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ISRAEL IS PUNISHED WHEN DAVID ORDERS A CENSUS.

1 Chronicles 21:1-22:1

Q.1. What made David take a census of Israel’s armies? What is the danger of success and power? How did David respond to his sin? – (1 Chr.21:1-8)

Satan rose up against Israel, and incited David to number the army (1 Chr.21:1 c.f. 2 Sam.24:1). When David called on Joab to organize the census, he refused to listen to the misgivings raised by his general. Power and success are always lurking around, looking to bring down the servants of God. However, the fact that God was not happy soon became apparent to David. To his credit, David took responsibility for his sin.

Q.2. What options for punishment did David take and why? Why did God relent from destroying Jerusalem? What was David’s appeal to God? – (1 Chr.21:9-17)

Soon Gad, the seer, brought three options from God to David: (i) Three years of famine; (ii) Three months of victory over Israel by her enemies; (iii) Three days of pestilence from the Lord. David knew what to do, because he had experienced that – His mercies are very great (1 Chr.21:13). The angel of the Lord struck down seven thousand men of Israel and then turned against Jerusalem. True to David’s view of God, God relented (1 Chr.21:15). This came about when – David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, with his drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, covered with sackcloth, fell on their faces (1 Chr.21:16). This left an indelible mark on David (1Chr.21:30, and he and the leaders cried out to God for mercy. Though God was angry with the nation (2 Sam.24:1), David took full responsibility, as he pleaded for his people (1 Chr.21:17).

Q.3. Why did David refuse the gift from Ornan the Jebusite? What kept David from getting over-familiar with God? Is this a danger for us? – (1 Chr.21:18-30)

Gad instructed David to build an altar of sacrifice at Ornan the Jebusite’s threshing floor, in order to stay the plague. Ornan happily gifted it to his king, but David insisted on paying. He replied with a key principle – No, but I will surely buy it for the full price; for I will not take what is yours for the Lord or offer a burnt offering which costs me nothing (1 Chr.21:24). This became a place of offering for David, since God had answered his petitions there. Once again, the reality of God’s chastisement kept a healthy awe and respect in David’s relationship with his holy God. There is a constant danger that God’s grace can be taken for granted, and we become over-familiar with Him. He is our Father, and we are His children. However, we must never forget that He is the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords.