Okay, so God told David to take the census and then punished him for it? There’s no way that’s the whole story.
Read Selected Passages
Well, it becomes a little more clear as you read 1 Chronicles. Credit is given to satan for tempting David to do the wrong thing. The only way God could be involved is to withdraw His wisdom, or to keep his prophets silent. Without the Lord constantly guiding us, we slip away down into pits of our own making. Joab knew that what he was commanded to do was wrong, but David wouldn’t listen to him. I wonder if Joab continued to lose respect for David because of foolish decisions like this one, and the battle with Absalom. At least David realizes his mistake and chooses his punishment wisely.
The lesson in the first half of this reading might be to recognize that decisions made by leaders have far reaching consequences. As parents or church leaders, community leaders, etc. we should be careful not to let our pride lead us into sin. I’m not sure why counting the people was such a terrible thing to do, but everyone clearly knew that it shouldn’t be done. When leaders make bad decisions, everyone suffers.
There are lots of differences between 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. The number of people counted, the amount paid for the threshing equipment, who tempted David, and probably more. I can’t give a “pat” answer for the discrepancies, but seeing them doesn’t bother me. I know that there is an explanation that has been lost to time. Maybe David purchased more than 2 Samuel covers…the silver could be the cost of the equipment, but not the land, etc. In any case, the only mismatch that could bother me is the one at the beginning that leads me to believe that God tempted David, and that doesn’t really…because I know from reading elsewhere that God never tempts anyone to sin…nor would He. God is holy and just and perfect. Tempting people to do wrong would violate His own character, which would never happen.
This passage tells us that the threshing floor is where the temple will now be built. So the death angel was standing on mount moriah, the location just north of the old city of Jerusalem (today it’s part of the city). None of the great walls Herod had built are there yet, and the walls of David’s city don’t extend to this part of the hilltop as of yet. Ironic, that a farmer is threshing out grain on the most holy site in the world. There are those who believe that this is where Abraham came to sacrifice his son Isaac. I wonder why this particular place? Perhaps when we arrive in heaven we’ll know.
One other thought: David is instructed not to build the temple, but he identifies the location, provides lots of building materials, speaks to the local tradesmen and authorities and “paves the way” for the building to be erected. Then he begins to instruct Solomon on the importance of building, and the trials that it will bring his way. He encourages him to be bold and to be wise. Perhaps his conversations with Solomon are the reason that Solomon asks God for wisdom at a later date.
There are tasks that God has not selected us to do, but we can provide for others who will do them. Perhaps you are not to evangelize a foreign country… you can still help others complete the task. Maybe you can’t teach the Bible Study, or work at the Cafe’ providing food to others. You can contribute in other ways. Maybe by making something at home and bringing it in, or coming in on an off day and setting up tables. Maybe your job is to contribute financially, or provide some resources for the ministry.
We can all help in some ways, even if we can’t help in all ways. And, as I think of that….maybe the task is too big for one generation, and it will require help from several in order to accomplish what God desires.
Faithfully,
PR