King David's Sin of Taking a Census 510-2 - 16 - 6

The taking of a national census is appropriate when God orders it. The operative word is that God ordered it, two examples include:

"Exodus 30:11-16. The Redemption Money (30:11-16)

God ordered every male Israelite twenty years old and above to pay half a shekel as a ransom for himself. This payment, the same for rich and poor, was levied whenever there was a census and was used to finance the service of the tabernacle. It guaranteed protection against plague (v. 12). At the outset it was used to make silver sockets to support the boards of the tabernacle. Silver speaks of redemption, which is the foundation of our faith. Redemption is needed by all and is available to all on the same terms.

Numbers 1:2, 3 The people of Israel were soon to begin their journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. It was essential that they be arranged as orderly marching armies, and for this purpose God commanded that a census should be taken. The census would include all men twenty years old and above—all who were able to go to war."

[Believer's Bible Commentary]

King David was not without fault and committed sins both of the flash and pride. The sin of pride in taking a census was not without consequences for his people. David’s immediate purpose likely was to assess his military strength, also, one of pride. The census suggested that King David was relying more on military capabilities than on God’s power. Not only was David taking pride in the numbers, he was trusting numbers instead of trusting God.

After the census was finished, King David was convicted of his sin and he cried out to God for forgiveness. God sent the prophet Gad to him, offering any one of three punishments:

1. Seven years of famine in the land

2. Three months of pursuit by his enemies

3. Three days of pestilence or plague.

King David chose the third punishment so as "to fall into the hand of the LORD, and not into man's."

Earlier examples of men of God having faith in His provision include:

Judges 7:5-6, "5 So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink." 6 And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water."

God reduced Gideon’s force to 300 men. Gideon had faith and the victory was his.

In 1 Samuel 14 Jonathan slipped away with his Armor bearer to attack the Philistines. Jonathan had faith in God to provide a great victory. 1 Samuel 14:6, "And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few."

Jonathan’s action resulted in a great victory. Meanwhile his father, King Saul, made a foolish vow that almost cost Jonathan his life. No good deed ever goes unpunished? However, King Saul’s men protected Jonathan.