The Book of 2 Samuel describes David’s reign as king over Israel. Since Israel first entered the Promised Land under Joshua, they had been struggling to unite the nation and drive out the wicked inhabitants. Now, after more than 400 years, Israel was finally at peace. David had accomplished what no leader before him, judge or king, had done. His administration was run on the principle of dedication to God and to the well-being of the people. Yet David also sinned. Despite his sins, however, the Bible calls David a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22) because when he sinned he recognized it and confessed his sins to God. David committed his life to God and remained loyal to him throughout his lifetime. In 2 Samuel 24 we have a story about King David towards the end of his reign. David decides, on his own, to take a census of the nation. This displeases the Lord who punishes the entire nation of Israel. Why? What was so wrong with taking a census of the people? Why would God punish an entire nation for David’s choice? This Sunday we will take a closer look at 2 Samuel 24 and David’s “Sinful Census”.
