Why did God punish David?

God punished King David because David held a census. David wanted the census to see how many fighting men he had available. This showed David’s lack of faith in God to protect Israel, and it was because of this that God caused a plague to be visited in the land.

What does the Bible say about the census?

In Numbers, the fourth book of the Hebrew Bible, God requested a census of the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness (Numbers 1:2; 26:2). From the name “Numbers” alone, it’s clear the counting of the people was an important part of the narrative.

What was the purpose of a census in the Bible?

Censuses in the Old Testament. The census lists of the Old Testament represent genuine sources, though colored and interpreted by later redactors according to the latter’s understanding and aims. In its historical origin the census served the purpose of ascertaining the military strength of the tribes.

What is the purpose of having a census?

Decennial Census The census tells us who we are and where we are going as a nation, and helps our communities determine where to build everything from schools to supermarkets, and from homes to hospitals. It helps the government decide how to distribute funds and assistance to states and localities.

What are three qualities of David?

David is a strong but unassuming shepherd who becomes God’s choice to replace Saul as king of Israel. He is humble yet self-possessed, readily dismissing human opinion. His humility becomes clear early in his youth, when he kills the giant Goliath with a sling stone, declining the opportunity to use Saul’s royal armor.

How did God handle David’s sinful census?

God allowed Satan to tempt him, and David sinned, revealing his pride, and God then dealt with David accordingly. There are other considerations concerning the passages relating David’s sinful census. Here is 2 Samuel 24:1 in four translations: “Again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them . . .” (NIV).

Why did David Sin by trying to number his people?

These are not David’s people to number, they are God’s people. Since counting hints at accomplishment and control, David sins in trying to know a number that is none of his business, a number that is for God alone to know. For God numbers the people and calls them by name ( cf Gen 15:15).

What caused David to take the census of Israel?

The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 21 says, “Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.” The record in Chronicles places this right after a great victory over the Philistines, so the sin was probably related to a problem with pride and self-reliance.

What does the Bible say about counting the census?

Since counting hints at accomplishment and control, David sins in trying to know a number that is none of his business, a number that is for God alone to know. For God numbers the people and calls them by name ( cf Gen 15:15). A final area of sinfulness surrounds the manner in which a census can be and often is an oppressive tool of government.