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1 Chronicles 21:1-3
New Catholic Bible
1 Chronicles 21:1-3
New Catholic Bible
Chapter 21
The Census and Plague. 1 Now Satan took his stand[a] against Israel, and he tempted David to take a census of Israel.
2 David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go take a census of Israel from Beer-sheba to Dan. Bring the number to me so that I might know it.”
3 Joab answered, “May the Lord multiply his people a hundred times over, but, my lord, the king, are these not my lord’s servants? Why would my lord order this? Why would he bring this guilt upon Israel?”
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 1 Chronicles 21:1 Satan took his stand: again the Chronicler colors David’s behavior in a favorable light. Satan’s presence takes the full responsibility for the decision to order a census off of David. It remains his choice, however, just as any temptation that we give in to. The census was sinful because it showed a lack of respect for God’s power.
