When king David was king over Judah and Israel reigning about 40 years he never lost a military battle! Many think of David as the rascal who slept with Bathsheba while her husband Uriah was a war. He let the best of his lust get to him and obviously abused his position of authority. Just because God amounts somebody for a position of office does not give them an excuse to abuse that position.
However, David’s greater sin was in numbering the census of the people. Joab and his captains try to hold David accountable but he would not listen.The king had too much pride and this was an intentional willful rebellious sin against God!
“Now the anger of the Lord burned against Israel again, and He incited David against them to say, “Go, count Israel and Judah.” (Read 2 Samuel 24:1-24 Chronicles 21). In Chronicles it states Satan tempted David, but here God’s was upset. This shows that God is soveriegn and permitted Satan to test,tempt David, just like he did with Job.
David’s arrogance led him to trust his military and riches over God’s plan. He magnified his own achievements, rather than to glorify God. He was This is a sobering thought and was trying to help the Lord out. Well he thought! Remember,” Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall”. Sometimes God’s greatest judgment is to let us have our own way.
The census led to a pestilence. The king was getting convicted of his sin in numbering the people. https://bible.com/bible/111/2sa.24.10-14.NIV (2 Samuel 24:10-14; 1 Chron. 21:7-13). He regretted not listening to his counsel. ” “In the multitude of counsel there is safety”.
Proverbs 15:22 NIV
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.“
Has God by his Spirit been convicting you of something lately? Does your conscience bother you to make it tight with the Lord and even others? Money, fame or possessions cannot buy you forgiveness my friend, only God can forgive our sin. Like David we have to humble our heart before Him and acknowledge our sins. Confess to him. Notice David takes responsibility for his own mistakes and does not make excuses or blame. “I have sinned…”
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. [3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. [4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.51.1-4.NIV
There were consequences even after confession and forgiveness. The pestilence came. 70,000 people died due to the numbering.
David was a repentant King
2 Samuel 24:15-25 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/2sa.24.15-25.NIV
David built an altar and made things right with the Lord. In God’s plan he had made a covenant with David the seed of Jesse.
The land David purchased was no ordinary land. Abraham offered Isaac here God provided a ram. (Genesis 22)
This was the place where Solomon would build the Temple 1 Chronicles 22:1, 2 Chronicles 3:1)
David consecrated this place to the Lord after the plague and used it as a place of sacrifice and worship.
David was humbled and God saw his heart. There is no sin the Lord cannot handle with us. We have hope in Jesus Christ who died on Calvary’s Hill for our sin. Jesus died for all nations and all people ” For God so loved the world, that He gave…
The opposite of pride is humility. Humble yourself to the Lord that He may lift you up today my friend. Pray and confess to make it right. Pray for your loved ones and family. Pray for our leaders and nations in turmoil these days. Pray for peace. Have an uplifting week and know that God is in control!
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