THE SWORD OF THE LORD. 1st Chronicles 21 For the most part, the issue of failures is not addressed by the author of the Chronicles. His aim was to provide reasons and inspire the returned Jews to rebuild the temple, the walls, and the city. However, there is a reason for including this national tragedy from their past history in this account. This is where the temple's location was designated and where the legal right for it to be the chosen place was established. Abraham, the father of the Jews, brought Isaac to this site to be offered to God. It was a place of historical and spiritual significance. God made a promise at that location regarding the future nation, and it was through this means that Israelis have resisted all attempts to change the location of the temple. The two accounts of this event [2nd Sam. 24; 1st Chr. 21] are similar but serve different purposes. In 1st Samuel, it is a historical account that acts as an appendix explaining the reasons for the Lord’s anger against Israel due to actions taken by Saul and David. Here, the focus is on how and why this particular location for the temple was chosen and why it was to be rebuilt on the same site.
Those who returned from Babylon looked at the ruins of hewn stones and ashes and may have thought another place would be better. The writer of the chronicles includes this account of the purchase of the particular piece of ground to build the new temple. The account of the census that David insisted on explains why that place was important.
The first mention of the name Satan in the scripture is here. Providing the background of the temptation by Satan, as well as the fact that God allowed the census to take place, reminds us that God is in control of such events. He used this situation to remind us that although taking a census is not inherently wrong, if an action is performed for the wrong reason without divine authority, it reflects a presumptuous attitude and personal pride that can exist in us, just as it did in David.
The enemy of God and His people is Satan, "the adversary." In other places in scripture, he is "the devil" (slanderer), "the serpent" (subtle deceiver), "the dragon" (cruelty) [Rev.12:3-4], and deceptive “angel of light” [2nd Cor. 11:14], and "the roaring lion" (predator). He opposes everything God does and generates defiance when people are affected by him [Job 2:4-5]. He was put out of heaven when he sinned [Lu. 10:18], even though he had some access to God [Job 2:4-5]. Many angels joined in his rebellion against God and became demons [Mat.12:24; Rev. 12:7]. The death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross sealed his doom [Jn. 16:11]; he still seeks to hinder the work of God and will continue until he and those who follow him are cast into the lake of fire [Mat. 25:41].
He blinds the minds of unbelievers [2nd Cor.4:4], takes the word of God from their hearts [Lu.8:12], and controls them [Acts 13:8]. He accuses Christians [Rev.12:10], seeks to negate their testimony [1st Peter. 5:8-9], and deceives them [Col.2:8], hinders their work [1st Thes. 2:18], tempts them [1st Cor. 7:5], and may be used by God to discipline them [1st Cor. 5:5; 2nd Cor. 12:7].
We need to recognize his power and deception [2nd Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:11], and be committed to being steadfast in the faith [1st Pe. 5:9], resist him openly [Jas.4:7], and never give him opportunities to deceive us. We can confidently resist him in the name of the Lord, knowing that nothing can separate us from God’s love [Rom.8:38-39].
His challenge here is not just against David but against Israel. The people of God will always be the focus of the adversary's attack because a unified people under divine guidance possess divine power to further the kingdom of God. The Gospel is "the power of God unto salvation, to everyone that believeth." Our adversary will do whatever he can to divide or destroy God's people. It worked for him in the past, and it is working for him today.
Often his strategy follows the same general line, especially if it has accomplished his purposes. In this biblical account, he made his attack against God's people by subtly inciting their leader, David, to do something unnecessary. Taking a census is not wrong if done for the right reason and to accomplish what God wants. Previously, Moses had taken a census under divine direction. The adversary's motivation in this account was David's pride in his accomplishments. He had led God's people to a great victory, and perhaps considered it was his leadership that brought this rather than God's power.
There is a serious temptation for those who are older and have experienced God working in them and through them to think they are someone special. A certain arrogance and self-opinionated attitude can lead us to believe that our leadership is exceptional. It is not. It is "God who worketh in you" to accomplish His will. We may have to be reminded of this in terrible ways. God's people have been divided, and the work He has done in a place has been halted by the impact of self-centered men in leadership who believe their way is right. They may refuse to consider that what was successful in the past may not be what God wants done now.
It is possible for us to shut our minds to serious spiritual suggestions from God's people because the idea did not come from me. On the other hand, a leader might disregard the counsel of others when it is reasonably offered. David's pride at this time and his satisfaction regarding victories under his leadership led him to act in his later years in ways he would have avoided when he was younger and more consciously dependent on God. As a result, Satan provoked him to self-congratulate.
Sometimes, the most unusual sources become the origin of wisdom. Joab exhibited a side of his personality that emerged in a surprising manner. Respectfully, he contradicted David's plan to number the people by reminding him that they were the Lord's people, under the Lord's control, and that the Lord knows who belongs to Him. The people were his servants, so why question their loyalty? The soldiers had always risen to his call when he needed them. Joab also seemed to recognize that if this census took place, it would negatively affect the entire nation.
We may not share the same affinity with all of God's people, but it is unwise to disregard what others say simply because of who they are. Even young children can offer words of wisdom that a wise person will consider. Not everything young people express, do, or desire should be dismissed as foolish or unworthy of thought. Similarly, not everything an elderly person says or does is correct, despite their years of experience and proven results. Before taking any action, listen to what others say. Compare their insights to the scriptures that reveal God's will, generally seek counsel from trusted individuals, and then act with humility and reverence for God.
