2 Samuel 24 Study Notes: David's Census and the Plague
With the LORD angry at Israel, David orders a count of its fighting men despite Joab's objection, then confesses his sin. Offered three judgments through the prophet Gad, he chooses God's hand over men's, and God halts the plague at Jerusalem; David buys Araunah's threshing floor and offers sacrifices there.
General
True or False: After the census was completed, David’s conscience troubled him and he confessed to the LORD that he had sinned greatly.
Answer: True
This is true. Once the troops had been counted, David’s heart struck him. He told the LORD that he had sinned greatly and acted very foolishly, and he begged God to take away his guilt (24:10). No prophet had yet confronted him; his own conscience did. Earlier he had confessed his sin after Nathan’s rebuke (12:13), and he writes elsewhere of confessing his sin and being forgiven (Psalm 32:5). God, being faithful and just, forgives those who confess their sins (1 John 1:9).
- 2 Samuel 24:10 (BSB)“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, I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.””After the count was finished, David’s conscience struck him and he confessed to the LORD.
- Psalm 32:5 (BSB)“Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah”David elsewhere describes confessing his sin and receiving God’s forgiveness.
- 1 John 1:9 (BSB)“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”God is faithful and just to forgive those who confess their sins.
- 2 Samuel 12:13 (BSB)“Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die.”David had made a similar confession after Nathan’s rebuke.
Theological
True or False: Once the census was complete, David’s conscience smote him and he confessed to the LORD that he had sinned greatly.
Answer: True
This is true. After the numbering, David’s heart struck him, and he confessed that he had sinned greatly and acted very foolishly, pleading with the LORD to take away his iniquity (24:10). The conviction came before any prophetic rebuke. It echoes his confession after Nathan’s word (12:13) and his testimony of forgiveness after confession (Psalm 32:5); God, faithful and just, forgives those who confess (1 John 1:9).
- 2 Samuel 24:10 (BSB)“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, I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.””After the count was finished, David’s conscience struck him and he confessed to the LORD.
- Psalm 32:5 (BSB)“Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah”David elsewhere describes confessing his sin and receiving God’s forgiveness.
- 1 John 1:9 (BSB)“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”God is faithful and just to forgive those who confess their sins.
- 2 Samuel 12:13 (BSB)“Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die.”David had made a similar confession after Nathan’s rebuke.
General
As the angel struck down the people, what did David ask of the LORD?
Answer: That God’s hand would fall on him and his family instead
Watching the angel bring death on the people, David confessed that he, the shepherd, was the one who had sinned and done wrong, while the people, his sheep, had done nothing. He asked God to let His hand fall on him and his father’s house instead (24:17; 1 Chronicles 21:17). Like Moses, who offered himself for guilty Israel (Exodus 32:32), David stood between the people and judgment. Many Christians have seen here a faint picture of Jesus, the good shepherd who gives up His own life for His flock (John 10:11) — though David was himself the guilty one, while Christ was sinless and bore the sins of others.
- 2 Samuel 24:17 (BSB)“When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.””Seeing the angel strike the people, David asks God to let the punishment fall on him and his family instead.
- 1 Chronicles 21:17 (BSB)“And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave the order to count the people? I am the one who has sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? O LORD my God, please let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house, but do not let this plague remain upon Your people.””The parallel account records the same plea for God’s hand to fall on David and spare the people.
- Exodus 32:32 (BSB)“Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.””Moses also offered himself on behalf of guilty Israel.
- John 10:11 (BSB)“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”Jesus, the good shepherd, lays down His life for the sheep.
Theological
What did David ask of the LORD as the angel struck down the people (2 Samuel 24:17)?
Answer: That God’s hand would fall on him and his family instead
David confessed that he, the shepherd, had sinned and done wickedly, while the sheep had done nothing, and asked that God’s hand fall on him and his father’s house instead (24:17; 1 Chronicles 21:17). Like Moses offering himself for Israel (Exodus 32:32), he interposed himself between the people and judgment. Many Christians have seen here a faint picture of the good shepherd who gives up His own life for His flock (John 10:11) — though David was himself the guilty party, whereas the sinless Christ bore the sins of others.
