Matthew Pool on 2 Sam 24.1

2 Samuel 24:1 (ESV) Again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”

Again, to wit, after the former tokens of his anger, such as the three years’ famine, chap. 21.

He moved David. he: who? Either, 1. Satan, as is expressed, 1 Chron. 21:1. Or, 2. God; who is said, in like manner, to stir up Saul against David, 1 Sam. 26:19, and to turn the hearts of the Egyptians to hate his people, Psal. 105:25, and to make men to err from his ways, Isa. 63:17, and to send strong delusions, &c., and to harden their hearts. All which expressions are not so to be understood, as if God did work these sinful dispositions; which neither was necessary, because they are naturally in every man’s heart, nor possible for the holy God to do; but because he permits them, and withdraws his grace and all restraints and hinderances from them, and giveth occasions and advantages to them; and directs their thoughts to such objects as may indeed be innocently thought of, which yet he knows they will wickedly abuse; and give them up to Satan, who he knows will deceive and entice them to such and such sins; which, being tempted to do by Satan, and being effected by their own wicked hearts, he so orders and overrules, that they shall be punishments for their former sins. 1  Matthew Poole, [Annotations upon the Holy Bible, vol. 1 (New York: Robert Carter and Brothers, 1853), 642.]