Topical Encyclopedia The census conducted by King David, as recorded in the Old Testament, is a significant event that highlights themes of obedience, divine judgment, and repentance. This event is primarily documented in two parallel accounts found in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21.Background and Context The census took place during the latter part of King David's reign over Israel. The motivation behind the census is a subject of theological discussion. In 2 Samuel 24:1, it is stated, "Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He incited David against them, saying, 'Go, take a census of Israel and Judah.'" This suggests that the census was a result of divine displeasure with Israel, though the specific reasons for this anger are not detailed in the text. In contrast, 1 Chronicles 21:1 attributes the incitement to Satan: "Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel." The Act of Numbering David instructed Joab, the commander of his army, to conduct the census. Despite Joab's objections, as he perceived the act to be sinful, David insisted. The census took approximately nine months and twenty days to complete, and the results were reported to David: "In Israel there were 800,000 valiant men who drew the sword, and in Judah 500,000" (2 Samuel 24:9). Divine Judgment The act of numbering the people was seen as a transgression against God, as it demonstrated a reliance on military strength rather than trust in the Lord. Consequently, God sent the prophet Gad to David with a message of judgment, offering him a choice of three punishments: three years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of plague. David chose to fall into the hands of the Lord, preferring divine mercy over human cruelty (2 Samuel 24:13-14). The Plague and David's Repentance The Lord sent a plague upon Israel, resulting in the death of 70,000 men. As the angel of the Lord was about to destroy Jerusalem, God relented and commanded the angel to stop. David, seeing the destruction, confessed his sin and pleaded with God to spare the people, saying, "I alone am guilty; I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let Your hand fall upon me and my father's house" (2 Samuel 24:17). The Altar on the Threshing Floor In response to David's repentance, Gad instructed him to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David purchased the site and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. The Lord accepted these offerings, and the plague was halted (2 Samuel 24:18-25). This site later became the location for Solomon's Temple, marking it as a place of significant spiritual importance. Theological Implications The census of Israel by David serves as a profound lesson on the importance of obedience to God and the dangers of pride and self-reliance. It underscores the necessity of repentance and the mercy of God, who is willing to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. The event also highlights the role of divine sovereignty, as God uses even human failings to accomplish His purposes and bring about His will. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 24:1-9And 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 1 Chronicles 21:1-8 1 Chronicles 27:24 Library The Census of Israel The Later Hebrew Histories. The Question at Issue The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus. Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ... Resources Why was God so angry at David for taking the census? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Luke's claim that Jesus was born in Bethlehem at the time of Quirinius' census match the historical record? | GotQuestions.org Why did God order a census in the book of Numbers? | GotQuestions.org Census: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |