_Go, number Israel and Judah._ DAVID NUMBERING THE PEOPLE I. The sin committed by David. It is possible that David dwelt with satisfaction upon the thought of his ample resources and numerous armies, and calculated that he was possessed of a power to repel aggression, and attempt fresh conquests. H... [ Continue Reading ]
_And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people._ DAVID’S CONFESSION I. David’s confession--“And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done.” It is an unreserved confession. There are no excuses made by him for the sin he has committed. If we would confe... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me._ CHRISTIANS EXHORTED TO CONSIDER WHAT ANSWER THEIR MINISTERS WILL HAVE TO RETURN TO GOD CONCERNING THEM I. Christian ministers are the messengers of God, and sent on an important errand. 1. They are sent of God. 2. They are sen... [ Continue Reading ]
_I am in a great strait; let me fall now into the hand of the Lord._ DAVID’S CHOICE OF A NATIONAL CALAMITY The scene before us, while it is pregnant with interest on its own account, develops two opposite classes of principles, and furnishes a lesson both of seasonable direction and solemn warning... [ Continue Reading ]
_So the Lord sent a pestilence._ THE PLAGUE STAYED It was time of peace and prosperity in Israel. King David’s rule had been blessed, and the people dwelt in safety. In the midst of this happy quiet, David was moved to order a numbering of the people. I. Sin overtaken by judgment. What was the sin... [ Continue Reading ]
_And David spake unto the Lord when he saw the angel that smote the people._ THE PROBLEM OF UNDESERVED SUFFERING David’s sin in numbering the people was want of confidence in God. At any rate, it is certain that for a time he lost his faith, and was in open rebellion against God. Then came his puni... [ Continue Reading ]
_Nay, but I will surely buy it of thee at a price._ THE UNSELFISH OFFERING Then David had not learned the now commonly approved methods of piety. It was surely very strange for one who could offer a sacrifice without expense, to prefer to offer a purchased sacrifice, and, instead of embracing a pr... [ Continue Reading ]
_And David built an altar there unto the Lord._ THE ALTAR AND SACRIFICE The history of David affords us an instructive lesson of the blessings arising out of sanctified affliction, as well as the dangers of prosperity. 1. At the beginning of the chapter it is said, “the anger of the Lord was kind... [ Continue Reading ]