1 Chronicles 21

21:1David’s census brought disaster because, unlike the census taken in the book of Numbers (Numbers 1-2) that God had ordered, this census was taken so David could take pride in the strength of his army. In determining his military strength, he was beginning to trust more in military power than in God. There is a thin line between feeling confident because you are relying on God’s power and becoming proud because you have been used by God for great purposes.

21:1The Bible text says Satan caused David to take a census. Can Satan force people to do wrong? No, Satan only tempted David with the idea, but David decided to act on the temptation. Ever since the Garden of Eden, Satan has been tempting people to sin. David’s census was not against God’s law, but his reason for the census was wrong—pride in his mighty army. He forgot that his real strength came from God. Even Joab, not known for his high moral ideals, recognized the census as sin. From David's example we learn that an action that may not be wrong in itself can be sinful if it is motivated by greed, arrogance, or selfishness. Often our motives, not the action itself, contain the sin. We must constantly weigh our motives before we act.

21:1-3David fell to Satan's temptation. God provided a way out in Joab’s counsel, but David's curiosity was spurred on by arrogance. His faith was in his own strength rather than in God's. If we feel self-sufficient and put confidence in ourselves apart from God, we soon fall to Satan’s schemes. Self-sutficiency pulls us away from God. When you are tempted, examine your inner desires to understand why the external temptation is so appealing. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13 for more about escaping temptation.)

21:8When David realized his sin, he took full responsibility, admitted he was wrong, and asked God to forgive him. Many people want to add God and the benefits of Christianity to their lives without acknowledging their personal sin and guilt. But confession and repentance must come before receiving forgiveness. Like David, we must take full responsibility for our actions and confess them to God before we can expect him to forgive us and continue his work in us.

21:13,14Sin has a domino effect; once a sin is committed, a series of consequences follows. God will forgive our sin if we ask him, but the consequences of that sin have already been set in motion. David pleaded for mercy, and God responded by stopping the angel before his mission of death was complete. The consequences of David’s sin, however, had already caused severe damage. God will always forgive our sins and will often intervene to make their bitter consequences less severe, but the scars will remain. Thinking through the possible consequences before we act can stop us and thus save us much sorrow and suffering.

21:14Why did 70,000 innocent people die for David's sin? Our society places great emphasis upon the individual. In ancient times, however, the family leaders, tribal leaders, and kings represented the people they led, and all expected to share in their successes as well as in their failures and punishments. David deserved punishment for his sin, but his death could have resulted in political chaos and invasion by enemy armies, leaving hundreds of thousands dead. Instead, God graciously spared David’s life. He also put a stop to the plague so that most of the people of Jerusalem were spared. God made us to work together interdependently. Whether we think it is fair or not, the group usually suffers because of the sins of its leaders. Similarly, our actions always affect other people whether we want them to or not. We cannot fully know the mind of God in this severe judgment. We don't know where the prophets, the tribal leaders, and the other advisers were during this incident and whether or not they chase to go along with the king. We do know that putting confidence in military might alone is idolatry. To allow anything to take God’s place is sinful, and it may cause disastrous consequences.

21:22-24When David wanted to buy Araunah’s land to build an altar, Araunah generously offered it as a gift. But David refused, saying, “I will not take what is yours and give it to the LORD. I will not present burnt offerings that have cost me nothing!” David wanted to offer an offering (or sacrifice) to God. An offering should cost the giver in terms of self, time, or money. To give sacrificially requires more than a token effort or gift. God wants us to give voluntarily, but he wants it to mean something. Giving to God what costs you nothing does not demonstrate commitment.

21:29-22:1Gibeon was a Benjaminite city about two hours’ journey northwest of Jerusalem. Years before, Saul had moved the Tabernacle there. In this instance, David didn’t go there because he was overwhelmed by God’s holy wrath, as he had been earlier when one person died moving the Ark toward Jerusalem. Now 70,000 had died as a result of his pride. The fear David felt was the kind of awe that each of us should have when we consider God’s character and God’s standards. While we may enjoy God’s mercy and acceptance, we dare not take for granted that our God is awesome and holy.