1-chronicles 21:1

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

American King James Version (AKJV)

And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

American Standard Version (ASV)

And Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

Now Satan, designing evil against Israel, put into David's mind the impulse to take the number of Israel.

Webster's Revision

And Satan stood up against Israel, and incited David to number Israel.

World English Bible

Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.

English Revised Version (ERV)

And Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.

Definitions for 1-chronicles 21:1

Satan - Adversary.

Clarke's 1-chronicles 21:1 Bible Commentary

And Satan stood up against Israel - See the notes on the parallel place, 2 Samuel 24:1 (note), etc.

Barnes's 1-chronicles 21:1 Bible Commentary

As the books of Scripture are arranged in our Version, Satan is here for the first time by name introduced to us. He appears not merely as an "adversary" who seeks to injure man from without, but as a Tempter able to ruin him by suggesting sinful acts and thoughts from within. In this point of view, the revelation made of him here is the most advanced that we find in the Old Testament.

The difficulty in reconciling the statement here, "Satan provoked David," etc. with that of Samuel, "the Lord moved David," etc. 2 Samuel 24:1 is not serious. All temptation is permitted by God. When evil spirits tempt us, they do so by permission (Job 1:12; Job 2:6; Luke 22:31, etc.). If Satan therefore provoked David to number the peopIe, God allowed him. And what God allows, He may be said to do. (Another view is maintained in the 2 Samuel 24:1 note).

Wesley's 1-chronicles 21:1 Bible Commentary

21:1 Satan stood - Before the Lord and his tribunal to accuse David and Israel, and to beg God's permission to tempt David.Standing is the accusers posture before men's tribunals; andconsequently the holy scripture (which useth to speak of the things ofGod, after the manner of men, to bring them down to our capacities)elsewhere represent Satan in this posture.