Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Samuel 24:1

AND again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them , to say , Go number Israel and Judah.

To wit, after the former tokens of his Anger, such as the three years Famine, Chap. 21.

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 hindrances 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 enti[illegible: 1+ letters]e 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 over-rules, that they shall be Punishments for their former Sins.

i. e. For Israels Punishment.

Or, saying. For this may be referred, either 1. to God, of whom the same Expression is used, 2 Sam. 16. 10. The Lord said to Shimei, Curse David. Which in both places is not to be understood of any command or impulse of God, but of his secret Providence, disposing things in manner here above expressed. Or, 2. to David: he moved David to say, to wit, to Ioab, as he did, ver. 2.

Marginal references: Satan, See 1 Chron. 21. 1▪