The census took over nine months and was conducted in a general manner with round numbers. Specific figures were provided during the census to collect the half-shekel ransom for the tabernacle. Curiosity can open our minds to what is wrong and right. David's curiosity seemed to stem from his desire to understand what the people thought of him, not merely his success in battle and the kingdom's expansion. Self-sufficiency and arrogance are closely related, especially when self-confidence is present. If our "inner man" is not in fellowship with God, the outward allure of temptation becomes a tool of Satan.
By not numbering the Levites and Benjamites, Joab may have avoided some conflict, especially from those who were Saul's kinsmen. The Levites were an integral part of the nation because of their service in the work of the Lord. Those of the tribe of Benjamin seemed quite sensitive regarding their tribal identity. Knowing their followers well enough is essential for those who lead to understand what to say and do, and what not to say and do. There is no valid reason to make an issue out of something merely a difference of opinion. If the work of God and the welfare of His people are at stake, then we must act swiftly to do what needs to be done.
When we take the necessary time to understand God's will regarding a matter through the word of God and fellowship with Him in prayer, we can avoid displeasing Him and the subsequent consequences. The confession of sin is one aspect, but recognizing its seriousness and forsaking it validates the confession. One can admit to sinning without acknowledging its seriousness. Some individuals mentioned in scripture said, "I have sinned" superficially, not realizing the far-reaching impact of sin. Justice demanded punishment, and Gad the seer, who had been with David since his early days, was the one to deliver the news of three choices.
Our relationship with God is permanently established when God, in mercy, saves us by His grace. However, when fellowship with God is broken by sin, we do not walk with Him in the light. Three years of famine would mean a long period of hardship for the Lord's people. Three months of warfare and defeat would demoralize and discourage the community. The sword of the Lord, bringing death for three days, would leave no doubt that it was from God, evident from the immediate beginning to the immediate conclusion. The cry due to the loss of loved ones and the widespread grief throughout the nation would make everyone aware of their need for God and His presence among them. The loss of 70,000 men would impact everyone nationwide simultaneously and in the same manner.
In an act of grace, the angel of God sent to destroy Jerusalem was restrained, and he stopped still with his sword in hand over Jerusalem. David and the elders with him wore mourning clothes of sackcloth as a demonstration of their sincere humility and true repentance. At the sight of holy justice being restrained, David responded as a faithful shepherd should—as an intercessor concerned with the welfare of his sheep. He assumed responsibility for his guilt without blaming others or circumstances as the cause of the punishment inflicted on the people. Any action carried out by those who lead will affect the people of God. How careful we must be to maintain right fellowship with God personally. The domino effect of sin is not easily stopped once it is allowed to be set in motion.
We may experience forgiveness, and while the problem may have been addressed, the effects of sin cannot be erased. The 70,000 deaths had a lasting impact on God's people for many years. A lesson to be learned is to think before we act. Consider the reasons for our actions and the potential outcomes. The consequences of doing what is right can yield great benefits for others. Conversely, the consequences of doing what is wrong result in bitter, lasting effects that can never be undone.
At the threshing floor of Araunah (Ornan), an event occurred that is still felt today. It is known as “The Temple Mount.” The pestilence was halted when the king and the elders lay prostrate on the ground in true repentance. The shepherd's heart for his people was revealed, contrasting with the smug complacency of a victorious leader. Moreover, an altar was built there under divine direction as evidence of God's sanction of that place to serve as the location of the temple to be constructed. Abraham had built an altar there many generations earlier. It was now a site of activity due to a harvest and a place of reverential fear, as those laboring there became aware of the presence and power of God. David paid the full price for the threshing floor (50 shekels of silver) and the entire "place" for 600 shekels of gold.
A true sacrifice costs more than just a token payment. Our acceptable sacrifices are not mere lip service or a small portion of our excess. A sacrifice comes from our heart and inner being, motivated by genuine appreciation and gratitude, whether from our finances or our bodies as a "living sacrifice."
David did not inquire of God regarding the census, and he was afraid to ask the Lord at the tabernacle. David's fear of the Lord was well-founded because the sword of that mighty angel was an obvious testimony to the seriousness of the event and everything that happened to God's people. Ornan (Aruanah) was ready to "give it all." David bought it all "for the Lord" and paid full price. The altar, the burnt offering, the peace offering, and the fire from heaven assured those present that the Lord heard and answered because His justice was now satisfied.
We may perceive a matter as small, but to God, it is much larger than we realize. We must never take God for granted for any reason. A casual approach to divine matters is a grave mistake. We must remember that our God is the Almighty God, the only True God. We must never think we can ignore His word and will regarding any issue. We are weak and fearful, but God is neither. "The sword of the Lord" is still His and in His hand. Righteousness and justice are still expected of us, and obedience is not dependent on our convenience.
Pride is a problem for people of all ages. It can wreak havoc on the young and the old. Self-congratulation often ends in despair when we face ourselves honestly. Remember that God is everywhere and knows what lies behind everything we do. He is aware of each thought we have and every intention that arises in our minds before we even take action. To think that I can get away with sin would be a grave mistake because He knows what lies ahead with each step I take.
It doesn’t take much for pride to raise its ugly head. A simple glance in the mirror or a word someone said may set me thinking along a particular line. Before long, if I don’t bring every thought under control, I’m convinced everything is fine when, in reality, what has truly taken place is that pride in accomplishment or pride of face has tripped me up, and I didn’t even know it. It takes an act of God to deal with it and reveal it.
The corrective acts of God often vary. The pressures He applies are intended to have the impact needed to alter the strange behavior for a Christian. If an act of pride has negatively affected others, God’s divine vengeance acts to protect my brothers, who my acts of pride would hurt, and that creates a serious problem that might last for a long time. I pray that I will be preserved from the terrible ravages of pride and its effects on others besides myself.