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A Man After God’s Own Heart
This chapter is based on 2 Samuel 24; 1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 21;
28; 29.
Absalom’s overthrow did not bring peace at once. So much of
the nation had joined in revolt that David would not return to his
capital and take up the kingship again without an invitation from the
people. There was no prompt, firm action to return the king, and
when the tribe of Judah finally set about to bring David back, the
action stirred up the jealousy of the other tribes. A counterrevolution
followed, but it was quickly put down, and peace returned to Israel.
Dangers from power, riches, and worldly honor threaten the
soul. God had designed that David’s early life—with a shepherd’s
lessons of humility, patient toil, and tender care for his flocks; with
the scenes of nature in the solitude of the hills directing his thoughts
to the Creator; with the long discipline of his wilderness life—
would prepare him for the throne of Israel. And yet worldly success
and honor weakened the character of David so much that he was
overcome by the tempter.
David Falls Again to the Sin of Pride
Dealings with heathen peoples led to a desire to follow their
national customs and awakened ambition for worldly greatness. To
extend his conquests, David determined to increase his army by
requiring military service from all who were of proper age. To make
this happen, he needed to take a census of the population. Pride
and ambition prompted this action. The numbers would show the
contrast between the weakness of the kingdom when David came
to the throne and its strength and prosperity under his rule. The
Scripture says, “Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to
number Israel.” The prosperity of Israel under David had been due to
the blessing of God, but increasing the kingdom’s military resources
477