Topical Bible: Temptation: Yielding to To Count the Nation of Israel

◄ Temptation: Yielding to To Count the Nation of Israel ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The act of yielding to the temptation to count the nation of Israel is a significant event in the biblical narrative, primarily associated with King David. This event is recorded in two main passages: 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. The act of conducting a census, in this context, was not merely an administrative task but was seen as an expression of pride and reliance on human strength rather than trust in God.

Biblical Account

In 2 Samuel 24:1, the narrative begins with the anger of the LORD burning against Israel, prompting David to conduct a census: "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 passage suggests divine sovereignty in allowing David to be tempted, yet it is David's decision to proceed with the census that is highlighted.

1 Chronicles 21:1 provides another perspective, attributing the incitement to Satan: "Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel." This dual attribution underscores the complexity of temptation, where both divine permission and satanic influence are at play.

Motivation and Sin

The underlying sin in David's action was not the census itself but the motivation behind it. Conducting a census was not inherently wrong, as seen in the Book of Numbers, where God commands Moses to number the people. However, David's census was driven by pride and a desire to measure his military strength, reflecting a shift in trust from God to human resources. Joab, the commander of the army, recognized the folly in this action and questioned David's decision in 1 Chronicles 21:3: "But Joab replied, 'May the LORD multiply His troops a hundredfold. My lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?'"

Consequences

The consequences of yielding to this temptation were severe. Upon completion of the census, David's conscience was stricken, and he recognized his sin, as recorded in 2 Samuel 24:10: "After David had numbered the troops, his conscience was stricken, and he said to the LORD, '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.'"

God offered David 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, resulting in a devastating plague that claimed the lives of 70,000 men (2 Samuel 24:13-15).

Theological Implications

This event highlights several theological themes. First, it underscores the seriousness of pride and self-reliance, which can lead to actions that dishonor God. Second, it illustrates the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God permitted the temptation, David was accountable for his decision. Third, it demonstrates God's justice and mercy. Despite the severe punishment, God relented and stopped the plague in response to David's repentance and intercession (2 Samuel 24:16-17).

Lessons for Believers

For believers, the account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of trusting in God's provision and strength. It also emphasizes the need for repentance and the assurance of God's mercy when we turn back to Him. The narrative encourages believers to seek God's guidance and to rely on His wisdom rather than their own understanding.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 21:1
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Epistle of St. James
... it is implied, enjoyment) in yielding to temptation ... was specially liable to this
temptation that James ... idolatry was called adultery,' the nation being regarded ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... Yahveh's will on public affairs, especially on the government of the nation. ... ignored
the actualities, and helped to precipitate Judah and Israel into hopeless ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... and the vast territories of Australia, are yielding their increase ... 'The Lord shall
count when he ... her beginning and duration of distress and temptation (Isaiah 27 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ...
... That God did inevitably decree the temptation and fall ... concerning his promise, as
some men count slackness, but ... yea and the capacity of yielding thereunto, and ...
/.../proposition vi according to which.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... and temple; within its walls the Israel of God ... is the fabric of God's house, yielding
admirable delight ... Sin enervated the nation which should have protected it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... of the church of God; and so I count it here ... the which is the fruit of a tree yielding
seed; to ... sayings of the ancients, occasioned by the temptation of that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... of the Church was a natural temptation in view ... more ignorant and women, credulous
and yielding on account ... enslaved together with his own special nation to the ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... no purpose (Romans 9:16). Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness,
have not obtained it (v 30). Here, I do not understand ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... is not the root, but rather the temptation unto wickedness ... walk in, this day as holy,
and count it honourable ... Here is, as the apostle says, a yielding of 'members ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm