Topical Bible: Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel

◄ Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Biblical Context:
The account of David numbering Israel is found in two primary passages: 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. This event occurs towards the end of King David's reign and is marked by a significant act of presumption on David's part, which leads to severe consequences for Israel.

Narrative Overview:
In 2 Samuel 24:1, the narrative begins with the anger of the LORD burning against Israel, prompting Him to incite David to take a census of the people. The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 21:1 attributes this incitement to Satan, who "rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel." This dual attribution highlights the complexity of divine sovereignty and human agency in biblical theology.

David instructs Joab, the commander of his army, to conduct the census, despite Joab's protestations. Joab questions the king's decision, saying, "May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?" (1 Chronicles 21:3). Joab's resistance underscores the recognition of the census as an act of presumption and lack of trust in God's provision and protection.

The Sin of Presumption:
David's decision to number the people is seen as an act of presumption because it reflects a reliance on human strength and military might rather than on God's power and promises. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a census was often conducted for military or taxation purposes, suggesting a shift in trust from divine to human resources. This act is contrary to the spirit of reliance on God that characterized David's earlier life, as seen in his confrontation with Goliath and his reliance on God during his years of fleeing from Saul.

Divine Judgment and Mercy:
After the census is completed, David's conscience is stricken, and he acknowledges his sin before God, saying, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg You, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly" (2 Samuel 24:10). God's response is swift, offering David a choice of three punishments: three years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of plague. David chooses to fall into the hands of the LORD, trusting in His mercy.

The LORD sends a plague upon Israel, resulting in the death of 70,000 men. As the angel of the LORD is about to destroy Jerusalem, God relents and commands the angel to stop. David, seeing the angel striking the people, intercedes, saying, "I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let Your hand fall upon me and my father's house" (1 Chronicles 21:17).

The Altar on the Threshing Floor:
In response to the plague, David is instructed by the prophet Gad to build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David purchases the site, refusing to offer to God that which costs him nothing, and offers burnt offerings and peace offerings. The LORD answers with fire from heaven, and the plague is halted (1 Chronicles 21:26-27).

Theological Implications:
David's presumption in numbering Israel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-reliance and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty. It highlights the seriousness of sin, the necessity of repentance, and the mercy of God, who provides a means of atonement and restoration. The event also foreshadows the establishment of the temple, as the site of the altar becomes the location for Solomon's temple, symbolizing God's enduring presence and grace among His people.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 24:1-17
And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Seventh Book
... and wisdom and has met with disgrace for his presumption; he himself has ... of Saul,
and a plague came from the numbering of the people by the blessed David. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus.
... It sounds almost like presumption to say, that in ... In towns numbering less than 120
(or, according to ... His claims to Messiahship and the inheritance of David. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiii thursday night -.htm

Of Immediate Revelation.
... to sanctify themselves by fasting and prayer, numbering up the ... Many are the sayings
of spiritual David to this ... they allege, It is a bold presumption for any to ...
/.../proposition ii of immediate revelation.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... looking to this example it becomes us also to advance nothing daunted to the second
part of our labours, but as far as possible to imitate David's valour, and ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... conclusively by us to be contained in the acts [ie, of the Council of Chalcedon],
no one would have dared to be the author of so great a presumption or would ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm