Discuss 2 Samuel 24

1 Chronicles 21:1 And SATAN stood upon against Israel and CAUSED David to number Israel.

2 Samuel 24:1 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and HE (God) moved (CAUSED) David against them to say, Go, number Israel, and Judah.

God Bess You

Thanks you for explaining the difference and use of the name and by whom, Now I know the difference. I don't think Bible hub will burn as I was only translating Old Testament, and the Old Testament was given in Hebrew and was given to them as there laws in Hebrew.

In KJV there are 3 different uses of the name. LORD and Lord and lord. Psalms 110:1(A Psalm of David.) The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. I think this explains it best.

KJV Psalms 83:18, Isaiah 12:2 , Exodus 6:3, Isaiah 26:4 LORD = GOD JEHOVAH, LORD GOD of Israel

KJV Psalms 110:1, Matthew 25:11, James 2:1, Isaiah 49:14, Luke 20:42, 1 Corinthians 9:1 Lord = Jesus

KJV 2 Samuel 24:3, Luke 16:5 lord = a King or one of authority

I actually found the Psalms answer on u-tube form someone studying the KJV 1611 he was proving the KJV is the true word of GOD and just so happened to answer my question at the same time. I added these verses I found because I didn't mention any books or verses in my original question because it is every translation in Old Testament I compared no matter which book or verse. And I also found this.

Yahweh is the name of Israel's God and the God who came to earth as Jesus Christ, Yahweh in the flesh. Matthew 1:21 says, "She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." The name Jesus is from the Latin form of the Greek form of Yeshua, which literally means "Yahweh saves." So Yahweh will save His people from their sins, and simultaneously Jesus will save His people from their sins. This is just one of many instances where Jesus and Yahweh are equated.

God's anger (Part 3)

Concluding this first topic on God's attributes related to anger we also see the imprecatory Psalms; that is those Bible scriptures that plead with God for judgment to occur on our enemies. These verses sometimes are general in nature which David would say in his long struggle with Saul and those perusing Him. David is a good example for us of forgiveness in that regard; as Saul was cornered multiple times and because he was still recognized as the anointed king David didn't take the opportunity to slay him. Even at his death he mourned for him as we see in 2 Samuel 1. There was no PERSONAL vendetta here; much as there isn't with Christ who will rule and reign with justice ( Isaiah 11:3-4) but with righteousness; in other words He will work with God's direction and not let external circumstances skew the picture.

When studying God's anger our first reaction is to understand his attitude toward gross external manifestations of sin; which surely is the state of the world today more than ever. As I said in the last post He chastises all those he loves ( Heb. 12:6). God allowed collateral damage both with David's sin with Bathsheeba ( 2 Samuel 11:3-4) and with the census ( 2 Samuel 24:12). We find it illogical why many innocent had to die in such instances but David brought wars upon himself and others and many died in the second census incident with its after affects. Therefore it is following God's precepts as to HOW to worship and heeding His warnings against sin that are crucial. Saul began his fall by trying to offer a sacrifice himself in an unauthorized procedure as a king. ( 1 Samuel 13:8-14). David didn't trust God's strength when he took the census. This was much the reason Solomon fell as well; he hoarded gold and silver and foreign women as wives all which God warned about. (see 1 Kings 1:11; Deut. 17:17). Those who He loves go through the refining fire; let us pass the test so we can rejoice at the Bema Seat (2 Cor510

Sister Jema:

Good questions.

Does God tell us not to do something, then turn around and CAUSE US to do it.

YES!

God told the children NOT TO marry outside their tribe.

Samson was told by his mother and father that GOD SAID NOT TO marry a Philistine.

Judges 14:4 But his father and mother KNEW NOT it was of the LORD that he (God) sought an occasion AGAINST the Philistines.

God told David NOT TO number ISRAEL:

2 Samuel 24:1 ...and God MOVED David to go and number Israel.

God Bless YOU!

