Wednesday Bible Study

David Takes a Census

Why it matters to read parallel passages & the full context.

Key Passages: 2 Samuel 24 & 1 Chronicles 21

Several differences in accounts, they complement and help us understand the story better.

READ: 2 Samuel 24:1 VS 1 Chronicles 21:1

What are the differences? What do they imply?

2 Key Initial questions that need to be answered:

• Why did God’s anger burn against Israel?
• Why was a census tempting for David?

TIMELINE: it is confusing!

READ: 2 Samuel 11: 1 and 1 Chronicles 20:1

• 2 Samuel 21-24 are not in chronological order, separate stories in chiastic form to make the case that David, while not perfect, is the ideal King.
• MASSIVE gap of time between 1 Chronicles 20:3 & verse 4 (15-16 years)
• The Chronicler (Ezra?) omits all of the David family drama and Bathsheba

Actual TIMELINE:

• 981 BC: War with the Ammonites and attack on the city of Rabbah
• 980 BC: David stays home and sins with Bathsheba during the siege of Rabbah
• 979 BC: David returns to battle to finish and plunder Rabbah
• 978-966 BC: Family drama, Absolom revolt, Sheba Revolt
• 965 BC: David is almost killed by the relatives of Goliath, but his men finish them off.
• 964 BC: David orders Joab to take a census.

1) Why did God’s anger burn against Israel? (Their rebellion against his anointed)

2) Why was a census tempting for David? (Was old, feeling weak, needed a confidence boost)

READ: 1 Chronicles 21: 2-7 & 2 Samuel 24: 9

• How do we explain the difference in numbers?

(800=mighty men. 300=recruits. 470k could be rounding)

• Why was this a SIN against God? READ: Exodus 30:11-16

Read: 2 Samuel 24:10

• What is different about David’s conviction here compared to Bathsheba?

(He realizes it himself VS prophet Nathan. David has grown, matured)

READ 1 Chronicles 21:9-13

• What are some differences from the Samuel account?

(More graphic on defeat by their enemies. THE Angel of the Lord is identified from the onset as the bringer of the plague.)

READ 1 Chronicles 21:14-17

• What does David’s choice reveal about his view of God?
• Who is “THE Angel of the Lord”? (Theophany or Christophany, definitive article differs it from other angels)

(Genesis 16:7-12; 21:17-18; 22:11-18; Exodus 3:2; Judges 2:1-4; 5:23; 6:11-24; 13:3-22; 2 Samuel 24:16; Zechariah 1:12; 3:1; 12:8)

• What is different or expanded upon regarding the Angel of the Lord’s actions? (“standing between heaven and earth”)
• How does David’s plea for mercy parallel the cross? (one man, a good shepherd, taking the judgment of many)

READ 1 Chronicles 21:18-28 & 2 Samuel 24:25

• Why was it important to David that his sacrifice COST him something?
• What is the significance of the Angel sheathing his sword?

 (The judgment could have resumed at any point, but now it is over)

• What is the significance of the Location where God halted his judgement?

(Mt Moriah, temple-the mercy seat, Abraham, & Melchizedek)

• What is the connection between Matthew 3:12 and where the Angel halts?
• How does this point to the cross and the future Judgement of Christ’s return?

Closing thought: When we realize our sin, let’s place ourselves fully at the mercy of God and set aside any justification for our actions.