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Numbers 16:46-49
And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun…

2 Samuel 24:15
So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.

seventy

Exodus 12:20
Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

Numbers 25:9
And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

1 Samuel 6:19
And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smittenmany of the people with a great slaughter.

and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead
The number seventy thousand is significant, illustrating the severity of the judgment. In biblical numerology, the number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection, suggesting the totality of the judgment. The loss of life underscores the gravity of sin and its far-reaching consequences. Historically, such a large number of deaths would have had a profound impact on the nation, both socially and economically. This event also foreshadows the ultimate consequence of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23), and points to the need for atonement and redemption, themes fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ.

- The connective “So” links directly to David’s sinful census in1 Chronicles 21:1–13; the plague is not random but a divinely ordered consequence.

- Scripture consistently shows the LORD acting decisively against corporate sin: inExodus 9:14 He says, “I will send all My plagues on you… so you will know there is no one like Me,” and inNumbers 16:46-48 He stops a rebellion with a swift plague. The same righteous character is on display here.

- The text states “the LORD sent,” underscoring His absolute sovereignty. There is no hint of chance; judgment flows from His holy nature, just asAmos 3:6 reminds us, “If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?”

- Yet even in judgment God remains measured. Verse 15 immediately notes the angel’s hand is stopped at Jerusalem, echoingPsalm 103:9—“He will not always accuse, nor harbor His anger forever.” Mercy governs how far judgment may go.

- The staggering death toll highlights the seriousness of sin. As in the parallel account,2 Samuel 24:15 says, “and seventy thousand men of the people, from Dan to Beersheba, died.” Such nationwide loss underscores that rebellion against God has communal fallout.

- Similar lessons appear elsewhere: after Achan’s hidden sin,Joshua 7:5 records thirty-six deaths; here the cost is far higher, reminding us that hidden pride (David’s census) can be as deadly as blatant idolatry.

- The number also contrasts the LORD’s usual protection. When Judah relied on Him, “the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa” (2 Chronicles 14:12). Dependence brings deliverance; self-reliance invites disaster.

- Though severe, the judgment is limited: seventy thousand out of hundreds of thousands. God’s wrath is real, yet controlled, foreshadowing the ultimate restraint shown at the cross where wrath is poured on Christ rather than on us (Romans 5:9).

1 Chronicles 21:14 teaches that God personally and justly intervenes when His people sin. He sends the plague, proving His sovereignty; He limits it, proving His mercy. The heavy loss shows that sin—especially prideful self-reliance—carries grave, communal consequences. Even so, the LORD’s swift restraint points to a heart ready to forgive when repentance and atonement are sought.

(14)So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel.--So Samuel. The rest of our verse is abridged. From Samuel we learn that the plague raged throughout the land from dawn to the time of the evening sacrifice.