II Samuel 24 Commentary
And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beer–sheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.
And Joab said unto the king, Now the Lord thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?
Notwithstanding the king’s word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.
And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:
Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim–hodshi; and they came to Dan–jaan, and about to Zidon,
And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites: and they went out to the south of Judah, even to Beer–sheba.
So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.
And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.
And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
For when David was up in the morning, the word of the Lord came unto the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying,
Go and say unto David, 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 told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days’ pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.
And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.
So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beer–sheba seventy thousand men.
And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the Lord was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.
And David spake unto the Lord when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.
And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the Lord in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.
And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the Lord commanded.
And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.
And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the Lord, that the plague may be stayed from the people.
And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood.
All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The Lord thy God accept thee.
And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.
II Samuel 24 recounts a complex episode in David’s reign, one that highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the consequences of sin. This chapter, while seemingly straightforward, offers profound insights into God's character and our relationship with Him.
The Census: A Sin of Pride (II Samuel 24:1-10)
The chapter opens with a statement that immediately raises questions: "Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, 'Go and take a census of Israel and Judah'" (II Samuel 24:1). This verse, when compared with I Chronicles 21:1, which states that "Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to count the people of Israel," reveals a crucial theological point. God, in His sovereignty, allowed Satan to tempt David, using David’s own pride as the entry point.
Why was God angry? The text suggests that Israel had already sinned, creating an environment ripe for temptation. David's desire to number the fighting men of Israel wasn't inherently sinful. Commanders often need to assess their forces. However, in this instance, it stemmed from a misplaced trust in military might rather than reliance on God. God had consistently demonstrated that Israel's strength came from Him, not from the size of their army. David was tempted to secure victory through illegitimate means – trusting in numbers instead of God.
Joab, surprisingly, demonstrated greater spiritual discernment than David. He recognized the census as an act of pride and warned David against it (II Samuel 24:3). Sadly, David overruled Joab, and the census was completed (II Samuel 24:4-9). Only after the deed was done did David’s conscience prick him. He confessed, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done… I have been very foolish" (II Samuel 24:10). This shows that even a man after God's own heart, like David, could succumb to temptation and make grave errors in judgment.
Consequences and Choices (II Samuel 24:11-17)
Even forgiven sin carries consequences. The Lord, through the prophet Gad, presented David with three choices: three years of famine, three months of fleeing from his enemies, or three days of plague (II Samuel 24:13). Each option was devastating, but they varied in length and severity.
David, after careful consideration, chose the plague, reasoning that it was better to fall into the hands of a merciful God than into the hands of ruthless enemies (II Samuel 24:14). He knew, from experience, that human enemies would show no mercy. He placed his trust in God's character, knowing that even in judgment, God's mercy endures.
The Lord sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand people died (II Samuel 24:15). As the angel of the Lord approached Jerusalem to destroy it, God relented, saying, "Enough! Withdraw your hand now!" (II Samuel 24:16). This occurred at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Witnessing the angel's destruction, David pleaded with God, acknowledging his own sin and asking that the punishment fall on him and his family instead of the innocent people (II Samuel 24:17). This selfless act underscores David's remorse and his heart for his people. It's a powerful reminder that our sins never occur in isolation; they always have repercussions that ripple outward, affecting those around us.
Atonement and a Future Temple (II Samuel 24:18-25)
God instructed David to build an altar on Araunah's threshing floor to stop the plague (II Samuel 24:18). Araunah, upon learning the reason for David's visit, generously offered the threshing floor and all the necessary materials for the sacrifice (II Samuel 24:22-23). However, David refused the free gift, declaring, "I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (II Samuel 24:24).
This statement encapsulates a profound principle of sacrificial giving. True worship involves sacrifice; it requires us to give of our time, resources, and ourselves in ways that truly cost us something. David understood that offering something of no personal value would be an insult to God. This challenges us to examine our own giving – are we offering God our leftovers, or are we willing to sacrifice for Him?
David purchased the threshing floor and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. God accepted the sacrifice, and the plague was lifted (II Samuel 24:25). Significantly, the land David purchased was Mount Moriah, the very place where Abraham had offered Isaac (Genesis 22) and where Solomon would later build the Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). God, in His sovereign plan, used even David’s sin to ultimately lead to the selection of Israel's holiest site.
This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of faith and leadership. Even great men like David are susceptible to sin. Yet, it also illustrates God's mercy, His willingness to forgive, and His ability to work all things together for good, even amidst our failures. The story of II Samuel 24 calls us to examine our own hearts, to guard against pride, to trust in God alone, and to offer Him sacrifices that truly cost us something. It reminds us of the importance of repentance, the far-reaching consequences of sin, and the enduring grace of God.
