2 Samuel 24:17 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

These sheep, what have they done? What? They have done many things amiss. Their rebellions and other vices had been many, and it was for their own sins, as well as for David's, that this heavy judgment now befell them. The king, however, as became a penitent, is severe on his own faults, while he extenuates theirs. Let thy hand be against me Herein David shows his piety and fatherly care of his people, and that he was a type of Christ; and against my father's house My nearest relations. These, probably, had either put David upon, or encouraged him in this action. And, besides, it was but fit that his family, who partook of his honour and happiness, should also partake in his sufferings, rather than those who were less related to him.