- 2 Samuel 24:17 (BSB)“When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.””Seeing the angel strike the people, David asks God to let the punishment fall on him and his family instead.
- 1 Chronicles 21:17 (BSB)“And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave the order to count the people? I am the one who has sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? O LORD my God, please let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house, but do not let this plague remain upon Your people.””The parallel account records the same plea for God’s hand to fall on David and spare the people.
- Exodus 32:32 (BSB)“Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.””Moses also offered himself on behalf of guilty Israel.
- John 10:11 (BSB)“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”Jesus, the good shepherd, lays down His life for the sheep.
General
What reason did David give for choosing to fall into the LORD’s hand rather than into human hands?
Answer: He trusted that the LORD’s mercies are great
David was deeply distressed, but he asked to be placed in the LORD’s hand rather than in human hands, because God’s mercies are great (24:14). Even while facing God’s judgment, he trusted God’s character more than he trusted any human enemy. Scripture often praises this mercy: it is because of the LORD’s loving devotion that His people are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22-23), and He is full of compassion and grace and slow to become angry (Psalm 103:8), with a father’s tenderness toward all who revere Him (Psalm 103:13-14).
- 2 Samuel 24:14 (BSB)“David answered Gad, “I am deeply distressed. Please, let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.””David chooses to fall into the LORD’s hand rather than the hands of men, because God’s mercies are great.
- Lamentations 3:22-23 (BSB)“Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!”The LORD’s mercies never fail, which is why His people are not consumed.
- Psalm 103:8 (BSB)“The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.”The LORD is compassionate, gracious, and slow to anger.
- Psalm 103:13-14 (BSB)“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.”The LORD has a father’s compassion on those who fear Him.
Theological
On what ground did David choose the LORD’s hand rather than human hands (2 Samuel 24:14)?
Answer: He trusted that the LORD’s mercies are great
In his distress David chose to fall into the LORD’s hand rather than men’s, because God’s mercies are great (24:14) — preferring God’s judgment, tempered by His compassion, to the hands of human enemies. His confidence rests on God’s revealed character: His compassion does not run out (Lamentations 3:22-23), He is full of compassion and grace and slow to become angry (Psalm 103:8), and He shows a father’s tenderness to all who revere Him (Psalm 103:13-14).
- 2 Samuel 24:14 (BSB)“David answered Gad, “I am deeply distressed. Please, let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.””David chooses to fall into the LORD’s hand rather than the hands of men, because God’s mercies are great.
- Lamentations 3:22-23 (BSB)“Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!”The LORD’s mercies never fail, which is why His people are not consumed.
- Psalm 103:8 (BSB)“The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.”The LORD is compassionate, gracious, and slow to anger.
- Psalm 103:13-14 (BSB)“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.”The LORD has a father’s compassion on those who fear Him.
General
Which three judgments did Gad the prophet set before David to choose from (2 Samuel 24:13)?
Answer: Famine for three years, flight from foes for three months, or plague for three days
The next morning the LORD gave a message to the prophet Gad, who served as David’s seer (a prophet who receives messages from God). Gad told David to choose one of three judgments: famine in the land for three years, flight before his foes for three months, or a deadly disease on the land for three days (24:11-13). The parallel account lists the same three (1 Chronicles 21:12). Even in judgment, God sets the terms; He alone brings death and life (Deuteronomy 32:39).
- 2 Samuel 24:12-13 (BSB)““Go and tell David that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am offering you three options. Choose one of them, and I will carry it out against you.’” So Gad went and said to David, “Do you choose to endure three years of famine in your land, three months of fleeing the pursuit of your enemies, or three days of plague upon your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.””Through Gad, God sets three possible judgments before David and tells him to choose.
- 1 Chronicles 21:12 (BSB)“between three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies and overtaken by their swords, or three days of the sword of the LORD—days of plague upon the land, with the angel of the LORD ravaging every part of Israel.’ Now then, decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.””The parallel account lists the same three kinds of judgment.
- Deuteronomy 32:39 (BSB)“See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.”God alone brings death and life, wounding and healing.
Theological
What three options did Gad set before David in 2 Samuel 24:13?
