Bible Discussion Thread

Every time I read the consequences for David having numbered Israel and Judah, I literally want to weep. I read it over again, several times and asked God, "why?"I keep reading verse one where it says " And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. Reading and re-reading this verse and even reading other translations pertaining to this verse....it clearly says that the LORD was angry with them...again. I've read the comments and for many years thought of David being at fault; BUT could God be using this situation to punish Israel? The LORD'S anger was kindled against Israel. Again, reading verse one, speaking of "the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel" already. I probably am alone in saying this but I really don't believe David was at fault. I do believe, even in my/our own lives, when having been disobedient and refused prior correction, God will use (and has used in my life) more severe means to get our (my) attention. At times loss, has occured.

God is so merciful that if He is to deal with us according to our sins none of us would stand, we will all be in Hell remember the Generation that was in the times Of Noah God dealt with them and all perished excerpt those 8 people in the ark Noah a preacher of righteousness and his family.

The mercy of God is in display each day of our lives therefore lets us Give thanks to the Lord for His mercy endures forever Amen.

As its written in Psalms 103:8:10

8The LORD is merciful and gracious,

Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

9He will not always chide:

Neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10He hath not dealt with us after our sins;

Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

And IF God was to mark our sins, where would you be?

David did not pray and asked the Lord if it was okey to number the Israelite's and when he was warned that this might bring Judgement but paid no attention neither did, He put God first before embarking on such a task. David knew very well who God was and he should have sort after Gods counsel first before taking any steps.

This event is even evident in our daily Lives a christians we tend to take the initiatives without seeking Gods will though prayer.

David was at fault and as its written in Proebers 8:8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness.

Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.

Please Pray for understanding and God is faithful He will Give your Freely Amen.

Thank you Duncan , I always enjoy reading your posts .

Thanks Jema.

Hello Shelley. Indeed, this is a very sad disturbing account that would ordinarily raise questions as to David's culpability by his actions, when in fact God had moved David to conduct this census (2 Samuel chapter 24). I used to struggle with this matter as to how is it possible that God could cause someone to commit an evil act (or, be His instrument to execute His judgement in such a manner), and then have him (David) realize his sin for doing so & ultimately that he was compelled to prepare burnt & peace offerings to atone for his sin.

But I merged this passage with 1 Chronicles 21:1, "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel", to correctly understand that God's Plan to satisfy His Anger against Israel was by lifting His Protection from them, thus giving Satan licence to act. So if I may paraphrase, I would then read 2 Samuel 24:1 (in conjunction with 1 Chronicles 21:1), in this way: 'And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and He allowed Satan to stand against God's people by moving, or inciting, David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.'

Now Israel was in a horrible position; not only was their great enemy Satan ever ready to pounce on them to lead them away from their God, but God had for this particular time removed His covering from them, so that Satan would do to Israel what God wanted as His punishment against them. I see a similar act in the Book of Job, when God permitted Satan to test Job's integrity & fear of God, so that God's view of Job would remain unchanged. In the 2 Samuel incident, God used Satan to punish His people for their wickedness; in Job, God allowed Satan to test His faithful one to prove his uprightness.

So, I see that David was still responsible for his decision & action and so had to acknowledge it & repent of it. The fact that David's heart was smitten after his sin, shows that he realized his foolishness for not trusting God in spite of Joab's warning.