Satan stood up] In 2 Sam. XXIV. 1. The Lord moved David against Israel. See the Observations on Esay VI. 9, 10.
to number Israel] Out of pride only and curiosity, and carnal confidence: Otherwise the thing in it self not simply unlawful, when done upon good grounds and to good ends: As we see it done at other times in Scripture. God commands it, Num. I. 3. and XXVI. 1, 2. And Solomon and Amaziah did it, 2 Chron. II. 17. and XXV. 5.