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Learning to Trust the LORD - 2 Sam. 24
Learning to Trust the LORD - 2 Sam. 24
Our reading today covers the episode of David numbering Israel. The language used indicates he is not just finding the population of Israel, but rather is discovering how big his army is. Having gone thru the various rebellions of Absalom and Sheba, he seems to take stock of his military.
We see in our parallel reading that God allowed Satan to entice David to do this. This is a rather common situation of our text where what God allows in one passage is said to be His doing it. The problem is not so much the numbering itself but the thinking behind such numbering. What does it matter if the army is large or small? Jonathan had earlier said as he faced a much larger Philistine garrison: " “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few" (1Sam. 14:6).
David himself wrote: "Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God" (Psalm 20:6–7). Again, the Psalms state: "The king is not saved by a mighty army; A warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness," (Psalm 33:16–18).
As a punishment for this lapse of faith, David is given three choices of punishment. He cannot choose to have NO consequence, but is allowed to choose which.
1) Flee - to suffer at the discretion and hands of men.
2) Drought - to suffer at the discretion and hands of God.
3) Pestilence - again to suffer at the discretion and hands of God.
David wisely chooses to 'fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is great,"
As the pestilence strikes, we see that this is not just a natural event, but is accomplished by an angel of the Lord. Thus, God is in control over how severe, how long, and who is affected. God is moved by His care and mercy and ends the plague. Behold, the goodness and severity of God!
There are always consequences to our choices and attitudes. Trusting in God is the basis of our relationship with Him, but as it was with David, such trust if often tested. I am reminded of Peter's admonition to the saints that were undergoing severe persecution: "Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." (1 Peter 4:19). Where do you put your faith during difficult times? Hugh DeLong
