| 1. Linguistic Exegesis The verse opens with the vav-consecutive Qal imperfect vaya‘amod {וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֥ד | wayyā‘ămōḏ} “and he stood,” marking sequential narrative action. The noun satan {שָׂטָ֖ן | śāṭān} “adversary” functions as subject, introduced by the preposition ‘al {עַל | ‘al} “against” to create direct opposition toward Yisrael {יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל | yiśrā’ēl} “Israel.” The narrative continues with the vav-consecutive Hifil imperfect vayaset {וַיָּ֙סֶת | wayyāśēt} “and he incited,” demonstrating causative force. The direct object marker ’et {אֶת | ’et} marks Dāwīd {דָּוִיד | dāwîḏ} “David” as the recipient. The infinitive construct limnôt {לִמְנוֹת | limnôt} “to count” specifies the provocation, again preceded by ’et {אֶת | ’et} before Yisrael {יִשְׂרָאֵֽל | yiśrā’ēl} “Israel.” This sequence highlights the adversary’s agency moving from opposition to action. |