(24:1) An Unadvised Census -  What was wrong with taking a census? A census was commanded in Numbers to prepare an army for conquering the Promised Land (Numbers 1:2; 26:2). A census amounted to a draft or conscription for the army. The land was now at peace, so there was no need to enlist troops. The nation of Israel had extended its borders and become a recognized power. David's sin was pride and ambition in counting the people so that he could glory in the size of his nation and army, its power and defenses. By doing this, he put his faith in the size of his army rather than in God's ability to protect them regardless of their number. Even Joab knew a census was wrong, but David did not heed his advice. We sin in a similar way when we place our security in money, possessions, or the might of our nation.

(24:1-3) David's Pride is Exposed - Did God cause David to sin? God does not cause people to sin, but he does allow sinners to reveal the sinfulness of their hearts by their actions. God presented the opportunity of taking a census to David in order to confront David's personal pride and deal with Israel's disastrous national tendency to take pride in their own military strength rather than trusting in God's protection. In 1 Chronicles 21:1, Scripture says that Satan incited David to take the census. Israelite writers did not always distinguish between primary and secondary causes. So if God allowed Satan to tempt David, to them it would have been the same as if God had done it.

(24:12-14) God is Angry with Israel - Both David and the Israelites were guilty of sin (24:1). David's sin was pride, but the Bible does not say why God was angry with the people of Israel. Perhaps it was due to their support of the rebellions of Absalom (2 Samuel 15-18) and Sheba (2 Samuel 20), or perhaps they had put their security in military and financial prosperity rather than in God, as David had done. God dealt with the whole nation through David, who exemplified the national sin of pride. God gave David three choices. Each was a form of punishment God had said the people could expect if they disobeyed his laws (plague- Deuteronomy 28:20-22; famine -28:23-24; and war 28:25-26). David wisely chose the form of punishment that came most directly from God. He knew how brutal men in war could be, and he also knew God's great mere. When you sin greatly, turn back to God. To be punished by him is far better than to take your chances without him.

(24:18) The Temple Mount - Many believe that this threshing floor where David built the altar is the location where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18). After David's death, Solomon built the temple on this spot. Centuries later, Jesus would teach and preach here. Today this area is called the Temple Mount and is a sacred area for Christians, Jews, and Muslims.

(24:25) David Leaves a Legacy - The book of 2 Samuel describes David's reign. Since the Israelites first entered the Promised Land under Joshua, they had been struggling to unite the nation and drive out the wicked inhabitants. Now, after more than 400 years, Israel was finally at peace. David had accomplished what no leader before him, judge or king, had done. His administration was run on the principle of dedication to God and to the well-being of the people. Yet David also sinned. Despite his sins, however, the Bible calls David a man after God's own heart ( Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22) because when he sinned, he recognized it and confessed his sins to God. David committed his life to God and remained loyal to him throughout his lifetime. The book of Psalms gives an even deeper insight into David's love for God.

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter, making application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Today we continue in the book of 2nd Samuel with Chapter 24.  In our text, we see David taking a Census and submitting to the judgment of God for starting this act as a symbol of pride and independence toward God. In making an application, we see that God hates pride, for our pride is a form of self-worship. In Pride, We lift ourselves above others and even God Himself when we are proud. The Bible tells us how God even hates us for having a proud look - and in our text today - the actions of pride. When blessed by the Lord, we take credit for the Lord's doings instead of being humble before the Lord and acknowledging Him as the source of our blessings. How about you? Do you see yourself acting proud or even having a proud look? Let us learn from our text today to understand the Lord's view on our pride and to remember to stay humble before the Lord.