The Census problem
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Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.
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2 So the king said to Joab and the army commanders with him, “Go throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and enroll the fighting men, so that I may know how many there are.”
9 Joab reported the number of the fighting men to the king: In Israel there were eight hundred thousand able-bodied men who could handle a sword, and in Judah five hundred thousand.
10 David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, Lord, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”
11 Before David got up the next morning, the word of the Lord had come to Gad the prophet, David’s seer: 12 “Go and tell David, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am giving you three options. Choose one of them for me to carry out against you.’”
13 So Gad went to David and said to him, “Shall there come on you three[b] years of famine in your land? Or three months of fleeing from your enemies while they pursue you? Or three days of plague in your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should answer the one who sent me.”
14 David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.”
15 So the Lord sent a plague on Israel from that morning until the end of the time designated, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. 16 When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the Lord relented concerning the disaster and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand.” The angel of the Lord was then at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
17 When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he said to the Lord, “I have sinned; I, the shepherd, have done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall on me and my family.”
Introduction
The last chapter of the book of Samuel doesn't end with the death of David or some historical climax or some cliffhanger that will carry forward to the book of Kings.
No we find new trouble for king and country. Israel had wandered from God's way and God's anger burned against them v1 and then against (v2) David for ordering a census. In 1 Chron 21:1 we are told that Satan tempted David (The sovereign God permits - just like in Job).
To explore this chapter, let us name the historical facts and see God at work within those details.
1. David held a census
2. A health epidemic happened
3. Jerusalem survives.
Let us look at these one at a time
The Census
Taken on David’s orders. It doesn’t sound such a bad thing In v9 Joab gives the number (do David in Jerusalem) - 1.3 Million split 800k Israel and 500k Judah but v10, David’s heart was troubled after he had them numbered – “I have sinned greatly… take away the iniquity of your servant, Lord.”
Why was it such a sin? Firstly, David had no instruction from God to do it. He was acting in his own wisdom. Second, David's census is a public thing; glorifying might is very public. God is neither honoured nor glorified.
Third, David is putting his hope in numbers in human strength. David should have placed his trust in God, not by might or by power (Zech 4:6) by my Spirit. Arrogance rather than humility and FROG (fully relying on God). Trump’s Might is right! The sin of pride in his heart. Proud to command such a great force. David was confident in his own strength. He would seem formidable to the neighbours. Throughout the Old Testament, we see that victory in battle is not about large armies but God’s strength in our weakness. Think about the Walls of Jericho or Gideon’s 32k soldiers reduced to 300 to show absolute weakness and God’s strength (Judges 7). Not to mention that David himself stood before the giant Goliath with 5 stones and a sling.
Epidemic
Plagues were common in the ancient world. 70k died in this epidemic.
David’s penitence began the night that he got the census results, his conscience kicked in, and he saw the error of his ways.
He confessed and earnestly sought forgiveness. He took ownership of his deeds “I have sinned greatly in what I have done.” V10.
NB God hates pride. God directed the prophet Gad to offer three choices. NB The people must be affected by the punishment – God’s anger was against Israel.
David’s threefold choices: War, famine or plague. His response is wise. David chooses to be at God’s mercy not man's.
“Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.” (v14).
God chooses the shorter option so that he may be reconciled sooner. Also, the 3-day epidemic affected David and the nation, the others less so.
When the angel of the Lord was at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, David saw the angel’s flaming sword against Jerusalem. David’s renewed penitence.
His heart ached for the people and asked that God’s hand would fall on him. 2 Sam 24:17 When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he said to the Lord, “I have sinned; I, the shepherd, have done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall on me and my family.”
‘These sheep, what have they done?’ Echoes of the Grace of LJC who gave himself for our sin. The shepherd slain so that the sheep may be set free.
Jerusalem Survives
Mt Moriah is significant. It was the location where Abraham was to sacrifice his son, Isaac before God provided a ram. Where Abraham was prevented from slaying his son, the Angel was prevented from destroying Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 24:16 The angel of destruction stretched forth his hand towards Jerusalem. The Lord said to the angel, “It is enough, now stay your hand.” The angel was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. V17 David saw the angel at work and said ‘Let your hand be against me and my father’s house.’ This site was purchased by David and became the site where his son Solomon built the First Temple in Jerusalem
Lessons for Jeru. a) It wasn’t spared because of its virtue but God’s mercy & choice.
b) The city was not immune to God’s anger. Eg Babylon sacked it 2 Kings 25:8ff.
c) God had a special purpose for this city (still today).
The promise of blessing and threat of disaster is a lesson for the Church. God has a purpose for the worldwide church – He calls his people to engage in mission. But some churches can decline (e.g. Laodicea (Rev 3:14ff)). The church must advance in mission or stagnate and face decline.
In the Gospel Reading Mark 6:1-6 ‘ Isn’t this the carpenter? Is this not Mary’s son… we know his brothers and sisters’ (This may mean Joseph was now dead). Possible that Jesus stayed in Nazareth to support Mum & siblings. When they were old enough to fend for themselves, Jesus began his ministry. He was 30 when he started. Notice the phrase ‘Isn’t this the carpenter?’ The word they used for carpenter was that of a handyman, thus downplaying his craft. When familiarity should breed a growing affection and respect it actually breeds contempt and a laissez-faire attitude. This is a message for churches, too. Sometimes the attitude to preaching the word is lackadaisical (they say 5minutes max please vicar). Our congregations would be different if we had more awe of God and an expectancy to hear from the Lord through his word. We can help or hinder the work of God. Open the door or slam it in his face.
In this case Jeru survived cause the King was penitent.
That’s how I understand the last part of this last Chapter of the Book of Samuel: A Census was called, David repented, an epidemic happened, then a sacrifice and the Lord prevented the destruction of Jerusalem – thanks be to God.
Cover Photo Jason Swain Photography https://jasonswain.co.uk/
