I Chronicles 21: David's Census and God's Sovereignty
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beer–sheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.
And Joab answered, The Lord make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?
Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.
And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah was four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.
But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king’s word was abominable to Joab.
And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel.
And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
And the Lord spake unto Gad, David’s seer, saying,
Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the Lord, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.
So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Choose thee
Either three years’ famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the Lord; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.
So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.
And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the Lord beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the Lord stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.
And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father’s house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.
Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the Lord in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the name of the Lord.
And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.
And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out of the threshingfloor, and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground.
Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the Lord: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.
And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.
And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.
So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.
And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the Lord; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.
And the Lord commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.
At that time when David saw that the Lord had answered him in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.
For the tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt offering, were at that season in the high place at Gibeon.
But David could not go before it to enquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the Lord.
I Chronicles 21, far from glossing over David's imperfections, presents a candid portrayal of his flaws. While the Chronicler highlights God's blessings upon David and Israel, this chapter reveals the devastating consequences of David's prideful decision to conduct a military census. This chapter isn't just a historical account; it serves a crucial purpose in revealing God's character and His ultimate plan.
Satan's Incitement and God's Sovereignty (21:1)
The chapter opens with a stark statement: "Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to count the people of Israel" (I Chronicles 21:1). This might seem contradictory when compared to 2 Samuel 24:1, which states that the Lord incited David. However, the truth lies in understanding God's sovereign control. God, in His anger against Israel for their sin, permitted Satan to tempt David. This echoes the story of Job (Job 1-2), where God allowed Satan to test Job within specific boundaries.
Satan's strategy involves targeting our desires and thoughts. As James 1:14 says, "Each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire." While taking stock of one's military strength isn't inherently sinful, God desired David to rely on Him completely, rather than on the size of his army. The temptation lies in satisfying a legitimate desire in an illegitimate way, allowing that desire to master us.
David's Disobedience and Joab's Counsel (21:2-4)
David succumbed to temptation and ordered Joab to count the fighting men from Beer-sheba to Dan (I Chronicles 21:2). Joab, displaying greater wisdom, questioned the king's motives, recognizing the potential for guilt and divine displeasure (I Chronicles 21:3). Despite Joab's counsel, David insisted on the census, forcing Joab to carry out the command against his better judgment (I Chronicles 21:4).
Incomplete Census and Divine Displeasure (21:5-8)
Joab's reluctance is further emphasized by the fact that he didn't complete the census (I Chronicles 21:6). The census was "evil in God's sight, so he afflicted Israel" (I Chronicles 21:7). This affliction prompted David to recognize his sin and confess, "I have sinned greatly... Now, please take away your servant's guilt, for I've been very foolish" (I Chronicles 21:8). Repentance involves a change of mind and direction, a turning away from the wrong path. David's confession was crucial, although it didn't erase the consequences of his actions.
The Choice of Consequences (21:9-13)
Through the prophet Gad, God presented David with three choices of punishment (I Chronicles 21:9-12). Faced with these dire options, David wisely chose to fall into the Lord's hands, recognizing that "his mercies are very great" (I Chronicles 21:13). David understood that God's discipline, though severe, is administered with the heart of a loving father, not the vengeance of an enemy.
The Plague and the Angel of the Lord (21:14-16)
God sent a plague upon Israel, resulting in the death of seventy thousand men (I Chronicles 21:14). The angel of the Lord, depicted with a drawn sword over Jerusalem, brought devastation until God relented (I Chronicles 21:15). This scene serves as a reminder that angels, in their full glory, are awe-inspiring and powerful beings, far removed from the common image of gentle cherubs. David and the elders, witnessing this terrifying display, fell facedown in reverence and fear (I Chronicles 21:16).
David's Intercession (21:17)
David pleaded with God for mercy, acknowledging his sin and accepting full responsibility: "Wasn't I the one who gave the order to count the people? I am the one who has sinned and acted very wickedly" (I Chronicles 21:17). He didn't offer excuses or justifications. He humbly confessed his sin and asked God to punish him instead of the innocent people.
The Threshing Floor of Ornan (21:18-24)
The narrative shifts to David's purchase of the threshing floor of Ornan, a Jebusite, upon God's command (I Chronicles 21:18-19). This seemingly simple act holds profound significance, explaining why the Chronicler included this entire episode. David insisted on paying the full price for the land, declaring, "I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you or offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (I Chronicles 21:24). This statement encapsulates the principle of genuine sacrifice, highlighting that true devotion requires a cost.
God's Acceptance and the Significance of the Site (21:25-30)
After David built an altar and offered sacrifices, God answered with fire from heaven, signaling His acceptance (I Chronicles 21:25-27). David recognized the importance of this location, proclaiming, "This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel" (I Chronicles 22:1). This site, the threshing floor of Ornan, became the location for the future temple, as confirmed in 2 Chronicles 3:1.
God's Providence in the Midst of Sin
God, in His sovereignty, used David's sinful actions to accomplish His own purposes. The very place where Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22), Mount Moriah, was now designated as the site for the temple. Even though Satan tempted David, God ultimately turned the devil's plan on its head, transforming a moment of sin into a pivotal event in Israel's history.
This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that God is in control, even when we stumble. He can take the enemy's schemes and use them for His glory. It highlights the importance of humility, repentance, and genuine sacrifice in our relationship with God. The story of I Chronicles 21 is a testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His ability to work all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beer–sheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.
