Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Chronicles 21:7-8

"And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel. And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing: but now, put away, I beseech thee, the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly." — 1 Chronicles 21:7-8 (ASV)

And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel. And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now I beseech you, do away the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.

We read that David's heart smote him. Although he had gone wrong, he was nevertheless a good man, and when an ambitious man sins it is a great sin. But he does not continue in it for long, because his conscience is awakened and the Spirit of God is in him. David's heart smote him. That is a terrible blow when your own heart smites you; if you never feel any other person smiting you, you will feel that.