Hello Shelley. Indeed, this is a very sad disturbing account that would ordinarily raise questions as to David's culpability by his actions, when in fact God had moved David to conduct this census (2 Samuel chapter 24). I used to struggle with this matter as to how is it possible that God could cause someone to commit an evil act (or, be His instrument to execute His judgement in such a manner), and then have him (David) realize his sin for doing so & ultimately that he was compelled to prepare burnt & peace offerings to atone for his sin.

But I merged this passage with 1 Chronicles 21:1, "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel", to correctly understand that God's Plan to satisfy His Anger against Israel was by lifting His Protection from them, thus giving Satan licence to act. So if I may paraphrase, I would then read 2 Samuel 24:1 (in conjunction with 1 Chronicles 21:1), in this way: 'And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and He allowed Satan to stand against God's people by moving, or inciting, David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.'

Now Israel was in a horrible position; not only was their great enemy Satan ever ready to pounce on them to lead them away from their God, but God had for this particular time removed His covering from them, so that Satan would do to Israel what God wanted as His punishment against them. I see a similar act in the Book of Job, when God permitted Satan to test Job's integrity & fear of God, so that God's view of Job would remain unchanged. In the 2 Samuel incident, God used Satan to punish His people for their wickedness; in Job, God allowed Satan to test His faithful one to prove his uprightness.

So, I see that David was still responsible for his decision & action and so had to acknowledge it & repent of it. The fact that David's heart was smitten after his sin, shows that he realized his foolishness for not trusting God in spite of Joab's warning.

How God works in a fallen world.

Understanding "God works all things out for the good for those who love Him" ( Romans 8:28) needs to be taken; of course in context with the end of the verse "who have been called according to His purpose". Deuteronomy 29:29 states that certain things in the "hidden counsel of God" are not for us to try to comprehend. We can be assured; however that through our own sin God's people are chastised as well as through those done against them. I have cited references to these concepts before.

To take a couple examples from y own personal acquaintances; I know of a friend who was born out of his mom being raped. He recently has seen his mother converted to the faith and they live together under the same roof (she is in her 70's). The other person I know is also in her seventies; and had a child after being raped. The mother is a believer (if still alive she has been in hospice care and unfortunately I am not sure of her status after having to move from Pittsburgh in 2021). Her daughter is the only friend she has basically; apparently other members of the family are deceased or there were issues. I was able to help facilitate communication between them after her daughter in Canada moved to a new address through a phone call and mail.

There are certainly other people who have chosen abortion or remaining incommunicado with their own offspring after these events (although in all fairness the adoption agencies may have prevented it).

There are several things to consider. God Himself declares "I create both good and evil." ( Isaiah 45:7). This; of course can be defined as a calamity; or perhaps in David's case the better choice when God dealt with the repercussions of sin ( 2 Samuel 24:12). Certainly Satan was used for God's purposes and is the major theme of the entire book of Job. Another viewpoint is that we are never free to "save ourselves" but certainly it appears God lets men freely decide things in this life

Henry

You said,

You made a statement I can't buy that is that the bible Gods Word

Contradicts itself impossible.

I don't say the Bible contradicts itself to say the Bible is false.

I'm saying the Bible contradicts itself because it was compiled by man and translated by man; therefore, there are flaws.

Please provide your insight on the following not being a contradiction,

For with God nothing shall be impossible. ( Luke 1:37)

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. ( Hebrews 6:4-6)

And please tell me who provoked David, God or Satan?

And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. ( 2 Samuel 24:1)

And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. ( 1 Chronicles 21:1)

I have answered your questions but you have not answered mine.

I don't want to cause contention I like the discussion for truth.

Hi Adam

You asked,

Why can't both verses be true?

I do believe both verses are true.

I appreciate very much your input.

I am struggling to understand,

Are you saying we are saved by both works and grace?

I did say I do believe we are saved by both.

But as far as Bible contradictions, they do exist.

And to say Paul and James contradict would not be an issue.

The Bible contradicts itself quite often.

It is not uncommon.

Nevertheless, it does not shake my faith in the Bible.