And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beer–sheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.
And Joab said unto the king, Now the Lord thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?
Notwithstanding the king’s word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.
And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:
Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim–hodshi; and they came to Dan–jaan, and about to Zidon,
And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites: and they went out to the south of Judah, even to Beer–sheba.
So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.
And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.
And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
For when David was up in the morning, the word of the Lord came unto the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying,
Go and say unto David, 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 told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days’ pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.
And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.
So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beer–sheba seventy thousand men.
And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the Lord was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.
And David spake unto the Lord when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.
And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the Lord in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.
And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the Lord commanded.
And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.
And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the Lord, that the plague may be stayed from the people.
And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood.
All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The Lord thy God accept thee.
And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.
II Samuel 24 recounts a complex episode in David’s reign, one that highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the consequences of sin. This chapter, while seemingly straightforward, offers profound insights into God's character and our relationship with Him.
The Census: A Sin of Pride (II Samuel 24:1-10)
The chapter opens with a statement that immediately raises questions: "Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, 'Go and take a census of Israel and Judah'" (II Samuel 24:1). This verse, when compared with I Chronicles 21:1, which states that "Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to count the people of Israel," reveals a crucial theological point. God, in His sovereignty, allowed Satan to tempt David, using David’s own pride as the entry point.
Why was God angry? The text suggests that Israel had already sinned, creating an environment ripe for temptation. David's desire to number the fighting men of Israel wasn't inherently sinful. Commanders often need to assess their forces. However, in this instance, it stemmed from a misplaced trust in military might rather than reliance on God. God had consistently demonstrated that Israel's strength came from Him, not from the size of their army. David was tempted to secure victory through illegitimate means – trusting in numbers instead of God.
Joab, surprisingly, demonstrated greater spiritual discernment than David. He recognized the census as an act of pride and warned David against it (II Samuel 24:3). Sadly, David overruled Joab, and the census was completed (II Samuel 24:4-9). Only after the deed was done did David’s conscience prick him. He confessed, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done… I have been very foolish" (II Samuel 24:10). This shows that even a man after God's own heart, like David, could succumb to temptation and make grave errors in judgment.
Consequences and Choices (II Samuel 24:11-17)
Even forgiven sin carries consequences. The Lord, through the prophet Gad, presented David with three choices: three years of famine, three months of fleeing from his enemies, or three days of plague (II Samuel 24:13). Each option was devastating, but they varied in length and severity.
David, after careful consideration, chose the plague, reasoning that it was better to fall into the hands of a merciful God than into the hands of ruthless enemies (II Samuel 24:14). He knew, from experience, that human enemies would show no mercy. He placed his trust in God's character, knowing that even in judgment, God's mercy endures.
The Lord sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand people died (II Samuel 24:15). As the angel of the Lord approached Jerusalem to destroy it, God relented, saying, "Enough! Withdraw your hand now!" (II Samuel 24:16). This occurred at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Witnessing the angel's destruction, David pleaded with God, acknowledging his own sin and asking that the punishment fall on him and his family instead of the innocent people (II Samuel 24:17). This selfless act underscores David's remorse and his heart for his people. It's a powerful reminder that our sins never occur in isolation; they always have repercussions that ripple outward, affecting those around us.
Atonement and a Future Temple (II Samuel 24:18-25)
God instructed David to build an altar on Araunah's threshing floor to stop the plague (II Samuel 24:18). Araunah, upon learning the reason for David's visit, generously offered the threshing floor and all the necessary materials for the sacrifice (II Samuel 24:22-23). However, David refused the free gift, declaring, "I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (II Samuel 24:24).
This statement encapsulates a profound principle of sacrificial giving. True worship involves sacrifice; it requires us to give of our time, resources, and ourselves in ways that truly cost us something. David understood that offering something of no personal value would be an insult to God. This challenges us to examine our own giving – are we offering God our leftovers, or are we willing to sacrifice for Him?
David purchased the threshing floor and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. God accepted the sacrifice, and the plague was lifted (II Samuel 24:25). Significantly, the land David purchased was Mount Moriah, the very place where Abraham had offered Isaac (Genesis 22) and where Solomon would later build the Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). God, in His sovereign plan, used even David’s sin to ultimately lead to the selection of Israel's holiest site.
This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of faith and leadership. Even great men like David are susceptible to sin. Yet, it also illustrates God's mercy, His willingness to forgive, and His ability to work all things together for good, even amidst our failures. The story of II Samuel 24 calls us to examine our own hearts, to guard against pride, to trust in God alone, and to offer Him sacrifices that truly cost us something. It reminds us of the importance of repentance, the far-reaching consequences of sin, and the enduring grace of God.