David’s Census of Israel And Judah

II Samuel 24:1–17
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The anger of the Lord was very intense against Israel because of an unspecified sin and thus David was moved to take a census in Israel and Judah (v. 1). This happened because the Lord through Satan  incited David against Israel (I Chron. 21:1). Since taking a census was not sinful its self (Ex. 30:11-12), what was David’s transgression? Apparently it was a kind of walking by sight instead of by faith. David tells Joab and the army commanders to go throughout the land of Israel and count the people (v. 2). Joab expresses reservation (v. 3) but the kings orders prevails and Joab proceeds to carry out the orders (vv 4-8).

When they had gone through all the land and came to Jerusalem Joab gave a report to the king (v. 9). He reports the number of “able-bodied men” who could handle a sword for Judah and Israel were 800,000 and 500,000 respectively. Having become sensitive of willful rebellion against God (Psa. 19:13) David begs the Lord to take away his guilt (v. 10). The prophet Gad brings the word of the LORD to David of three options of punishment to choose from (vv. 11-13). He chose “three days of plague in the land and seventy thousand men died (vv. 14-15). The Lord says this is enough (v. 16) and David said, “Let Your hand, I pray be against me and my father’s house” (v. 17). 

Application

Lord, help me to never get angry at people but only at sin and the things that make God angry.