For example,

Matthew records Christ came through David's son Solomon ( Matthew 1:6)

But Luke records Christ came through David's son Nathan ( Luke 3:31)

Exodus 33:20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

Exodus 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.

And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. ( 2 Samuel 24:1)

And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. ( 1 Chronicles 21:1)

Who provoked David, God or Satan?

Is Judah or Dan are a lion's whelp?

And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan. ( Deuteronomy 33:22)

Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? ( Genesis 49:9)

And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people. ( Exodus 32:14)

And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent. ( 1 Samuel 15:9)

Wina

Satan walks upright on two legs today, the same as in the time of Adam and Eve.

Who is the most subtil of all the beast of the field that God hath made, that walks on two legs?

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.

Job 1:7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord and said, from walking to and fro in the earth, and walking up and down in it.

2 Samuel 24:1 And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go number Israel and Judah.

1 Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

Ephesians 2:2 Wherein time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit that now worketh in the children of obedience:

Matthew 12:28 But if I CAST OUT (of you) devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come unto you.

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was CAST OUT, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world was CAST OUT ......

Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery .....Christ in you.

God Bless You.

THE WORKS OF GOD

2 Samuel 24:1 And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he (the LORD) moved (caused) David against them to say, Go, number Israel.

1 Chronicles 21:2 And SATAN stood up against Israel, and provoked (caused) David to number Israel.

Same event in the history of Israel; yet one says Satan caused, and one says the LORD caused.

Isaiah 54:16 Behold, I (the Father) have created the smith (Christ) that bloweth the coals in the FIRE (our God is a consuming FIRE), and that bringeth forth an instrument (Satan) for his (Christ) WORK; and I (the Lord) have CREATED the waster (SATAN) to destroy (destruction of the flesh).

1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such a one to SATAN for the DESTRUCTION OF THE FLESH, that the spirit might be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

God does EVERYTHING through the hands of men, God brings his judgements on earth through the hands of men.

Isaiah 10:5 O Assyrian, the rod of MINE (God's) anger, and the staff in their (Assyria) hand is MINE (God's) indignation.

Isaiah 10:6 I (God) will send him (Assyria) against a hypocritical nation (Israel), and against the people of my wrath will I (God) give him (Assyria) a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the street.

Jeremiah 51:7 Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD'S HAND .......

Satan is an INSTRUMENT IN GOD'S HAND.

God Bless You

It's a great mystery why David counted all the people of Israel. It seems that they had just won a great battle before David's counting of all his soldiers, which were a large number. David's pride came in to play here as he depended on his soldier's might rather than God's. Pride destroys people all the time. having a big head sometimes backfires on you as it did David here. Good example are pro athlete's, they are on top of the world one day and the next on the bottom.

Thank you so much for such a detailed and learned response, it is much appreciated and a great help for my better understanding.

Best regards

Roy

I apologize for not looking into the second part of the question as regarding the 10 Commandments. The judgment of pagan nations; was largely for worship of pagan gods; which often involved sacrifice of children; as well as statues of idols; and sexual deviancy of many kinds. When the customs and false gods were integrated through intermarriage (especially with Solomon); then the downfall of the nation eventually resulted. God was already planning BTW at the time Solomon made his prayer before the formal inception of sacrifices at the Temple to have it be a place of "prayer for all nations" and Solomon's prayer involved asking the Lord to reach the stranger with the truth. Isaiah indicates that the Gentiles are going to be reached; and there are cases such as Naaman the Syrian; and Nebuchadnezzar rulers in pagan nations recognizing the God of Israel. There were those who did convert such as the mixed multitude who came up from Egypt; and the stranger who wished to worship the true God. When we look at Jonah; we have an ENTIRE Gentile city whose leader immediately fasts and commands all including animals to abstain; and God relents from immediate judgment. It was delayed; and that being more remarkable when considering their great wickedness toward Israel according to historical account.

The commandment about not committing adultery also was holding marriage as a valid covenant among all; Jew or Gentile. This is clear from Abraham's mistake twice trying to pass his wife as his sister; as well as later on with John the Baptist's confrontation on the subject. So although the TERRITORIAL blessings of following the Commandments were unique to Israel; certain principles of course apply to all men in terms of wisdom. There are; of course further laws for sacrifices related to ceremonial purification; and other regulations in Leviticus to follow. Again; it is God's faithfulness rather than ours which characterizes the life of a true beliver.

I will make an attempt here. First of all; there is no purpose set forth of man that can thwart the plan of God. Ultimately; the One who is to rule and reign over Israel as king also had to fulfill the role of Prophet and Priest. Clearly, according to the N.T. no one can fulfill the law perfectly; so the perfect lamb of God had to be sacrificed. He is the "Ancient of Days" who would come as the "Son of David" from the earthly lineage described on the mother's side but also with references to the father's lineage.

There are clearly failures; as the whole Promised Land was never taken. The Philistines; for instance are where the modern day Palestinians reside; and many other ancient controversies will only be settled at the return of Christ to set up His Millennial Kingdom. We must look back to God's first promises to man; in the garden and Genesis 3:16 to see that the Messiah was always part of the plan. The next covenant of the rainbow was God's promise; not even based on what man did. EVERY prophet had failings; including Moses; the only one said to talk to God as though a friend; and was used to intercede much in the same way Christ did. But he failed when he struck the rock in anger; much as anger led him to the other sin of killing the Egyptian setting back the deliverance perhaps from when it could have begun. As far as I know; Samuel himself didn't have any recorded sin; although clearly all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Much of 1 and 2 Samuel have to do with Saul and God's dealings with David and the Philistines. As part of God's lineage; surely Satan used Saul with his 21 attempts to kill David to attempt to thwart God's plan. David's failings were costly; and there is a reference to him being a man of war keeping him from building the Temple Solomon did. Of course; Solomon in all his riches failed not heeding God's warnings. God remains faithful; as Deuteronomy states even in the last days and Tribulation.

Very clearly explained , thank you for that .

The Jews sometimes violated the instructions given them when warring against the enemies of God but they did not violate the ten commandments by obeying God's instructions in fighting His enemies on earth.

Referring to both books of Samuel and to the reports of a whole series of massacres inflicted upon various and many other tribes by Israel who were progressively invading the "Promised Land" with the assistance of GOD - indeed could not possibly have achieved their objective, also GODs objective in keeping his covenant with Israel.

How does this fit with the Ten Commandment that GOD gave to Moses?

Hello Whitfield. It appears confusing & contradicting when we look at 2 Samuel 24:1 & then compare it with 1 Chronicles 21:1. The first Scripture suggests that it was God Who incited King David to conduct this census, whereas the second Scripture tells us that it was Satan who was involved. I see this matter with David as similar to the encounter that Satan had with Job ( Job 1:6-12), where Satan came before God desiring to test Job's mettle. God sometimes uses or allows Satan to have his way with people for a variety of reasons; in the case with Job, to test his love & faithfulness to the God he worshipped & served; & in the case of King David, to test his trust in the power & sovereignty of the God Who was his delight. Job passed - David failed.

If it weren't for the 2 Chronicles reference, one could easily accept that God instigated David to sin; but God's Spirit saw to it that we would be clear in understanding this: that God allowed David to fall under the testing of Satan. And by David hearkening to Satan's voice rather than trusting in the Power & Will of God for him & all Israel, we see that David failed & allowed his desire to know the strength of his forces against his enemies rather than trusting that God can deal with any enemy with only a few men or even none. 1 Samuel 14:6, reveals this Truth, when Jonathan declared to his armour-bearer, "for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few." And it was this faith by Jonathan in God, that got him the victory.

Even with Joab, David's army captain urging him to not take that path to conduct this ill-considered census, David even disregarded his advice, rather gave into his own fleshly lusts, inspired of Satan, to disregard the power of God & to elevate his own power & prestige. So, in 2 Samuel 24:1, God's Anger was "kindled against Israel" & "moved in David", but I believe it would be correct to give much regard to Satan's initial work of inspiration to bring folly to the people of God.