Answer: Famine for three years, flight from foes for three months, or plague for three days
Gad, David’s seer, brought the LORD’s message offering three judgments: famine for three years, flight before his foes for three months, or plague for three days (24:11-13), the same options listed in the parallel account (1 Chronicles 21:12). The LORD sets the terms of His own judgment; He alone kills and makes alive (Deuteronomy 32:39).
- 2 Samuel 24:12-13 (BSB)““Go and tell David that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am offering you three options. Choose one of them, and I will carry it out against you.’” So Gad went and said to David, “Do you choose to endure three years of famine in your land, three months of fleeing the pursuit of your enemies, or three days of plague upon your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.””Through Gad, God sets three possible judgments before David and tells him to choose.
- 1 Chronicles 21:12 (BSB)“between three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies and overtaken by their swords, or three days of the sword of the LORD—days of plague upon the land, with the angel of the LORD ravaging every part of Israel.’ Now then, decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.””The parallel account lists the same three kinds of judgment.
- Deuteronomy 32:39 (BSB)“See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.”God alone brings death and life, wounding and healing.
General
Putting 2 Samuel 24:1, 24:10 and 1 Chronicles 21:1 together, which statement best fits what Scripture teaches about the census?
Answer: God ruled the event and Satan acted, yet David was truly guilty and God tempted no one
Scripture holds several truths together here. God was in control: In His anger against Israel He moved David to act (24:1). Satan was also at work, provoking David (1 Chronicles 21:1). Yet David was fully responsible, and he confessed that he had sinned greatly and acted very foolishly (24:10). God is never the author of sin and never tempts anyone to do evil (James 1:13). Elsewhere Scripture shows the same pattern: Joseph’s brothers meant evil but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20), and those who conspired against Jesus carried out what God had decided beforehand (Acts 4:27-28).
- 2 Samuel 24:10 (BSB)“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, I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.””David himself confesses that the census was a great sin and folly.
- 1 Chronicles 21:1 (BSB)“Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.”Satan’s role in the same event is stated in the parallel account.
- James 1:13 (BSB)“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.”God is never tempted by evil and never tempts anyone to sin.
- Genesis 50:20 (BSB)“As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.”Joseph’s brothers meant evil, while God meant the same events for good.
- Acts 4:27-28 (BSB)“In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.”Herod, Pilate, and others conspired against Jesus, yet did what God’s hand and will had decided beforehand.
Theological
How do 2 Samuel 24:1, 24:10 and 1 Chronicles 21:1 together present the relation between God’s rule, Satan’s work, and David’s guilt?
Answer: God ruled the event and Satan acted, yet David was truly guilty and God tempted no one
The texts affirm God’s sovereignty, Satan’s agency, and David’s full responsibility together. The LORD stirred David up in His anger against Israel (24:1); Satan incited him with hostile intent (1 Chronicles 21:1); and David owned the act as his own great sin and folly (24:10). God is never the moral author of evil and tempts no one (James 1:13). The same pattern appears in Joseph’s brothers, whose evil intent God meant for good (Genesis 50:20), and in the crucifixion, where those who conspired against Jesus did what God’s hand had decided beforehand (Acts 4:27-28).
- 2 Samuel 24:10 (BSB)“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, I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.””David himself confesses that the census was a great sin and folly.
- 1 Chronicles 21:1 (BSB)“Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.”Satan’s role in the same event is stated in the parallel account.
- James 1:13 (BSB)“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.”God is never tempted by evil and never tempts anyone to sin.
- Genesis 50:20 (BSB)“As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.”Joseph’s brothers meant evil, while God meant the same events for good.
- Acts 4:27-28 (BSB)“In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.”Herod, Pilate, and others conspired against Jesus, yet did what God’s hand and will had decided beforehand.
General
How did Joab respond when David ordered him to count the troops?
Answer: He questioned why the king wanted this, but the king’s order won out
Joab answered with a wish that the LORD would make the army a hundred times larger, and then asked why the king would want this (24:3). Even Joab, the army’s commander, questioned the order. But David’s command overruled Joab and the army’s officers, so they went out to take the census (24:4; 1 Chronicles 21:4). After 9 months and 20 days of travel through the land, Joab reported 800,000 fighting men in Israel and 500,000 in Judah (24:8-9). In the parallel account Joab also asks why the king would make Israel guilty (1 Chronicles 21:3).
