Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Chronicles 21:1

"And Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel." — 1 Chronicles 21:1 (ASV)

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

Israel had greatly offended and grieved God, and it was to be punished. God punished one sin by another: the sin of David works for the chastisement of a sinful people.