THE PROBLEM OF PRIDE. 2nd Samuel 24 Because these last chapters of 2nd Samuel are not chronological, it is unclear when this census and judgment occurred. Some have suggested that it happened before the ark was brought into Jerusalem. It may have happened after the rebellion of Absalom. It is a lesson to us that God is involved in all the affairs of a nation, even to the extent of knowing the general attitude of the people and those who lead. Lack of humility, when God in grace preserves His people and pride in our own successes, is a serious public sin of the spirit that can bring a far-reaching judgment from the Righteous God. God allowed Satan to move David to number the people [1 Chr.21:1].
David became proud and had to learn how wrong and serious this was. The action of Israel in rejecting David's leadership for that of Absalom, and even some during Sheba's rebellion, was cause for divine judgment on the nation. When a census was taken, the people were to give a half-shekel [Ex.30:12], and there is no evidence this was done.
When we feel we are successful because of our skill and energy, we are in danger of the sins of the spirit. As the Lord's people, we must never forget that we are His purchased possession. In times of judgment, we learn more about God's grace and power—and our own limitations—than at other times. Angels are also reminded of God's holiness as they observe His ways with His people. God's wisdom and grace are displayed in contrast to David's willfulness.
For nearly ten months, the census count went on before it was concluded, and yet there was no consideration of what was being done or if the action was justified and right. David could have changed his mind and gone over his reasons for doing this. It seems like it was for self-gratification on his part because there was finally peace and unity in the nation, and he was taking credit for this. Joab had the wisdom to oppose this action, but David would not listen. A census of the people would be taken if there was reason to draft an army in times of war and danger to the nation. A census in peace-time would be to gather the half-shekel tax for a reason.
David was given lots of time to consider what was happening and repent. Instead of giving advice, he continued his calculated plan in a spirit of rebellion and persistence. The sins of the spirit, such as pride, are farther reaching than even the sins of the flesh may be. Adultery affected David and his family. Pride affected David and the whole nation. Four people died as a result of David's adultery. 70,000 died in the nation as a result of his pride. Such a calculated act over a long period of time gave ample opportunity to consider what he was doing, but he persisted in acting without the mind and word of God.
Advice given to us must be considered no matter who gives it to us. When someone passes on an opinion, it should be considered in the light of the scriptures of truth to see if it has merit. Stubbornness and self-will are evidence of pride in one's life. We must be reminded that we are not immune to the sins of the spirit in times of success and old age. Those who are in places of authority and leadership have a great influence on good or evil because of the position they hold. Pride and disobedience in those who lead will be reflected in those who are led. There is often a particular reason behind it when a nation or an assembly suffers. Pride, complacency, and unwillingness to acknowledge and obey God can cause serious suffering.
"The wages of sin" certainly brought death to David's family because of the sins of the flesh, but they brought even more significant consequences when judgment fell because of the sins of the spirit. He woke up to that fact and confessed, not just "I have sinned," as in the first case, but in the case of national judgment, "I have sinned greatly." David's sin was a reflection of the attitude of the nation. Perhaps it was because of the rebellion against God's anointed king, but for whatever circumstance and reason, the sin was judged. Taking the census was not wrong, but the reason for it and how it was done was. The seriousness of the sin of rebellion had not brought the nation to its knees in repentance and change of attitude.
When God, in mercy, halted the angel of death, the words of the prophet Gad brought David to the place the Lord commanded. Mercy was shown, and sacrifice was necessary. A sacrifice of that which belongs to another is not a sacrifice at all. It would be more of a sacrilege because it would be evidence of pretension and insincerity rather than appreciation, gratitude, and faith. If it costs me nothing, a sacrifice in form is worse than no sacrifice. For that reason, David bought all that area that belonged to Araunah, the threshing floor, and his oxen to offer as a sacrifice. Araunah offered it freely to his king, but David had repented and knew what was needed for God to be acceptable to God. The place of a curse became a place of sacrifice and blessing. God's grace meets us right where we need it most. Grace is given for grace needed. That location became the place where Solomon built the temple.
We are never immune from temptation, even when we get older. Sins of the spirit, such as pride and rebellion, have great and serious consequences, especially when we ignore the opportunity to reflect on our actions, recognize the sin involved, and repent. Pride often keeps us from admitting guilt because we hope others won't know what we are doing is wrong. There is always a reaping time when we sow. Public sin involves other people; unfortunately, many who follow their leaders will suffer because of their sin.
True confession results from humility and a renewed awareness of the holiness of God. There is a real cost to true humility. Sin has to be faced and dealt with in God's way. A return to obedience, faith, and honesty before God and before men is humbling and, at the same time, a blessing. Dedication to God is a principle by which we live effectively and fulfill what our Lord wants. Commitment to God and loyalty to Him make our lives count for the Lord and what satisfies us. The growth of David in his faith led to greatness in his service. But in every part of his life, right to the end, God's grace was evident in his weakness and strength.
It seems like people want scores to measure their success. If the numbers are high, they think God has been blessing them, and if the numbers are low, then there is no way to measure their own personal loss. After all, don’t numbers tell us how much we have to treasure for ourselves? Sometimes, the number of people God saves in a series of Gospel meetings or how many have been baptized in a year in an assembly is the measure of success. People often ask, “How many in the meetings did you see saved?” reserving for a good number reached before giving God the praise. Saving souls is not our work, but preaching the Gospel is. All the glory must be exclusively His when God chooses to save a soul.
“How many are there in your assembly? Why are you such a small group?” The implication is that the number of people in an assembly, rather than their godliness, determines if God is there with you. The Lord mentioned “two or three,” and “a few” was eight in the ark. God can be with a little group, just like in a great crowd. Leave the numbering of the people to Him, who knows the hearts of all people, and nip in the bud the numbering game before it even starts.
Numbers to the flesh are important, but that’s not what God’s work is about. The number of dollars we have can deceive us into thinking we are successful. If they are not too high, life seems much more stressful than when financial profit is high. When they are way up in the thousands, some people think God has blessed them and shown His approval of them. We serve in whatever capacity He wants and leave Him to make the final count of everything. God will not give His glory to a man who stands tall in his pride, seeking to give numbers to make people think God is on his side. By God’s grace, do the work that He has given and leave all the results to Him. Broadcasting numbers can lead me to serious sin.
In the two books of Samuel, David and his generation had only eight books of the Bible, but that was enough for them to learn that God spoke to people in the ancient past and speaks to us today through the whole Bible. We learn that God is supreme, knows everything, and is holy and righteous. There are many illustrations of our Lord Jesus Christ in the two books of Samuel, particularly in the two main characters, Samuel and David. These books reference The Holy Spirit as coming upon particular people for particular reasons. Human sins are not covered, and divine forgiveness is shown to be granted to those who repent and seek the Lord. Prayer and worship are also clearly taught by people of faith. David even gave us a look ahead into the future when he said that his little boy would be with the Lord and that he would be seeing him there.
All of these lessons, taught in their historical context, teach us what kind of people we should be in holy living and godliness.