Chapter 73—A Man After God’s Own Heart
This chapter is based on
2 Samuel 24
;
1 Kings 1
;
1 Chronicles 21
;
28
;
29
.
The overthrow of Absalom did not at once bring peace. So large
a part of the nation had joined in revolt that David would not return
to his capital and resume his authority without an invitation from the
tribes. There was no prompt and decided action to recall the king, and
when at last Judah undertook to bring back David, the jealousy of the
other tribes was roused. A counterrevolution followed. This, however,
was speedily quelled, and peace returned to Israel.
Dangers threaten the soul from power, riches, and worldly honor.
David’s early life as a shepherd, with its lessons of humility, patient
toil, and tender care for his flocks; communion with nature in the
solitude of the hills, directing his thoughts to the Creator; the long
discipline of his wilderness life, had been appointed by the Lord as
preparation for the throne of Israel. And yet worldly success and
honor so weakened the character of David that he was overcome by
the tempter.
David Falls Again to the Sin of Pride
Intercourse with heathen peoples led to a desire to follow their
national customs and kindled ambition for worldly greatness. With
a view to extending his conquests, David determined to increase his
army by requiring military service from all who were of proper age.
To effect this, it became necessary to take a census of the population.
Pride and ambition prompted this action. The numbering of the people
would show the contrast between the weakness of the kingdom when
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David ascended the throne and its strength and prosperity under his
rule. The Scripture says, “Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked
David to number Israel.” The prosperity of Israel under David had
been due to the blessing of God. But increasing the military resources
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