Journey Through The Scriptures

The incident of David’s sinful census and the plague that followed is probably not given in chronological order, since it is difficult to know when this occurred. More likely it was added as something of a footnote to David’s reign—but the lesson is worth learning. In a moment of weakness, David chose to rely on numbers instead of the Lord, and his actions had severe consequences for his people. Once again we see the complex man Joab trying to stop David from what Joab rightly perceived to be an action that would displease the Lord. But David persisted, and the royal order was carried out.

One good result came from this incident, the purchase of the land for the Temple to be built by Solomon. David’s final days are recorded in the opening chapters of 1 Kings, including the struggle for succession and all the court intrigue that went with it. David’s final charge to Solomon contained both spiritual instruction and practical directions in a effort to ensure the righteous nature of Solomon’s reign and his freedom from treacherous enemies. In the struggle for the throne, another son of David would lose his life—Adonijah (2 Kings 2:25).