But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Chronicles 21:7
What does 1 Chronicles 21:7 mean?
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1 Chronicles 21:7
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It's easy to overlook, but the verse doesn't say God was only displeased with David's sin; it says He was displeased with "this thing," highlighting that the entire act of taking the census in that manner was the offense. This implies that even when our motivations might feel good, the way we go about things matters deeply to God.
But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David's pride gets the better of him here, as he commands Joab to take a census of Israel and Judah, essentially numbering his fighting men. This act deeply angered God, who then sent a plague upon the people as a consequence of David's disobedience, just before the prophet Gad confronts David about his sin.
We often think of God as always being patient, but what happens when our actions truly displease Him? This verse reveals a stark reality about the Creator's response to rebellion.
God's Righteous Anger
It's crucial to understand that God's displeasure isn't like human anger, which can be petty or uncontrolled. God's anger is a righteous response to sin and rebellion against His will. In this case, David's census was an act of pride and a lack of trust in God's protection, bypassing proper reliance on Him. God was 'displeased' – a strong word indicating a serious offense that disrupted the right relationship between Him and His people.
The Consequence of Displeasure
When God is displeased, there are consequences. The text says God 'struck Israel.' This wasn't arbitrary punishment but a demonstration of the seriousness of David's sin and its impact on the whole nation. It serves as a solemn reminder that our actions have repercussions, not just for ourselves but for those connected to us.
David was the king, and his decisions had national consequences. This verse shows that the sins of leaders carry a heavier burden and can impact an entire community.
A King's Responsibility
David, as the chosen king, bore a unique responsibility before God. His prideful decision to take a census – numbering Israel to gauge his military strength rather than trusting God – was a grave error in leadership. It was an act that elevated human might over divine power.
National Repercussions
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The consequence of God striking Israel wasn't just about David; it was about the nation he led. This underscores a vital principle: the spiritual health and actions of leaders profoundly affect the people they govern. David's sin led to a plague that killed many, illustrating how poor leadership choices can bring widespread suffering and judgment upon a community.
Understand the original words
ra'a' · Hebrew Verb
The state of being angry or judging negatively, often describing God's reaction to human rebellion or disobedience.
This event highlights that even the most beloved and anointed leaders are not above God's judgment. The census was not just a military headcount, but an act of national pride and reliance on human strength rather than God, leading to severe consequences for the entire nation.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
After years of fugitive life, David is finally anointed king over all Israel, ushering in a golden age for the nation.
c. 1005 BC
Jerusalem Established as Capital
David captures the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and makes it his capital, uniting the tribes and establishing a central religious and political hub.
c. 970 BC— this verse
David's Census Incident Occurs
Driven by pride or military ambition, King David orders a census of Israel and Judah, a decision God strongly disapproves of.
c. 970 BC
Plague Strikes Israel
As a consequence of David's sin, God sends a devastating plague upon Israel, causing widespread death and demonstrating the serious consequences of disobedience.
c. 970 BC
David Buys Ornan's Threshing Floor
The plague is halted at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David purchases the land, which will later become the site of Solomon's Temple.
c. 970 BC
David Offers Sacrifices
David builds an altar, offers burnt and peace offerings, and prays for the people, seeking atonement for his sin and repentance.
This is the parallel account to 1 Chronicles 21, showing that David's decision to take a census was the sin that displeased God and led to the plague.
Numbers 15:30-31These verses speak about acting with a high hand, or presumptuously, against God's commands, which is a concept that helps understand the gravity of David's action despite his motives.
Proverbs 16:5This proverb directly links pride and arrogance with divine displeasure, offering insight into why such an act of counting the people might have been viewed as prideful by God.
1 Corinthians 10:13While not directly about God's displeasure, this verse on temptation and God's faithfulness shows that God understands our weaknesses, even when our actions have serious consequences.
It's easy to overlook, but the verse doesn't say God was only displeased with David's sin; it says He was displeased with "this thing," highlighting that the entire act of taking the census in that manner was the offense. This implies that even when our motivations might feel good, the way we go about things matters deeply to God.
David's pride gets the better of him here, as he commands Joab to take a census of Israel and Judah, essentially numbering his fighting men. This act deeply angered God, who then sent a plague upon the people as a consequence of David's disobedience, just before the prophet Gad confronts David about his sin.
David's pride gets the better of him here, as he commands Joab to take a census of Israel and Judah, essentially numbering his fighting men. This act deeply angered God, who then sent a plague upon the people as a consequence of David's disobedience, just before the prophet Gad confronts David about his sin.
"But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel." — It's easy to overlook, but the verse doesn't say God was only displeased with David's sin; it says He was displeased with "this thing," highlighting that the entire act of taking the census in that…
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Last reviewed October 2026