Calendar

DAVID’S ORDER OF A CENSUS TURNED SINFUL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
2 Samuel 24

Psalm 86:1-7

 

“Bow down thine ear, O LORD,

hear me: for I am poor and needy.”

 

DAVID’S ORDER OF A CENSUS TURNED SINFUL
 
David lived in peace after overcoming the rebellion of his son Absalom. He was able to overcome his challengers, and he had peace. However, he failed to recognise that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. He was thus moved to number Israel, with an ill motive in his heart. He could not justify his action. God knew his heart.
 
The king was motivated by pride. He ordered Joab, the captain of his host, to go throughout the whole land of Israel from Dan to Beersheba to number the people. Joab had read the mind of the king, and objected politely. The king prevailed against him and told him with finality that he had to do as commanded. David forgot that the Lord did not depend on numbers, but operated according to His eternal purpose.
 
The conversation with Joab ought to have reminded the king of all that the Lord had done for him all along. However, he did not even listen to his conscience. Joab was obliged to go and carry out the census as commanded. The task was no mean exercise. They went throughout the whole country, and numbered the people. The names of the places and how they carried it out are recorded in the text. The question may be asked as to why the king did not perceive that there was a sinful motive in his action. David had been known to fear the Lord, and he would not make any important move without asking the Lord.
 
The answer lies in the fact that man is born a sinner by nature. Since the fall, man is inclined to follow the path of sin. This is the second sin mentioned in the narrative on David, after the matter of Bathsheba. The heart is deceitful and Scriptures give several warnings in this regard. Times of peace are also times of temptation, and we must resist the wiles of the devil (cf. Eph 6:11).
 
THOUGHT: Sin is everywhere present. I must be watchful.

PRAYER: Father, remove all sinful motives in my heart.

Search