Question:

In 2 Samuel 24, it says

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.”

10 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.”

And later in the chapter, God gave David the choice between three punishments.

Why, if God stirred up David to do this, did it require David to be punished?

Answer:

First, let me say, that is a great question! A challenge to the reader indeed! I rejoice in your careful reading of God's Word! Never stop asking questions. God's Word is filled with wonder and the wonder of our great God is best beheld by those who look long and hard at the wonder of his word in search of more of him! Great digging!

THE SITUATION: According to v1 God is angry with Israel. For what, we do not know. The narrator left out a clear or specific reason for God's wrath. However, as a consequence of his anger he "incited David against them." So, the backdrop to David's actions is actually God's anger toward Israel.

The way that God "stirred up David to do this," is explained a little more specifically by the writer of 1Chronicles. He writes, "Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel" (21:1).

That is, God uses even Satan to accomplish his plan for his glory and the good of his people (cf. ICor.12:7ff. Job 1:12; 2:6-7).

However, even though Satan is acting against David, David is still responsible for his actions. This is a part of a bigger teaching in scripture that we come to learn over and over again. Namely, God is absolutely sovereign in all things and man is absolutely responsible for his actions all the time. Both of these truths are 100% true 100% of the time! WOW! What a wonder in the awesomeness of our God. Praise be to his name. Honor and glory be unto him forever (Rom. 11:33-36)!

THE SIN: The actual counting of the people was wrong b/c David was acting as though his might and power came from the security of a big army. In that way, David was actually sinning in his heart against God by not walking by faith and relying upon God to keep his covenant promises. Rather, David was walking by sight in his own strength (Ps. 30:6-7,10). See in David the need to walk by faith NOT by sight! "Trust in the LORD always and lean NOT on your own understanding" (Prov 3:5)!

THE GRACE: Finally, God responds to David's sin by giving him three options for punishment. David, in his wisdom, threw himself upon God's great mercy (24:14). Through the sword of the angel of God, God destroyed in a plague seventy thousand soldiers in whom David and all Israel relied! This gets at the heart of David's sin. David and Israel took confidence in the Kingship and the royal army. Thus, God took the army in large part away in order to humble and transform David and all Israel. In response to David's brokenness God compassionately stops the plague and heals the land (24:25).

THE LESSON: God's power is experienced in us when we trust in him by faith for all things rather than trusting in ourselves and in our own strength! Remember Proverbs 3:5! However, even when we do fail to walk by faith (as we often do!) remember also as David cast himself upon God for mercy so should we in the name of Jesus Christ our awesome Savior! Praise the LORD!!