Lessons from David's "Second" Sin

David is an example of a Scriptural giant who made some grievous mistakes. For most of his life he was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), but he would sometimes model the heart of another “father” (cf. John 8:44). David’s biggest sin (or sins) is found in 2 Samuel 11, and after this, David’s life seemed to go downhill. While David surely sinned more than twice in his life, his second influential sin is recorded in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. The reader is encouraged to read both chapters and mark specific lessons, words, and ideas in their Bibles before reading further. What lessons does this encounter teach us?

Satan is the Great Tempter (1 Chronicles 21:1). It was Satan who “stood up against Israel.” He saw an opportunity to urge David to sin and he took it. 2 Samuel 24:1 seems to say that God placed this temptation before David, but it rather means that God ALLOWED David to be tempted in this way. Why was it a sin to number the people, seeing God had earlier commanded it (Numbers 1)? Various views have been offered:

• Perhaps David wanted to feel confident about his military might and nations population—Sin of mistrust in God or maybe pride.[1] 

• Maybe David did not follow Exodus 30:12-13.

• God did not command David to do it.[2]

Whatever view is taken, David sinned. Satan was behind the attack as he is behind the attacks that inflict us (John 13:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; 1 Peter 5:8).

It is Wrong to Sin Personally, But Worse to Involve Other People in Your Sins (2 Samuel 24:2-9; 1 Chronicles 21:2-5). David commanded Joab to do his sinful bidding. Captains were also involved too. David tasked them with going throughout all the land to take a census. After nine months and twenty days (2 Samuel 24:8), over a million people were recorded (2 Samuel 24:9; 1 Chronicles 21:5-6).[3] Erringly, David should not have included others in his sin. Enticing another to sin is a dangerous trek indeed (1 Samuel 2:24; 1 Kings 14:16; Matthew 18:6; 1 Corinthians 8:12). The Proverbs’ writer talked negatively about people who invited the son to “Come with us” (Proverbs 1:11). Make sure that first you do not sin, but second, that you don’t bring other people with you on your journey.   

Listen to the Warnings of Others Who Urge You Not to Sin (2 Samuel 24:3; 1 Chronicles 21:3, 6). Something about this directive from the king seemed off to Joab—and it was! Joab responded to the king’s command with “why are we doing this?” He knew this was wrong for he said, “why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?” The king’s word was “abominable to Joab.” Interestingly, a bad Joab seemed to have more sense than a good David.[4] Heeding the warnings of others is wise (Proverbs 15:32). Even though they may not have your best interest at heart, consider their words, for they may be right. Don’t be like David and harden your heart, else you will find yourself with a negative outcome (Proverbs 29:1).

ALWAYS repent of sin (2 Samuel 24:10; 1 Chronicles 21:8). Eventually David came around and his heart was stroke with the sword of God (cf. Hebrews 4:12). David told God he had “sinned greatly” “done very foolishly” and “done wickedly.” He urged God to take away his iniquity. It is always wise, nay, always obligatory to acknowledge and turn from sin. While God did not punish David for his sin, it would have been worse if he would have refused to repent. God took away his iniquity because of His humility and we can find mercy too if we do the same. Solomon wrote “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

A Sacrifice is Needed to Take Away Sin (2 Samuel 24:17-24; 1 Chronicles 21:18-30). God’s wrath (through punishment) was quieted when David offered a sacrifice. Only by shedding of blood can there be remission (Hebrews 9:22). Beautifully, our sin can be taken away because of the sacrifice of Jesus: “ Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Positively, David did not stay in his sin, he turned from it and to God. If you were David what would you have done? If you have sin, what will you do?  

Endnotes

[1]Matthew Henry.

[2]Matthew Henry.

[3]A few observations should be made about these numbers. First, the accounts differ as to the exact number. It might be that one did not include certain ones in their counting. We do know the Holy Spirit did NOT err. Second, note that Joab did not include the Levites and the Benjamite’s in his number (1 Chronicles 22:6). Third, some have suggested that this number indicates a TOTAL population of about 5-6 million in Palestine. 

[4]Adam Clarke.