A Lesson in Pride, Sin & God's Mercy
August 11, 2024 • Rene Ramirez • 2 Samuel 24, John 10:11, John 10:14
1. The Anger of the Lord (2 Samuel 24:1)
It all begins with the words, "Again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and He incited David against them, saying, 'Go, number Israel and Judah.'" That word "again" is key—this isn’t the first time we see God’s anger in 2 Samuel. Earlier, we saw a famine because of Saul’s wrongdoing. Now, God’s anger flares up again, and this time, David is the one being tested.
Do you ever stop to think about whether God is right to be angry with us? I mean, we sin constantly—from the moment we wake up until our last thought at night. We’re sinners through and through, so God has every right to be angry. It’s sobering, isn’t it?
But here’s where it gets tricky—1 Chronicles 21, which is a parallel passage, says that Satan tempted David to sin. So, was it God or Satan? I believe it was Satan, with God’s approval. Our God is sovereign; nothing happens outside of His control. So, yes, Satan tempted David, but it was all within God’s plan.
2. The Temptation to Sin (2 Samuel 24:2)
David’s command to Joab to go out and number the people seems innocent enough, right? But here’s the thing—there’s no clear reason for this census, and that’s where the problem lies. David might have been driven by pride, wanting to boast about his military might and the size of his kingdom. He might have been thinking, "Look at my army! Look at all I’ve accomplished!"
But here’s a question: Are you ever tempted to take pride in your own accomplishments? Do you start thinking that everything you have in life is because you earned it? It’s easy to fall into that trap, just like David did.
3. The Warning Against Sin (2 Samuel 24:3)
Joab wasn’t too thrilled about this census idea. He even tries to talk David out of it, saying, "But why does my lord the king delight in this thing?" Good question, Joab! Sometimes, we all need someone in our lives to give us a little nudge in the right direction, to remind us that what we’re about to do might not be the best idea.
Do you listen when someone close to you—maybe your spouse, your parents, or a friend—warns you that you might be making a mistake? I can tell you from personal experience, it’s not always easy to hear those warnings, but they can save us from a lot of heartache.
4. The Sin and Its Execution (2 Samuel 24:9)
Despite Joab’s warning, David pushes ahead with the census, and after nine months, the count is in—800,000 valiant men in Israel, and 500,000 in Judah. But as soon as those numbers are handed to David, reality hits him—hard. He realizes, “Oh man, what have I done?”
Have you ever been in a situation where you realize, after the fact, that you’ve let pride take control? Maybe you received praise at work and forgot to acknowledge God’s role in your success. It’s a gut-check moment, and it’s humbling.
5. The Recognition of Sin, But with a Lack of True Repentance (2 Samuel 24:10)
David’s heart is struck with guilt, and he confesses to God, saying, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done.” But here’s the thing—David’s focus seems to be on getting rid of the consequences rather than truly repenting for the sin itself. He’s asking for the situation to be taken away, but is he really turning away from his pride?
When we’re confronted with our sin, it’s tempting to shift the blame or focus on avoiding the fallout. But true repentance means owning our sin and turning away from it, not just asking for a way out.
6. The Judgment of God Against Sin (2 Samuel 24:11-13)
God doesn’t let David off the hook. Instead, He gives David three options for punishment: three years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of pestilence. David chooses to fall into the hands of the Lord, trusting in His mercy.
Now, let’s pause for a moment. These three options remind me of the temptations Satan threw at Jesus in Matthew 4. Satan tempted Jesus with turning stones into bread (famine), offering Him all the kingdoms of the world (men’s persecution), and asking Him to throw Himself off the temple (pestilence). Interesting, isn’t it? David’s experience foreshadows what Christ would face.
7. David Asks for Mercy (2 Samuel 24:14)
David’s response is heartfelt: “Let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.” David knew that God’s mercy was his only hope.
When I look at my own life, I can see times when I thought I could handle things on my own. But God has a way of reminding me that it’s not about my strength—it’s about His mercy and provision.
8. The Execution of Judgment Against Sin (2 Samuel 24:15-16)
The pestilence comes, and it’s devastating—70,000 men die. But just as the angel of the Lord is about to destroy Jerusalem, God relents. He says, “It is enough; now stay your hand.” God’s power is beyond our comprehension, and His judgment is swift, but His mercy is also profound.
9. The Repentance of David (2 Samuel 24:17)
Seeing the destruction, David pleads with God, saying, “Behold, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand be against me and against my father’s house.” David’s heart as a shepherd comes through here, showing his deep concern for the people, even though the sin was his.
This moment reminds me of Christ’s compassion in Matthew 9:36, where He saw the crowds and had compassion on them because they were “like sheep without a shepherd.” David’s feelings mirror Christ’s, but unlike David, Jesus was without sin and laid down His life for His sheep.
10. Divine Direction (2 Samuel 24:18)
After David’s plea, God doesn’t leave him in the dark. He sends the prophet Gad to tell David to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. When we turn back to God, He will always guide us on what to do next.
11. Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings (2 Samuel 24:19-25)
David obeys and goes to Araunah, who offers to give David everything he needs for the altar. But David insists on paying, saying, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” David knew that true worship and repentance require sacrifice.
This reminds me of how we should approach our relationship with God. It’s not about giving what’s easy or convenient—it’s about giving our best, even when it costs us something.
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? It’s simple: without a Shepherd, we’re lost. David tried to bear the burden of his sin, but only Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, could truly lay down His life for the sheep. Are you following the Shepherd’s voice today? If not, it’s time to recognize what Christ did for you, repent, and follow Him.
Friends, Jesus came into this world to save sinners like you and me. If your sins are as red as crimson, they can be made white as wool through His sacrifice. Don’t wait—turn to the Good Shepherd today!