- 2 Samuel 24:3 (BSB)“But Joab replied to the king, “May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?””Joab prays for the army to grow a hundredfold but asks why the king would want to do this.
- 2 Samuel 24:4 (BSB)“Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab and against the commanders of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army departed from the presence of the king to register the troops of Israel.”David’s command overrules Joab and the army commanders.
- 1 Chronicles 21:3 (BSB)“But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?””Chronicles records Joab asking why the king would bring guilt on Israel.
- 1 Chronicles 21:4 (BSB)“Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and traveled throughout Israel, and then he returned to Jerusalem.”The parallel account also says the king’s command overruled Joab’s objection.
Theological
What was Joab’s response to David’s order to number the troops (2 Samuel 24:3-4)?
Answer: He questioned why the king wanted this, but the king’s order won out
Joab prayed that the LORD would increase the army a hundredfold and then questioned why the king desired it (24:3); the parallel account adds his question of why the king would make Israel guilty (1 Chronicles 21:3). Yet the royal order overruled Joab and the army’s officers, and the census went ahead (24:4; 1 Chronicles 21:4). After 9 months and 20 days Joab returned and reported 800,000 fighting men in Israel and 500,000 in Judah (24:8-9).
- 2 Samuel 24:3 (BSB)“But Joab replied to the king, “May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?””Joab prays for the army to grow a hundredfold but asks why the king would want to do this.
- 2 Samuel 24:4 (BSB)“Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab and against the commanders of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army departed from the presence of the king to register the troops of Israel.”David’s command overrules Joab and the army commanders.
- 1 Chronicles 21:3 (BSB)“But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?””Chronicles records Joab asking why the king would bring guilt on Israel.
- 1 Chronicles 21:4 (BSB)“Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and traveled throughout Israel, and then he returned to Jerusalem.”The parallel account also says the king’s command overruled Joab’s objection.
General
What happened when the destroying angel reached toward Jerusalem?
Answer: The LORD relented and told the angel to stop and pull back
God struck Israel with a deadly disease, and seventy thousand people died throughout the land, from north to south (24:15). Then, as the angel reached toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD turned back from the disaster and told the angel to stop and pull back. At that moment the angel was at the threshing floor (a flat place for separating grain) belonging to Araunah, a Jebusite (24:16). The judgment was real and severe, yet God Himself stopped it (1 Chronicles 21:15), as He had turned from calamity before (Exodus 32:14). He is slow to anger and full of loving devotion (Psalm 103:8).
- 2 Samuel 24:15-16 (BSB)“So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel from that morning until the appointed time, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.”The plague strikes Israel, and the LORD halts the angel at Jerusalem by Araunah’s threshing floor.
- 1 Chronicles 21:15 (BSB)“Then God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem, but as the angel was doing so, the LORD saw it and relented from the calamity, and He said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.”The parallel account also records the LORD halting the angel as it was about to destroy Jerusalem.
- Exodus 32:14 (BSB)“So the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened to bring on His people.”At Sinai the LORD also relented from the calamity He had threatened against His people.
- Psalm 103:8 (BSB)“The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.”The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.
Theological
What took place when the destroying angel reached toward Jerusalem (2 Samuel 24:16)?
Answer: The LORD relented and told the angel to stop and pull back
The plague took seventy thousand lives across the land (24:15), yet when the angel reached toward Jerusalem, the LORD turned back from the disaster and commanded the angel to stop and pull back, while the angel stood at the threshing floor belonging to Araunah, a Jebusite (24:16; cf. 1 Chronicles 21:15). The judgment was severe and real, and its limit was set by God’s own mercy, as at Sinai (Exodus 32:14); He is slow to anger and rich in loving devotion (Psalm 103:8).
- 2 Samuel 24:15-16 (BSB)“So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel from that morning until the appointed time, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.”The plague strikes Israel, and the LORD halts the angel at Jerusalem by Araunah’s threshing floor.
- 1 Chronicles 21:15 (BSB)“Then God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem, but as the angel was doing so, the LORD saw it and relented from the calamity, and He said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.”The parallel account also records the LORD halting the angel as it was about to destroy Jerusalem.
