What is the context?
The plague kills seventy thousand people across Israel. As the angel stretches out his hand toward Jerusalem, the LORD stops the destruction. The angel is beside Araunah’s threshing floor.
The Hebrew verb behind relented is naham, pronounced nah-KHAHM. Brown–Driver–Briggs includes this verse among uses concerning calamity brought on others. In the account, the LORD’s response is made clear by His command to withdraw the destroying hand.
David then appeals to the LORD, identifying himself as the shepherd who sinned and the people as sheep. He asks that the judgment fall on him and his father’s house. The king takes responsibility and pleads for the people under his care.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry understands the LORD’s relenting as a change in the judgment being carried out, rather than God repenting of moral wrongdoing. The narrative presents mercy in the midst of severe judgment.
Gill reads David’s appeal as an expression of affection and sympathy for his people. David is absorbed with his own guilt. The opening verse also speaks of anger against Israel, so his question about the sheep should be heard as his plea, rather than a complete explanation of every person’s standing before God.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Henry and Gill both see a shepherd comparison here. David is willing to bear the consequence rather than see his people destroyed. In John 10:11–18, Jesus identifies Himself as the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.
The difference gives the comparison its force. David is confessing his own wrongdoing and asking to bear judgment; Jesus gives His life for others. 1 Peter 2:21–24 describes Him as without sin and as bearing our sins.
This is a supported parallel between shepherds, not a claim that John directly identifies David’s prayer as a prediction. It directs hope beyond the failure of an earthly shepherd to the saving work of Christ.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.