Take a few minutes and read 2 Samuel 24:1-17.
I’ve been studying this story about David for a few days.
David sinned when he took a census of the people in Israel instead of having faith in God alone to deliver them.
So God told him to choose for himself which one out three things for God to do to him.
“So Gad came to David and told him; and he said to him, “Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or shall you flee three months before your enemies, while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ plague in your land? Now consider and see what answer I should take back to Him who sent me.”” II Samuel 24:13
David chose three days plague in his land. “So the Lord sent a plague upon Israel from the morning till the appointed time. From Dan to Beersheba seventy thousand men of the people died.” II Samuel 24:15
There are a couple things we can learn from David in this account.
First, always pray and ask God to guide you.
We have many instances in earlier chapters where David inquires of the Lord what he should do.
But when he’s faced with this decision, the Bible doesn’t tell us he inquires of God.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6
And second, value others above yourself.
Notice the words used in this verse:
“Go and tell David, ‘Thus says the Lord: “I offer YOU three things; choose one of them for YOURSELF, that I may do it to YOU.” II Samuel 24:12
Now look at David’s response:
“And David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Please let US fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great; but do not let ME fall into the hand of man.”” II Samuel 24:14
David chose a plague that would affect everyone. As a result, 70,000 men died.
We don’t know what would’ve happened if David had prayed and asked God to help him choose wisely.
We don’t know what would’ve happened if David would’ve chose to be pursued instead of the plague on the people.
But we do know David finally takes responsibility for his actions and says,“Surely I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, be against me and against my father’s house.”” II Samuel 24:17
We know David was very dear to God.
And even David, couldn’t always get it right.
We can learn from David in this story.
When we’re faced with decisions, pray and ask for God to guide us.
And when we have the opportunity to help ourselves or others, choose others.
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
