Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:17. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about David’s conscience and responsibility. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: David was a king who had committed some serious sins – he tricked people, lied to them, and even murdered someone. He felt terrible about it and desperately pleaded with God to forgive him and protect his family. What’s Happening in the Verse: “And David said unto God…” : This is David acknowledging that he was responsible for these sins. It's a direct admission of guilt. “…[Is it] not I [that] commanded the people to be numbered?” : This is the core of the problem. David says he told people to count them – meaning, he ordered them to be counted. This suggests he was involved in manipulating or misleading people. “even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed” : He’s admitting to a significant number of sins, including terrible ones. “Sin” here means breaking God's rules and doing wrong. It wasn’t just small mistakes; this was serious wrongdoing. “but [as for] these sheep, what have they done?” : This is where it gets more pointed. David asks a crucial question: "What has these sheep done?" He’s referring to the people he tricked and misled. He’s essentially asking, “What did these sheep do wrong?” “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.” : This is the most important part. David is pleading with God to protect his family – specifically, his son, Jonathan – from suffering because of his sins. He doesn't want his family to be punished. He asks God to keep him safe and prevent any harm to them. What Does it Mean? This verse speaks about the seriousness of David’s actions and the gravity of his responsibility. It highlights a crucial point: we are all accountable for our choices. Even though we don’t always feel like we are, we are responsible for what we do. This passage shows that David's actions had consequences, and he desperately sought God’s forgiveness and protection. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that: Guilt can be heavy: David’s admission of wrongdoing demonstrates the power of guilt and its potential to affect us. Responsibility matters: We all have a responsibility to live righteously and avoid causing harm. God's protection is possible: Even when we make mistakes, God offers forgiveness and care for those he loves. In short, this verse speaks about David’s remorse and his plea for divine protection – a foundational moment in understanding the relationship between humanity and God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Give you another scripture passage to compare this one to?