And Joab answered, The Lord make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?
Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.
And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah was four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.
But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king’s word was abominable to Joab.
And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel.
And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
And the Lord spake unto Gad, David’s seer, saying,
Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the Lord, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.
So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Choose thee
Either three years’ famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the Lord; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.
So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.
And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the Lord beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the Lord stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.
And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father’s house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.
Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the Lord in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the name of the Lord.
And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.
And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out of the threshingfloor, and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground.
Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the Lord: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.
And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.
And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.
So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.
And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the Lord; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.
And the Lord commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.
At that time when David saw that the Lord had answered him in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.
For the tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt offering, were at that season in the high place at Gibeon.
But David could not go before it to enquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the Lord.
I Chronicles 21, far from glossing over David's imperfections, presents a candid portrayal of his flaws. While the Chronicler highlights God's blessings upon David and Israel, this chapter reveals the devastating consequences of David's prideful decision to conduct a military census. This chapter isn't just a historical account; it serves a crucial purpose in revealing God's character and His ultimate plan.
Satan's Incitement and God's Sovereignty (21:1)
The chapter opens with a stark statement: "Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to count the people of Israel" (I Chronicles 21:1). This might seem contradictory when compared to 2 Samuel 24:1, which states that the Lord incited David. However, the truth lies in understanding God's sovereign control. God, in His anger against Israel for their sin, permitted Satan to tempt David. This echoes the story of Job (Job 1-2), where God allowed Satan to test Job within specific boundaries.
Satan's strategy involves targeting our desires and thoughts. As James 1:14 says, "Each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire." While taking stock of one's military strength isn't inherently sinful, God desired David to rely on Him completely, rather than on the size of his army. The temptation lies in satisfying a legitimate desire in an illegitimate way, allowing that desire to master us.
David's Disobedience and Joab's Counsel (21:2-4)
David succumbed to temptation and ordered Joab to count the fighting men from Beer-sheba to Dan (I Chronicles 21:2). Joab, displaying greater wisdom, questioned the king's motives, recognizing the potential for guilt and divine displeasure (I Chronicles 21:3). Despite Joab's counsel, David insisted on the census, forcing Joab to carry out the command against his better judgment (I Chronicles 21:4).
Incomplete Census and Divine Displeasure (21:5-8)
Joab's reluctance is further emphasized by the fact that he didn't complete the census (I Chronicles 21:6). The census was "evil in God's sight, so he afflicted Israel" (I Chronicles 21:7). This affliction prompted David to recognize his sin and confess, "I have sinned greatly... Now, please take away your servant's guilt, for I've been very foolish" (I Chronicles 21:8). Repentance involves a change of mind and direction, a turning away from the wrong path. David's confession was crucial, although it didn't erase the consequences of his actions.
The Choice of Consequences (21:9-13)
Through the prophet Gad, God presented David with three choices of punishment (I Chronicles 21:9-12). Faced with these dire options, David wisely chose to fall into the Lord's hands, recognizing that "his mercies are very great" (I Chronicles 21:13). David understood that God's discipline, though severe, is administered with the heart of a loving father, not the vengeance of an enemy.
The Plague and the Angel of the Lord (21:14-16)
God sent a plague upon Israel, resulting in the death of seventy thousand men (I Chronicles 21:14). The angel of the Lord, depicted with a drawn sword over Jerusalem, brought devastation until God relented (I Chronicles 21:15). This scene serves as a reminder that angels, in their full glory, are awe-inspiring and powerful beings, far removed from the common image of gentle cherubs. David and the elders, witnessing this terrifying display, fell facedown in reverence and fear (I Chronicles 21:16).
David's Intercession (21:17)
David pleaded with God for mercy, acknowledging his sin and accepting full responsibility: "Wasn't I the one who gave the order to count the people? I am the one who has sinned and acted very wickedly" (I Chronicles 21:17). He didn't offer excuses or justifications. He humbly confessed his sin and asked God to punish him instead of the innocent people.
The Threshing Floor of Ornan (21:18-24)
The narrative shifts to David's purchase of the threshing floor of Ornan, a Jebusite, upon God's command (I Chronicles 21:18-19). This seemingly simple act holds profound significance, explaining why the Chronicler included this entire episode. David insisted on paying the full price for the land, declaring, "I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you or offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (I Chronicles 21:24). This statement encapsulates the principle of genuine sacrifice, highlighting that true devotion requires a cost.
God's Acceptance and the Significance of the Site (21:25-30)
After David built an altar and offered sacrifices, God answered with fire from heaven, signaling His acceptance (I Chronicles 21:25-27). David recognized the importance of this location, proclaiming, "This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel" (I Chronicles 22:1). This site, the threshing floor of Ornan, became the location for the future temple, as confirmed in 2 Chronicles 3:1.
God's Providence in the Midst of Sin
God, in His sovereignty, used David's sinful actions to accomplish His own purposes. The very place where Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22), Mount Moriah, was now designated as the site for the temple. Even though Satan tempted David, God ultimately turned the devil's plan on its head, transforming a moment of sin into a pivotal event in Israel's history.
This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that God is in control, even when we stumble. He can take the enemy's schemes and use them for His glory. It highlights the importance of humility, repentance, and genuine sacrifice in our relationship with God. The story of I Chronicles 21 is a testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His ability to work all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).