Topical Encyclopedia The account of the plague that struck the Israelites due to King David's sin is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, illustrating the consequences of disobedience to God and the importance of repentance and atonement. This event is detailed in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21.Context and Sin of David The narrative begins with King David's decision to conduct a census of Israel and Judah. This act, seemingly administrative, was considered sinful because it demonstrated a reliance on military strength and human resources rather than trust in God's providence and protection. The text in 2 Samuel 24:1 states, "Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He incited David against them, saying, 'Go, take a census of Israel and Judah.'" In 1 Chronicles 21:1, it is noted, "Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel." Divine Judgment and Plague Upon completion of the census, David's conscience was stricken, and he recognized his sin. He confessed to God, saying, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly" (2 Samuel 24:10). In response, God sent the prophet Gad to offer David a choice of three punishments: three years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of plague. David chose the plague, expressing his preference to fall into the hands of the merciful God rather than human enemies (2 Samuel 24:14). The LORD then sent a plague upon Israel, resulting in the death of 70,000 men from Dan to Beersheba (2 Samuel 24:15). The angel of the LORD was sent to destroy Jerusalem, but God relented from the calamity and commanded the angel to stop at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite (2 Samuel 24:16). David's Repentance and Atonement Recognizing the severity of the plague and his responsibility, David interceded for the people, pleading with God to let the punishment fall upon him and his family instead of the innocent Israelites (2 Samuel 24:17). Following God's instruction through Gad, David built an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. The LORD was moved by David's repentance and sacrifice, and the plague was halted (2 Samuel 24:25). Theological Implications This event underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of obedience to God's commands. It highlights the role of leadership and the far-reaching impact of a leader's actions on the people they govern. Furthermore, it demonstrates God's justice in punishing sin, His mercy in providing a means of atonement, and His readiness to forgive those who earnestly repent. The narrative also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who atones for the sins of humanity, offering reconciliation with God. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 24:10-25And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said to the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech you, O LORD, take away the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly. Nave's Topical Index Library The Prophet Hosea. Interpretation of Prophecy. The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ... Letter Lii. To Nepotian. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus A Discourse Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: A Treatise of the Fear of God; The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Resources What is the cause of the recent plague of child molestation incidents? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt? | GotQuestions.org Is there extra-biblical evidence of the ten plagues in Egypt? | GotQuestions.org Plague: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Plague of Boils and Open Sores Plague: As a Judgment on the Egyptians Plague: Death of the Firstborn Plague: Denounced As a Judgment Plague: On the Israelites for the Sin of Peor Plague: On the Israelites of Serpents Plague: On the Israelites: After Complaining About the Destruction of Korah and his Family Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat Plague: On the Israelites: After Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Plague: On the Israelites: On Account of David's Sin The Plague or Pestilence was Attributed to a Destroying Angel The Plague or Pestilence: Described As Noisome The Plague or Pestilence: Desolating Effects of The Plague or Pestilence: Egypt often Afflicted With The Plague or Pestilence: Equally Fatal Day and Night The Plague or Pestilence: Fatal to Man and Beast The Plague or Pestilence: God's Judgments Upon the Apostasy The Plague or Pestilence: Inflicted by God The Plague or Pestilence: Israel Threatened With, As a Punishment for Disobedience The Plague or Pestilence: Often Broke out Suddenly The Plague or Pestilence: Often Followed War and Famine The Plague or Pestilence: One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Plague or Pestilence: Predicted to Happen Before Destruction of Jerusalem The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: David's Subjects for his Numbering the People The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Despising Manna The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Making Golden Calf The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Murmuring at Destruction of Korah The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Worshipping Baal-Peor The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: The Egyptians The Plague or Pestilence: Specially Fatal in Cities The Plague or Pestilence: The Diseased State of Man's Heart The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer Related Terms |
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