgiveness?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are quick to recognize and confess our sins, as David did?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 24
This parallel account provides additional context to the events of 1 Chronicles 21, highlighting the consequences of David's actions.

Psalm 51
David's prayer of repentance, which echoes his plea for forgiveness and cleansing from sin.

Exodus 30:12
The law regarding census-taking, which required a ransom to prevent a plague, underscoring the seriousness of David's transgression.

James 4:17
The principle that knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it is sin, which applies to David's situation.

1 John 1:9
The assurance of forgiveness when we confess our sins, reflecting God's response to genuine repentance.