Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Chronicles 21:1-30
David's Census 1 Chronicles 21:2 What was it that made David's deed ungodly? The answer is that David's act was a grievous forgetfulness of, and departure from, God's purpose (an act in which the people acquiesced with their king). He appears to have been moved by the hope that he should find the people big enough to cope with the nations around them on their own ground. And the people themselves would appear to have shared David's pride and ambition. Once they were a horde of freshly... read more
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Chronicles 21:16
(16) This verse is not read in Samuel, which, however, mentions the essential fact that David “saw the angel that smote the people” (2 Samuel 24:17). There is nothing in the style to suggest suspicion of a later hand; and it is as likely that the compiler of Samuel has abridged the original account as that the chronicler has embellished it.Having a drawn sword in his hand.—Comp. Numbers 22:23, where the same phrase occurs. Literally, and his sword drawn in his hand.Stretched out.—See Isaiah... read more