The Kings of Israel
The Kings of Israel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

Lesson Eleven
David’s Great Sin
(2 Sam. 24)

I. The Sin – vs. 1-9

What prompted David’s desire for a national census? Undoubtedly, it was pride. I Chronicles 18-20 records a number of victories David enjoyed just previous to this.

Was a census a sin? No, if done for the right motive, which is not recorded here, so we must conclude it was wrong. Ex. 30:11-16

Redemption money must accompany census: “ransom for soul” (vs. 12) eliminated pride factor; it became a spiritual matter, not a physical one.

The offering was the same whether rich or poor! (vs. 15)

Joab couldn’t discourage David (vs. 3,4). Once a man’s heart is filled with pride, all counsel and preaching offered seems to fall on deaf ears. Only God can get his attention, usually through some rough dealings. David had almost ten months to repent, but he didn’t, so we must believe he went about this in a very calculated manner. This sin of the Spirit produced far worse results than his sin with Bathsheba. (II Cor. 7:1)

II. The Suffering – vs. 10-17

In II Sam. 12:13 David said, “I have sinned” (sin of the flesh), but here in vs. 10 he says, “I have sinned greatly.” From man’s point of view, murder and adultery are the greatest sins. Prov. 17:9; 12:16 Jesus’ ministry was one of forgiveness to the sinner and publican, but severe toward the proud and rebellious. Here 70,000 are killed, whereas the former sin affected only David’s family. However, we must remember God had a definite cause against Israel (vs.1) and was using David’s sin as the opportunity to judge the people! I Chron. 21:1 says, “And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.”

Perhaps God was punishing them for following Absalom – a man full of pride!

Truly we get what we deserve.

In Lev. 4 if the high priest sinned, it required the same sacrifice (a bullock) as if the entire congregation sinned.



III. The Sacrifice – vs. 18-25

Two factors are involved in the halting of God’s judgment:

A. God’s mercy - vs.16

B. Confession of the sinner - vs.17

David and his elders went immediately and purchased the place for 600 shekels of silver for the oxen and threshing floor. Ornan wanted to give it all to the king, but a “cheap sacrifice is worse than no sacrifice at all.” This is the very place where Solomon later built the Temple. (II Chron 3:1)

This shows how God has the capacity to turn evil into good!

Practical lessons:
A man never outgrows temptation; by now David is no child.
God graciously gives time to repent.
Sins of the Spirit do great damage. “Grieve not the Spirit.”
True confession will cost you something.

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