Joab serving King David : 2 Samuel 11:14-25, in context: 2 Samuel 11, 2 Samuel 14, 2 Samuel 24:4,8,9,10,11,12,13, 1 Chronicles 21:4-5,

1 Chronicles 26:27-28, 1 Chronicles 27:24,

Joab going outside of King David's orders, but for the good of David & Israel? 2 Samuel 18, 2 Samuel 19:1-8, 2 Samuel 24:1-3,

1 Chronicles 21:3, 1 Chronicles 21:6,

As Chris stated revenge, Joab had went after before: 1 Chronicles 11:6-8, 1 Chronicles 11:20, 2 Samuel 3:24-28, 2 Samuel 3:30,

1 Kings 1,

1 Kings 2:5-6, 1 Kings 2:22, 28-34,

Hopefully this is useful in your study

Hi Ron. Those are two good portions of Scripture you've given for us to consider (btw, I think you meant to write 1 Chronicles 21:1).

To answer your questions properly, we must first know that God is neither the Author of sin, nor the tempter of mankind to sin. James 1:13-15: "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

So, to your passages. Clearly in the second passage ( 1 Chronicles 21:1), Satan is said to have "provoked" David to sin by numbering Israel. Yet 2 Samuel 24:1 speaks of the LORD having provoked David. To make sense of this, we can also recall Exodus 7:13,14 (& others verses like it), where "God hardened Pharaoh's heart" refusing to let the Israelites leave Egypt. We can also look at Job 1:9-12, where God gave Satan permission over Job's family & possessions. In both Scriptures, God doesn't incite or cause one to do evil, but brings about a situation where He removes His absolute control. And we can say the same for ourselves: when confronted with a situation to sin, God can either prevent us from committing sin or allow us to determine what we will do with it - we have a mind (& the Holy Spirit, if we're believers), to choose our path.

When we bring those two passages together, we see that God "moved David". God did not force him to do wrong, but steered him in that direction of decision & allow his better judgement to not pursue such sin. Even Joab warned David about doing this & later David realized that he had done wrong, his heart was smitten & he repented (v10). With Job also, Job did nothing wrong, but God allowed Satan license to provoke Job to sin - but unlike David, Job did not. Satan is our enemy to entice us to sin - not God - God allows the tests - we have to choose rightly.

In 2 Samuel 24 1 who is telling David to take count of the Israelites?

And in 2 Chronicles 21 1 Who is giving David to take count of the Israelites?

Sister Glenda, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

Age is in YOUR favour; because, you can look back at more experiences of LIFE, than your daughter.

The SPIRIT has CAUSED you (through the CHOICES he CAUSED you to make) to have those experiences of LIFE (good and evil) because it is necessary to become like God. ( Genesis 3:22)

God KNOWS how to USE EVIL for GOOD.

God CAUSED Joseph to have a silly little dream and to tell his brothers about that dream.

God CAUSED his brothers to be envious and hate Joseph.

God CAUSED his brothers to rise up and do EVIL against their brother Joseph.

But look what THE WORD SAYS:

Genesis 50:19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not, for I am in the place of God (where God purposed him to be).

Genesis 50:20 But as FOR YOU, you thought EVIL against me, but God meant (caused) it (evil) unto GOOD, to bring to pass, as it is this day, TO SAVE MUCH PEOPLE ALIVE.

God is STILL DOING this TODAY; Man just does't BELIEVE IT.

Did Judas have a Choice outside of what God had purposed him TO DO.( Zechariah 11:12)

Did Peter have a Choice outside of what God had purposed him TO DO (deny Jesus and flee)( Zechariah 13:7).

Did Pharaoh have a Choice outside of what God had purposed Him TO DO ( Romans 9:17).

Did David have a Choice outside of what God purposed him TO DO.

2 Samuel 24:1 And AGAIN the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he MOVED (CAUSED) David against them, to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

God PURPOSED that you are going to become the IMAGE of HIM ( Romans 8:29)( 1 Corinthians 15:49), Do you think you have a CHOICE outside of what he has purpose you TO DO.

Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my Spirit in you, and CAUSE you to walk in my statues (good or evil), and you shall keep my judgements, and DO THEM.

God's WAY is not man's WAY.

Biblical Contradictions in the form of a question:

Who incited David to count the fighting men of Israel?

God did ( 2 Samuel 24: 1)

Satan did ( I Chronicles 2 1:1)

In that count how many fighting men were found in Israel?

Eight hundred thousand ( 2 Samuel 24:9)

One million, one hundred thousand ( I Chronicles 21:5)

How many fighting men were found in Judah?

Five hundred thousand ( 2 Samuel 24:9)

Four hundred and seventy thousand ( I Chronicles 21:5)

God sent his prophet to threaten David with how many years of famine?

Seven ( 2 Samuel 24:13)

Three ( I Chronicles 21:12)

How old was Ahaziah when he began to rule over Jerusalem?

Twenty-two ( 2 Kings 8:26)

Forty-two ( 2 Chronicles 22:2)

How old was Jehoiachin when he became king of Jerusalem?

Eighteen ( 2 Kings 24:8)

Eight ( 2 Chronicles 36:9)

How long did he rule over Jerusalem?

Three months ( 2 Kings 24:8)

Three months and ten days ( 2 Chronicles 36:9)

The chief of the mighty men of David lifted up his spear and killed how many men at one time?

Eight hundred ( 2 Samuel 23:8)

Three hundred ( I Chronicles 11: 11)

When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after?

After ( 2 Samuel 5 and 6)

Before ( I Chronicles 13 and 14)

How many pairs of clean animals did God tell Noah to take into the Ark?

Two ( Genesis 6:19, 20)

Seven ( Genesis 7:2). But despite this last instruction only two pairs went into the ark ( Genesis 7:8-9)

When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture?

One thousand and seven hundred ( 2 Samuel 8:4)

Seven thousand ( I Chronicles 18:4)

How many overseers did Solomon appoint for the work of building the temple?

Three thousand six hundred ( 2 Chronicles 2:2)

Three thousand three hundred ( I Kings 5:16)

The list is practically endless.

Why is it that whenever the Jews are counted it incurs the wrath of God? Don't the present day Jews partake in a census as do most nations? What if any repercussions do they suffer?

Luke 3:23 ( Matthew 1: 16) ( Could you please clarify what went wrong here? Also,see 2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicle 21:5 This is the text that I found most appealing. I have a few errors and issues, but all I want is for this to be cleared.

To often it is not the act of repetitiveness that causes our pain. But the act of pride. David realized his error in numbering the men immediately. We need not depend on our own might when we belong to God. The battle is not ours to glory in but it is that God has delivered us. So we give the glory to God in spite of our on military might.

I would expect David's decision was reminiscent of the census that Moses conducted in the Book of Numbers prior to Joshua's sanguinary assault upon Canaan. David was probably planning to extend the lands conquered by Joshua (and promised to him in the Book of Joshua), but the Lord took offense, instead attacking Israel with a plague. When the Lord came in the flesh, he was named after Joshua, but was a man of peace and preached love and brotherhood of men, not war. Perhaps that is our message to be gleaned for these scriptures. Maybe it is time to "beat our swords into plowshares", to get our own national houses in order and stop trying to expand into others'.

We are all born in sin, shaken in iniquity. You do not have to teach a toddle to do what’s wrong; however, it will take you a lifetime to teach that child to what’s right. We are all disobedient. Christians are sometimes the worst. We know what God requires from us; however, we refuse to submit to His Authority. Stuborness is a sin. I am preaching g to the Choir. these days, it is more rampant.

What was the fault of David in numbering the people was that God have seen that David now starts believing in is might which was his people, this was wrong according to the Lord because David should have realized, that all the power comes from the Lord not from himself or his people.

"And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing." 2 Samuel 24:24 TRUE TRUE TRUE!!! No one is redeemed or can come at all to the Father except through the blood of Christ; but no one just slips in without doing righteousness. Its not a contest, but proof of grace wrought.