The Sinful Census (2 Sam 24)
Ever read a passage in the Bible and think to yourself, “Wait. What? I don’t get it.” ?
I felt this just the other day when I was reading about King David’s life and reign in 2 Samuel 24. The chapter starts out saying:
1 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 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.”
David’s lead commander obeys, but he’s obviously more than a little hesitant. And then later in chapter 24, verse 10 says:
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.”
I had to stop reading and do some reaserach because I had so many questions! But the main thing I wondered was:
What is up with this census thing? Why did David’s commander try to talk him out of it? Why is counting people such a big deal? And why does David feel bad about it later?
So it turns out, back during the desert wandering years, Yahweh gave specific directions to the Israelites and their leaders about when and how to take a census. (See Exodus 30:12) Basically, a census only needed to be taken when God commanded it. And when taking a God-initiated census, an offering was made for each man counted. In the ancient near eastern culture of the Old Testament, a man only counted what belonged to him. If a man counted something or someone, it demonstrated his ownership of those things or people.
So the main thing is this: the Israelites belonged to God, not David. As King, David knew God’s commands (like the rules about census-taking), so he knew better than to take this census.
This particular counting of the people was sinful because:
- it was David’s idea & initiative, not God’s
- it treated the Israelites as David’s possession instead of God’s
- it stemmed from pride (David wanted to count the fighting men)
- it followed David’s policies & procedures, not God’s (David didn’t ask the people to follow through with the atonement offering)
Fortunately, David realizes his mistake and repents (which is a pattern in David’s life. He’s far from perfect, but when he’s confronted with his sin, he goes straight to God, humbles himself, and asks for forgiveness). However, despite David’s confession and apology, there are still consequences for him, his family, and the entire nation.
It’s a fascinating narrative. If you haven’ read it before, you should. It’s a great reminder that:
- knowing and obeying God’s commands can prevent tons of trouble and strife
- humility, confession & repentance are essential if we are to stay close to God as sinful people
- God’s gracious forgiveness does not make us exempt from consequences
