What can we learn about God's justice from 1 Chronicles 21:14? Context: Why a Plague? David ordered a census motivated by pride (1 Chronicles 21:1–8). God confronted the sin, offered three disciplinary options (vv. 9–12), and David chose to fall into the LORD’s hand. Verse 14 records the chosen consequence. The Verse We’re Studying “So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead.” (1 Chronicles 21:14) What God’s Justice Looks Like in This Verse • Sin always has real, measurable consequences. • God Himself initiates judgment; it isn’t random or accidental. • The scale (seventy thousand) shows that God’s justice is thorough, not superficial. • The plague strikes the nation, revealing that sin’s fallout often reaches beyond the original offender (cf. Joshua 7:1, 11–12). • Justice is carried out quickly—no delays, no loopholes. • Yet the judgment is finite; God sets its duration and later commands the angel to stop (v. 15). His justice is precise, never reckless. Key Characteristics of Divine Justice Highlighted 1. Holiness: God cannot overlook sin (Habakkuk 1:13). 2. Righteous Measure: The discipline fits the offense; David’s census exalted human strength, so God diminished that strength. 3. Sovereign Authority: The LORD alone decides the method and limit (Job 34:12). 4. Impartiality: Rank or privilege doesn’t shield anyone—king and commoner alike suffer the result (Acts 10:34). 5. Restorative Aim: Judgment moves David toward repentance and the nation toward humility (v. 17; Psalm 51:4). Justice Tempered with Mercy • In verse 15, “the LORD saw the distress and relented from the calamity.” Justice never cancels His compassion (Psalm 103:8–10). • God provides a way forward: the altar on Araunah’s threshing floor (vv. 18–27) points ahead to ultimate atonement in Christ (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Personal Takeaways • Treat sin seriously; hidden pride invites visible ruin. • Depend on God’s mercy, not human strength or numbers. • Accept discipline as proof that God deals with us as children He loves (Hebrews 12:5–6). • Intercede for others; David’s plea (v 17) shows the power of repentant leadership. Supporting Scriptures for Further Reading • Romans 6:23 — sin’s wages versus God’s gift. • Ezekiel 18:4 — “The soul who sins shall die.” • Hebrews 10:31 — “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” • Psalm 130:3–4 — with God there is forgiveness, therefore He is feared. |
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