And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

1 CHRONICLES 21:17KJV
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1 Chronicles 21:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 21:17 mean?

1 Chronicles 21:17 shows King David taking responsibility before God for ordering a census, admitting his own sin, and pleading that the punishment should fall on him and his family, not on the people of Israel. David calls the people “sheep” and asks God to spare them from the plague that has come as a result of his actions.

In this verse, David is speaking directly to God during a crisis: a deadly plague has struck Israel because David ordered the people to be counted, an act seen as disobedient. David confesses that he alone is guilty (“I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed”) and appeals to God’s mercy for the people, whom he describes as innocent “sheep.” David’s words highlight his role as a leader willing to bear the consequences for his own mistake.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 21:17

  • “Sheep” (צֹאן, tso’n): David calls the people “sheep,” a common biblical image for people who are vulnerable and in need of care. This word choice emphasizes their innocence and his responsibility as their shepherd.
  • “Sinned” (חָטָא, chata’): David uses the word for sin that often means missing the mark or failing in duty, underlining that the wrong was his personal failure.
  • “Plagued” (נֶגֶף, negef): This word refers to a blow or plague, making clear that the suffering is a direct, severe consequence of the earlier action.

Why 1 Chronicles 21:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David does not try to shift blame; instead, he openly admits his fault and seeks to protect the people, showing a model of responsible leadership.
  • The use of “sheep” for the people connects to a broader biblical theme of leaders as shepherds, responsible for the well-being of those they lead.
  • The verse helps explain why the plague stops shortly after: David’s confession and plea for mercy are key turning points in the story, leading to God’s compassion and the end of the disaster.