Why does it say in Shmuel II, 24:16 "va'Yishlach Yado ha'Mal'ach", and here, "va'Yishlach ha'Elokim Mal'ach"?
Malbim (here and in Shmuel): Here explains the verse there. Hashem sent Yado, i.e. the angel, which is Yad Hashem to destroy via Dever - "Yad Hashem Hoyah" (Shemos 9:3). It says in the Hagadah that "uv'Yad Chazakah" (Devarim 4:34) refers to Dever.
What did Hashem see?
Radak: He saw that many died.
Radak citing Brachos 62b #1: He saw the ashes of Yitzchak 1 . In that granary, Avraham offered his son Yitzchak.
Malbim (Shmuel II, 24:16, citing Brachos 62b #2): He saw Kesef ha'Kipurim, i.e. the Shekalim that Bnei Yisrael will give every year for Korbanos brought in this place, to atone for (exempt from) the plague.
Maharsha (62b): I.e. the ashes of the ram offered in place of him. Alternatively, Hashem considers that Avraham offered and burned Yitzchak, based on his intent.
Until where did the angel strike?
Malbim (Shmuel II, 24:16): It was until Ir Tziyon, i.e. Ir David. The granary was between Tziyon and Yerushalayim.
Why did He say "Rav Atah Heref Yadecha"?
Radak (Shmuel II, 24:16): The plague suffices; do not destroy Yerushalayim.
Radak (Shmuel II, 24:16, citing Brachos 62b): Hashem told the angel 'take their Rav.' At this time Avishai died; he was equal to the majority (Rov) of the Sanhedrin.
Malbim: If not, the angel would have killed David, for 'when the destroyer has permission [to kill], he does not distinguish between Tzadik and Rasha' (Bava Kama 60a). Hashem retracted due to the merit of David and of the place. 1
What is the meaning of "Im Goren"?
Radak (Shmuel II, 24:16): It is near the granary.
Yevusi is one of the seven Kena'ani nations. We are commanded to kill them!
Rashi (Shmuel II, 24:16): He was the officer of Metzudas Tziyon, which is called Yevusi.
Radak (Shmuel II, 24:23): This Yevusi was not from the seven nations, rather, from Pelishtim, from the seed of Avimelech. It was permitted to leave them in Eretz Yisrael, since they accepted not to serve idolatry and the other Mitzvos of Bnei Noach. Even the seven nations may dwell in the land if they will [accept their Mitzvos, and] not cause us to sin ? "Lo Yeshvu b'Artzecha Pen Yachati'u Oscha Li" (Shemos 23:33).
