Did you wonder why David had fallen into disobedience again?

Chapter 21 records a critical error in decision that would impact the whole nation of Israel. This was a disobedience because of a principle stated in Exodus 30:12, “When you take the census of the people of Israel, then each shall give a ransom for his life to the Lord when you number them, that there be no plague among them when you number them,” which talks about God’s ownership of His people. Only when God commands a census will His people be allowed to do so, and a ransom for his life should be given to “atone” for the counting. But God did not command so. And David’s actions suggest a tribute to his own strength and power, rather than a testimony to God as the true warrior of Israel and builder of Israel’s army.

Therefore, God was displeased with the census David had commanded and struck Israel (verse 7), and sent the prophet, Gad, in response to David’s initial prayer of repentance (verse 8). Gad offered David three possible punishments and David opted for the punishment of shortest duration and the one most directly controlled by God. However, it was only when David witnessed the destruction to Israel, that he began to be fully aware of the depth of his sin and the horrific consequences of his choice of punishment.

As a mediation to God’s wrath, David paid the full cost to build an altar at a significant place, a place where Solomon will build the temple on, a place that God had chosen. David’s prayer for God’s mercy was answered by God with fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering. While it was David’s act of repentance, it was only in God’s mercy and grace, that he was forgiven and allowed to buy the land in which God was to be worshipped.

Was there a time when you were tempted to do something that you should not be. Even in times of obedience, you may be tempted to sin, you may be tempted to turn away because of pain and suffering. When we succumb to our temptations and sin in disobedience, there will be punishment. We are without excuse before God in our sin. When we disobey God, it is necessary to discipline us. However, in God’s mercy and grace, He does not condemn us when we repent of our sins. God freely pardons sinners because He is gracious and compassionate and slow to anger. In God’s mercy and grace, we are able to return in humble submission to worship Him.

Our God cannot accept sin because He is a holy God. However, He, too, is a God of love, grace, and mercy, ready to forgive and accept us when we are ready to turn back to Him. Will you be willing to live a life of obedience to God because you love him? Jesus challenges his own disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15). Will you love God, obey Him, and worship Him all the days of your life?

Prayer : Dear God, thank you that in Your grace and mercy that I may be able to worship You. Help me to love you deeply and to live a life of obedience to you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.