- Exodus 32:14 (BSB)“So the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened to bring on His people.”At Sinai the LORD also relented from the calamity He had threatened against His people.
- Psalm 103:8 (BSB)“The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.”The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.
General
According to 2 Samuel 24:1, what lay behind David’s decision to number Israel’s and Judah’s fighting men?
Answer: The LORD, angry with Israel, stirred David up against them
The chapter opens by saying that the LORD’s anger burned against Israel again, and that He moved David to act against them by ordering a census, a count of the people (24:1). The parallel account in Chronicles says that Satan opposed Israel and provoked David to do it (1 Chronicles 21:1). Both statements stand together. Satan set himself against Israel, yet the LORD ruled over the whole event: a king’s heart is in the LORD’s hand (Proverbs 21:1), and Satan can act only as far as God allows, as when the LORD set the limits of what Satan could do to Job (Job 1:12). Yet God tempts no one to sin (James 1:13), and David owned the census as his own great sin (24:10). The text does not say what Israel’s sin was that provoked God’s anger.
- 2 Samuel 24:1 (BSB)“Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.””The chapter opens with the LORD’s anger against Israel and His stirring up of David to count the people.
- 1 Chronicles 21:1 (BSB)“Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.”The parallel account says that Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take the census.
- Proverbs 21:1 (BSB)“The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.”A king’s heart is in the LORD’s hand, and He directs it where He pleases.
- Job 1:12 (BSB)““Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “Everything he has is in your hands, but you must not lay a hand on the man himself.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.”The LORD gives Satan leave to touch Job’s possessions but forbids him to harm Job himself.
- James 1:13 (BSB)“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.”God cannot be tempted by evil, and He tempts no one.
Theological
What does 2 Samuel 24:1 give as the background to David’s census?
Answer: The LORD, angry with Israel, stirred David up against them
The narrator states that the LORD’s anger burned against Israel again and that He stirred David up against them to number Israel and Judah (24:1). The Chronicler, describing the same event, says that Satan opposed Israel and moved David to act (1 Chronicles 21:1). Both are true at once: Satan acted in hostility toward Israel, yet the LORD remained sovereign over the whole event, since He directs a king’s heart as He pleases (Proverbs 21:1), and Satan can go only as far as God permits, as the limits set on his attack on Job show (Job 1:12). God Himself tempts no one (James 1:13), and David confessed the act as his own great sin (24:10). The text does not specify the sin that provoked God’s anger against Israel.
- 2 Samuel 24:1 (BSB)“Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.””The chapter opens with the LORD’s anger against Israel and His stirring up of David to count the people.
- 1 Chronicles 21:1 (BSB)“Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.”The parallel account says that Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take the census.
- Proverbs 21:1 (BSB)“The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.”A king’s heart is in the LORD’s hand, and He directs it where He pleases.
- Job 1:12 (BSB)““Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “Everything he has is in your hands, but you must not lay a hand on the man himself.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.”The LORD gives Satan leave to touch Job’s possessions but forbids him to harm Job himself.
- James 1:13 (BSB)“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.”God cannot be tempted by evil, and He tempts no one.
General
When Araunah offered David the oxen and wood for the sacrifice as a gift, how did David respond?
Answer: He insisted on paying, refusing to give the LORD a costless offering
At God’s command through Gad, David went up to build an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor (24:18-19). Araunah bowed before the king and told him to take whatever he wanted as a gift: the oxen to sacrifice as a burnt offering (a sacrifice wholly burned on the altar), and the sledges and yokes for wood. David refused; he insisted on paying, because he would not offer the LORD burnt offerings that had cost him nothing, and he paid 50 silver shekels for the site and the animals (24:24). Worship that costs nothing is not a true gift. God later rebuked Israel for offering Him blind, lame, and sick animals (Malachi 1:8), and believers are called to offer their whole selves to God (Romans 12:1).
- 2 Samuel 24:18-19 (BSB)“And that day Gad came to David and said to him, “Go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” So David went up at the word of Gad, just as the LORD had commanded.”Gad tells David to build an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor, and David obeys.
- 2 Samuel 24:24 (BSB)““No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”David insists on paying for the threshing floor and the oxen.
