Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 126: David's Census

Good afternoon, everyone!

Today I read 1 Chronicles 18-21.

Today's reading details David's victories as king, from the Arameans to the Phlistines.

But it also talks about how David gets himself into trouble.

Satan spoke to David, and put it in his heart to take a census of the people. But this was not something God wanted him to do. In fact, Joab, one of his trusted soldiers, warned him against it. David insisted, however, and since he was king, he got his way. Joab did not take a census of all the people, notably leaving out the Levites (priests) and the Benjamites.

So God gives David three choices of calamities that will befall his kingdom because of his disobedience.

See, just because we are following God, doesn't mean Satan won't talk to us or try to trip us up. In fact, the closer we are to God, the harder Satan will try. But when we know right from wrong, and we know what God's Word says, we will be less likely to stumble, if we choose to obey.

David knew God's Word, but he wasn't perfect, and as a king, he had lots of different influences around him, including some of his wives. So, David stumbled. Even though he was "a man after God's own heart."

Even when we stumble, if we repent, God will forgive us. And I'm so grateful for His mercy.

Now, if you're asking "Why was God so displeased with the census?" let me see if I can explain.

It was because of David's motives. God did not tell him to take a census. He was king, and he wanted to know how many fighting men he had, so he wanted a census. But beyond that, he ordered Joab to take a census of all the people, including the Levitical priests, who were set apart to God.

And Even Moses wasn't allowed to do that. So David gets in trouble.

Why did his punishment involve all of Israel?

I'm not completely sure. But I think it was because Israel, as they were wont to do from time to time, had sinned against God again, and so God punished them. The timing coincided with David's census (not coincidentally). But He also showed mercy. When the angel was about to bring punishment as far as Jerusalem, God stopped him. That was enough.

I don't always have an explanation for why things happen, and sometimes that frustrates me. But I trust God. He has never failed me. Even when I don't understand why something happens, He is always there to see me through it. I don't expect to know or understand everything. That's too much responsibility for me. But, I hope, little by little, day by day, I will understand more as I continue to grow in God's Word.

I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 22-24.