2 Samuel 24.
WE are not told when, in David’s most interesting history, the subject of this chapter took place. It presents God’s dealing both in government and in grace. The anger of God was kindled against Israel; evidently pride and a rebellious heart were at work. Joab was an able man, and he saw David’s mistake, but the thing was of God. When the census was taken, David’s conscience was smitten.
Chastening, however, must take place, because sin has been persisted in. Nevertheless the right desires of David’s heart are at once awakened, and of the three punishments set before him, he chooses to fall into the hand of the Lord, “for His mercies are great” (verse 14). The affliction came severely upon that pride which had rested its boast in the thousands of Israel—from end to end of Israel’s land seventy thousand men died tinder the terrible plague. But judgment was tempered with mercy, and in due time the destroying angel is bade to stay his hand.
David took the blame for all upon himself, though as we have observed, the state of the people was the cause of the judgment. “I have sinned, and I have done wickedly, but these sheep, what have they done?” is his word.
Once he had shepherded his sheep, as a boy; now he was speaking for these for whom he was a shepherd, and offering to take their punishment instead. Once more, therefore, we see David as a type of Christ (John 10:1111I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)).
At Jerusalem the altar is to be built, and the grace of God to be shown. Does this not at once present the thought of the cross of Christ which is the foundation of the everlasting peace, not only of Israel, but of all who trust in Him? Atonement by sacrifice thus appropriately closes this book of David’s history under God’s government.
“It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”
ML 04/10/1927