College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
2 Samuel 24 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 24
The numbering. David conceived the plan of going throughout the length and breadth of Israel and numbering his people. Joab opposed this, but David went ahead with the project.
The plague. David was given a choice of three penalties for his rash actions. He chose the one which he thought would make him most dependent upon the mercy of God. The plague swept over Israel, but was stayed when it spread to Jerusalem.
The plague stayedWhen the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem, the Lord said, It is enough (2 Samuel 24:16). David then went out to offer sacrifice to the Lord. He built an altar on the mountain immediately east of his capital.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Pride goeth before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). There is nothing wrong in numbering a people. God commanded his people to be numbered twice while they were wandering in the wilderness (Numbers 1:26). David evidently numbered his people in order to revel in his strength. It is wrong to take pride in one's own physical accomplishments and power. For this reason he was punished.
2.
If any is to glory, let him glory in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31). Sacrifices to God are not to be free (2 Samuel 24:24). Araunah offered to give David the threshing floor and the oxen for his sacrifice. David refused saying that he would not offer something to God which had cost him nothing. What we give to God ought to represent a sacrifice. It should come from the labors of our hands and represent the best that we have to offer to God. God was entreated for the land in the days of David by his sacrificial offering, and God will be pleased by the sacrificial efforts of Christians in every age.
CHAPTER 24 IN REVIEW
1.
What action did David take which angered God?
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2.
Whom did David appoint to do the work?
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3.
Where was the numbering begun?
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4.
How long did the census take?
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5.
How many men were in Judah?
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6.
How many men were in the rest of Israel?
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7.
What prophet told David he had sinned?
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8.
From what three penalties could David choose?
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9.
Which one did he choose?
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10.
From whom did David buy a threshing floor?
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