Definition: And Davidâs heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 24:10. It's a really important and somewhat vulnerable moment in David’s life. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core of the Verse: David is admitting to a serious mistake – he messed up badly. He’s saying, “I’ve done something terrible, and I’m begging for forgiveness.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And David said unto the LORD…” : This means David was talking directly to God. It’s a moment of deep regret and confession. “…I have numbered the people.” : This is the major part. David was counting the Israeli population – basically, he was trying to calculate how many people lived in Israel. He was doing this to prove his power and authority. “And David said unto the LORD…” : This shows that he knew he had made a mistake – it wasn’t just a simple oversight. “…I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.” : This is where the core of his apology comes in. He's saying: "Please forgive me for what I’ve done! I’ve been a terrible person and I’ve made a huge mistake." “Iniquity” means moral wrongness, bad behavior, or sin. “Beseech thee” means to beg earnestly. What’s the Significance? This verse is very significant because it shows: David's Humility: He’s admitting his wrongdoing, which is a huge step toward repentance. His Awareness of His Sin: He understands he’s fallen short of God's standards. His Plea for Forgiveness: He’s begging for God to take away the consequences of his mistake – essentially, to be forgiven. In essence, it's a moment of profound regret and a desperate plea for redemption. It sets the stage for the events that follow in 2 Samuel, where David will face judgment from God. --- Would you like me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a broader theme in the Bible (like repentance or obedience)? Give you some context about why this story is important?