“David's Sinful Census”

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 24

David counted the people in a nationwide census. Joab objected but did it anyways… sort of (1 Chronicles 21.6). The whole thing was sinful to God, but he was the one who incited David to do it (2 Samuel 24.1) … or was it Satan (1 Chronicles 21.1)? When comparing these parallel texts, there appears to be an inconsistency. The tension we feel is legitimate. We know that God tempts no one to sin (James 1.13), and we know that God is not in cahoots with Satan (Matthew 12.25-26). How then can both be true? And why does God punish so many people for this sin (2 Samuel 24.15)?

What is going on here and how do we deal with it?

First, it is important to see that God had an agenda: His anger was kindled against Israel, and rightfully so (2 Samuel 24.1). They were ungrateful for the blessings of David’s government, and strangely drawn in to take part both Absalom and Sheba’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15.1-12; 20.1-2). The armies of Israel and Judah had constant strife between their commanders, and Joab proved to be a cold-blooded murderer on several occasions (2 Samuel 3.27, 18.14, 20.10). Their choices required discipline and judgment, which God would execute in this situation. We must understand those who died were not innocent. They had opportunity to change, and they didn’t.

Second, we must acknowledge God’s sovereignty in this world. Throughout history God frequently used wicked, God-less forces to carry out his judgment. In the recent past God used the Philistines to humble and turn his people back (see 1 Samuel 4-6). Later God would use both the Assyrians and Babylonians to punish Israel and Judah. Did God approve of these peoples? Obviously not, but because of his sovereign control he used them to carry out his will. That’s what we see here. Although Satan was at work in this event, it was the LORD’s judgment that allowed these events to transpire.

Third, we must see God’s delayed judgment as mercy. Only a fraction of Israel died, and the effects of God’s limited judgment turned many back to himself, including David (2 Samuel 24.17). Peter would apply this thought for all: “God is patient, not wishing any to perish but all to reach repentance” (see full context in 2 Peter 3.5-9). This humbling of judgment repositioned Israel to know and honor God, and he once again responded to them (2 Samuel 24.25).

This section pulls the curtain back on dynamics in God’s nature that don’t always make sense to us. But by faith we must determine to accept that our limitations cannot fully grasp the character of God. He is loving and just. He is merciful and righteous. He will not let the guilty go unpunished, but he will endure wickedness in hope of better things.

We have limitations, but in mercy God has revealed the serious cost of sin (Romans 3.23) and that includes every sin. As we give our lives a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12.1), let us remember the words of David as he prepared to make a pleasing sacrifice to God: “I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24.24).

“Therefore, let us be grateful… and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12.28-29)

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