“Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” 2 So the king said to Joab the commander of the army who was with him, “Now go throughout all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and count the people, that I may know the number of the people.” 3 And Joab said to the king, “Now may the Lord your God add to the people a hundred times more than there are, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king desire this thing?” 4 Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab and against the captains of the army. Therefore Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the king to count the people of Israel. 5 And they crossed over the Jordan and camped in Aroer, on the right side of the town which is in the midst of the ravine of Gad, and toward Jazer. 6 Then they came to Gilead and to the land of Tahtim Hodshi; they came to Dan Jaan and around to Sidon; 7 and they came to the stronghold of Tyre and to all the cities of the Hivites and the Canaanites. Then they went out to South Judah as far as Beersheba. 8 So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. 9 Then Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to the king. ” 2 Samuel 24:10-14 NKJV
“Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring the number of them to me that I may know it.”3 And Joab answered, “May the Lord make His people a hundred times more than they are. But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why then does my lord require this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt in Israel?” 4 Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came to Jerusalem. 5 Then Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to David. ” 1 Chronicles 21:1=4
God of Righteousness,
Same history different view. Samuel added all the details of places. He knew the sins of his people and he explains that You pushed David to count. The Chronicler omits the places and attributes the sin of counting to Satan.
It made me think how sometimes we blame Satan for things that were not him. Sometimes we feel You, God are against us. Sometimes life itself causes us trouble, or our circumstances. David, regardless of why he numbered Israel, felt condemnation as soon as it was done. (2 Samuel 24:10, 1 Chronicles 21:8). He prays. Perhaps he should have apologised to Joab and the Captains of the Army (leaders of the people) too, for over nine months they spent counting people!
Sometimes I have known that inner condemnation, as I have missed doing something You asked or when I have done something I wished I could undo. Words or actions done or not done. Then I understand the difference Jesus makes. I can be forgiven and try to put it right. David had to suffer the consequences. Sometimes we have to to – but with Your help. David still threw himself into Your mercy God, rather than mans. Keep us sensitive to Your promptings and repentant at the cross.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 11th May 2025
Timeless hymn
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my ransomed soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed His beams around me.
Near the cross! O lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o’er me.
Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.
Lyrics: Fanny Crosby