1 Chronicles 21: David Takes Census Against Joab’s Advice

Introduction: 1 Chronicles 21 is a critical chapter in the Old Testament, which explores the depth of God’s justice, mercy, and grace. It depicts a time when King David, guided by his pride, ordered a census of Israelites, essentially questioning God’s promise and power. As a consequence, he faced severe punishment, which led to repentance and redemption. This chapter outlines the significance of acknowledging our sins and the importance of God’s mercy and grace in our lives.

I. 1 Chronicles 21:1-6: David’s Sinful Census

David, against Joab’s advice, ordered a census of the Israelites, a direct contravention of God’s commands (Exodus 30:12). This act of pride (2 Samuel 24:1) reflects a lack of trust in God’s promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5). Here, David, who is usually presented as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), succumbs to the human weakness of relying on his own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

II. 1 Chronicles 21:7-13: God’s Punishment

David’s disobedience displeases God, and as a consequence, God offers David three different punishments, a concept reminiscent of Deuteronomy 28:15, where disobedience brings curses. David’s choices are: three years of famine, three months of being defeated by his enemies, or three days of a plague. This reflects how sin leads to suffering (Romans 6:23) and the fact that all actions have consequences (Galatians 6:7).

III. 1 Chronicles 21:14-17: The Plague and David’s Repentance

David chooses the third punishment trusting God’s mercy (Psalm 51:1). A plague descends upon Israel, causing massive deaths. David, seeing the affliction of his people, confesses his sin (1 John 1:9) and appeals to God for mercy (Psalm 51:2), showing a profound acknowledgment of his transgressions and a deep desire for forgiveness.

IV. 1 Chronicles 21:18-30: Building the Altar and Stopping the Plague

Following God’s instruction through the prophet Gad (1 Kings 13:18), David builds an altar at the threshing floor of Ornan. He buys the land, refusing Ornan’s offer to give it for free, illustrating the principle that true worship costs us something (2 Samuel 24:24). When David sacrifices on the altar, God answers by fire (Leviticus 9:24) and commands the angel to stop the plague. This incident prefigures Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26), which propitiates God’s wrath against human sin.

Conclusion: 1 Chronicles 21 is more than just a historical account; it is a study of God’s character and His interaction with humanity. It demonstrates that pride and self-reliance can lead to sin, but God in His justice is also merciful. When we acknowledge our sins and seek God’s mercy, He responds with redemption. The chapter ends on a note of hope, with David’s sin being paid for and God’s wrath being appeased, a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption through Christ’s sacrifice.