- 1 Chronicles 21:24 (BSB)““No,” replied King David, “I insist on paying the full price, for I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you, nor will I offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.””The parallel account records David’s same refusal to offer what cost him nothing.
- Malachi 1:8 (BSB)“When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts.”God rebukes those who offer Him blind, lame, and sick animals.
- Romans 12:1 (BSB)“Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”Believers are urged to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God.
Theological
How did David answer Araunah’s offer to give him the sacrificial animals and wood without charge (2 Samuel 24:24)?
Answer: He insisted on paying, refusing to give the LORD a costless offering
Sent by Gad to build an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor (24:18-19), David was offered whatever he wished as a free gift, including the oxen for burnt offerings and the implements for wood. He refused, insisting on paying, since he would not offer the LORD sacrifices costing him nothing, and paid 50 silver shekels for the site and the animals (24:24; cf. 1 Chronicles 21:24). True sacrifice is costly to the worshiper; God rebuked Israel for offering Him blind, lame, and sick animals (Malachi 1:8), and believers are called to present themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
- 2 Samuel 24:18-19 (BSB)“And that day Gad came to David and said to him, “Go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” So David went up at the word of Gad, just as the LORD had commanded.”Gad tells David to build an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor, and David obeys.
- 2 Samuel 24:24 (BSB)““No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”David insists on paying for the threshing floor and the oxen.
- 1 Chronicles 21:24 (BSB)““No,” replied King David, “I insist on paying the full price, for I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you, nor will I offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.””The parallel account records David’s same refusal to offer what cost him nothing.
- Malachi 1:8 (BSB)“When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts.”God rebukes those who offer Him blind, lame, and sick animals.
- Romans 12:1 (BSB)“Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”Believers are urged to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God.
General
True or False: After David built the altar and offered sacrifices, the LORD heard the pleas made for the land and ended the plague; Chronicles later says the temple was built on this same threshing floor.
Answer: True
This is true. David built an altar at the site and sacrificed burnt and peace offerings there, and the LORD heard the pleas made for the land and ended the plague (24:25). The book of Samuel ends with sin, judgment, sacrifice, and God’s mercy. Chronicles, which calls Araunah by the name Ornan, adds that David declared this to be the place for the LORD’s house (1 Chronicles 22:1), and that Solomon later built the temple on the site David had prepared at that threshing floor (2 Chronicles 3:1). The place where judgment stopped became the place of Israel’s sacrifices for generations.
- 2 Samuel 24:25 (BSB)“And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then the LORD answered the prayers on behalf of the land, and the plague upon Israel was halted.”David builds the altar and offers sacrifices, and the LORD answers and stops the plague.
- 1 Chronicles 22:1 (BSB)“Then David said, “Here shall be the house of the LORD God, as well as the altar of burnt offering for Israel.””In the parallel account David then declares that the house of the LORD will stand at this place.
- 2 Chronicles 3:1 (BSB)“Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David. This was the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.”Solomon built the temple on the site David had prepared at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
Theological
True or False: After David’s sacrifices, the LORD heard the pleas made for the land and ended the plague, and Chronicles locates the later temple on this same threshing floor.
Answer: True
This is true. David built the altar and sacrificed burnt and peace offerings, and the LORD heard the pleas made on the land’s behalf, ending the plague (24:25), closing the book on a note of atonement and mercy. Chronicles, which names Araunah as Ornan, records David’s declaration that the LORD’s house would stand there (1 Chronicles 22:1) and states that Solomon built the temple on the site David had prepared at that threshing floor (2 Chronicles 3:1). The place where judgment was stayed became the center of Israel’s sacrificial worship.
- 2 Samuel 24:25 (BSB)“And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then the LORD answered the prayers on behalf of the land, and the plague upon Israel was halted.”David builds the altar and offers sacrifices, and the LORD answers and stops the plague.
- 1 Chronicles 22:1 (BSB)“Then David said, “Here shall be the house of the LORD God, as well as the altar of burnt offering for Israel.””In the parallel account David then declares that the house of the LORD will stand at this place.
- 2 Chronicles 3:1 (BSB)“Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David. This was the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.”Solomon built the temple on the site David had prepared at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.