“Again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.”” 2 Chronicles 21 says the Lord allows Satan to move David to take a census. Ok. So we have seen this before in the book of Job where the Lord allows Satan to have his way with His people to accomplish His purposes. God never does evil but will allow it for a bigger purpose. The Lord does not say why He is angry with Israel and uses David’s census to bring judgment upon them but David knows he was wrong.
Not only is this action used to judge Israel but it could also be exposing pride in David’s heart. James 1:13-15 says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” David’s desire for military strength does not show humility and a dependence on the Lord. David also disobeys God’s law by not collecting a ransom for a person’s life during the census as instructed by the Lord in Exodus 30:12.
David later repents and the Lord allows David to choose between 3 punishments: 1) 7 years of famine, 2) 3 months of enemy attack, or 3) 3 days of plague. David chooses the plague so that the punishment is in the hands of the Lord and not man. David knows that God’s mercy is great. He says in Psalm 103:8, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” So as David chose, the Lord sends a plague that kills 70,000 people and then the plague stops at the threshing floor of Araunah. David purchases the land and builds an altar to the Lord where he worships with sacrifices. David then begins gathering supplies for the house of the Lord that his son, Solomon, will build. David tells Solomon to be strong and courageous and to be careful to abide by the Word of God so that he will be prosperous. Will Solomon obey and walk in the ways of the Lord? Keep reading to see.
(2 Samuel 24:1-9, 1 Chronicles 21:1-6, 2 Samuel 24:10-17, 1 Chronicles 21:7-17, 2 Samuel 24:18-25, 1 Chronicles 21:18-22:19)
Chronological Bible in Layman's Terms 