Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 24 (day five) Now David’s heart troubled him after he had numbered the people. So David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done.”
What was David’s motive behind the sin? Why was God offended by this particular census? God had even given instructions for taking a census (Exodus 30). So we know that God is not anti-census. Others have offered really good explanations in this blog. I would like to give you one that I find compelling. I believe that this census indicates a lack of faith in David. He seems to be deeply interested in the exact size and strength of his army. David has forgotten God’s promise that victories will not be determined by strength or numbers, but rather trust in God (1 Samuel 14:6)- a promise he believed as a teenager when he stood up against Goliath, but has forgotten as an adult. His trust was in his numbers not God’s power or promises. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6) Which promises do we need to remember and trust in today?
Well said, Scott! That is why we need to stay in God’s Word. We all have short attention spans!
Good reminder, “David has forgotten God’s promise that victories will not be determined by strength or numbers, but rather trust in God (1 Samuel 14:6)”.
Trust in God is the only requirement for God’s abiding love and approval. Am I saying correctly?
The lack of trust leads to lack of obedience and was the rationale for David’s action of recounting the census data. Lack of trust is dead faith for sure! What happens when there is lack of faith in general? Trust in the process and trust in the individual are dead!
As a leader of a work group, if your words and your work are not trusted by your followers, how do you feel? Of course, you will be angry and disappointed. God had a reason to displease in David for his lack of faith, especially when God had a covenant with him.