The LORD’s anger burned against Israel again, and He stirred up David against them to say, “Go, count the people of Israel and Judah.”
2 Samuel 24:1 HCSB
When it says, “the LORD stirred up David,” it sounds like God is tempting David. This is why Bible study is so important. I read that and thought, wait a minute. James 1:13 clearly states, “No one undergoing a trial should say, ‘I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone.”
So, is the Bible contradicting itself? No and to prove this point, let’s read 1 Chronicles 21:1 which talks about David taking this census. It says, “Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to count the people of Israel.”
James 1:14 says we are tempted when we are drawn away and enticed by our own evil desires. So, for some reason David wanted to take a census at a time when he shouldn’t have. Maybe it was due to pride. He wanted to just show this massive number of troops. Israel had 800,000 and Judah had 500,000. Maybe he wanted to show his military power. We don’t know why David wanted to take this census. We do know that his military commander, Joab questioned him about this in 2 Samuel 24:3, but David insisted that it be done.
It doesn’t even specifically say why the Lord was angry at Israel, but it could have been because a number of them followed Absalom when he revolted against his father, David. This is what some scholars suggest, but there is nothing in the Bible that tells us this specifically. Whatever the reason, the Lord gave David a choice of three punishments. David took the lesser of the 3 which was a 3-day plague, and this plague killed 70,000 people.
This year marks 10 years of trials and tribulations in our family. It seems that as soon as one trial ends, another starts. It’s always tempting to think, say, and do things you should not. It’s important to adhere to 2 Corinthians 10:15 which tells us to take our thoughts captive to be obedient to Christ. If we can do this, we can usually avoid saying and doing things we shouldn’t. I’ve learned to cling to Romans 8:28 which tells us all things work for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. And I’ve found it’s best to adhere to Psalm 46:10 and just be still and know that He is God.
I know the devil loves to destroy families. And I know that he especially despises families who serve the Lord. So, of course this includes church families.
If you are going through a very difficult time know that it might just be a test. It might be the Lord strengthening you; like a faith workout. It’s also important to realize, however, that our sin has consequences and sometimes we sin without even realizing it. So, maybe you need to have a talk with the Lord and ask Him to show you any error in your ways. Then study His word to find your answer.
Pray what David prayed in Psalms 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
If you are being tempted to do something you shouldn’t, this is not coming from God, but from the devil. And remember the devil can only tempt you as long and as far as God allows.
I would like to share several quotes I found in Warren Wiersbe’s commentary on the book of 1 Kings. “A crisis isn’t what makes a person, a crisis shows what a person is made of.” “What life does to you depends on what life finds in you.” And “The same sun that melts the ice hardens the clay.”
Turn to God, repent. Study His word to strengthen your faith and help you avoid the devil’s temptation. And remember 1 Peter 5:10, “Now, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.”
Have a great day!