2nd Samuel 24 THE PROBLEM OF PRIDE Because these last chapters of 2nd Samuel are not in chronological order, it is not clear just when this census taking and judgment took place. It has been suggested by some 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 as well as those who lead. Lack of humility when God in grace preserves His people, and pride of our own successes are serious public sins of the spirit that can bring a far-reaching judgment from the Righteous God. In this case God allowed Satan to move David to number the people [1 Chr.21:1].
When we feel we are successful because of our skill and energy, we are in danger of the sins of the spirit. 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. As the Lord's people we must never forget we are His purchased possession. In times of judgment we come to know more about God's grace and power - and our own limitations - than at other times. Angels also are reminded of the holiness of God as they observe His ways with His people. God's wisdom and grace are displayed in contrast to David's willfulness in this case.
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 to him. Advice given to us needs to 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. 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.
Stubbornness and self-will are evidence of pride in one's life. David was given lots of time to consider what was happening and repent of that. But instead of advice given he continued on with his calculated plan in a spirit of rebellion and with 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. We need to be reminded that we are not immune to the sins of the spirit in times of success and in old age. "The wages of sin" certainly brought death to David's family because of the sins of the flesh, but they brought even greater 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."
Those who are in places of authority and leadership have a great influence for good or evil because of the position they hold. Pride and disobedience in those who lead will be reflected in those who are led. 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 obviously had not brought the nation to its knees in repentance and change of attitude. There is often a particular reason behind it when a nation suffers. National pride, complacency and unwillingness to acknowledge and obey God can cause a nation serious suffering.
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 there was the necessity of a sacrifice to be made. A sacrifice of that which belongs to another is not a sacrifice at all. It would be more 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. It was for that reason David bought all that area that belonged to Araunah as well as 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, and 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 what we are doing and recognize the sin involved and repent of that sin. Pride often keeps us from admitting guilt because we hope other people won't know what we are doing is wrong. There is always a reaping time when we sow. Public sin involves other people and unfortunately many who follow their leaders will suffer because of their sin.
True confession is a result of 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 from us. Commitment to God and loyalty to Him is what makes our lives count for the Lord, and what is satisfying to us as well. 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 life in his weakness and well as his strength.