Tuesday, April 23
Read 2 Samuel 24
Think About It:
- Exodus 30:12 says,“When you take the census of the children of Israel for their number, then every man shall give a ransom for himself to the LORD, when you number them, that there may be no plague among them when you number them.” In the thinking of these ancient cultures, a man only had the right to count or number what belonged to him. Israel didn’t belong to David; Israel belonged to God. It was up to the LORD to command a counting, and if David counted he should only do it at God’s command and receiving ransom money to “atone” for the counting. Why did David take a census of the people?
- Joab did not agree with David’s plan to count the people and asked David why he desired to do this thing. Do you have someone in your life that will ask you the hard questions?
Family Time:
- We do not know why the anger of the Lord came against David. Because He was angry, God allowed David to take a census of his people. Why would this be a bad idea? Why would you count your people or your soldiers?
- Who questioned David about taking the census? Did David answer him?
- Have you ever counted your stuff – toys, games, items you collect, friends, accomplishments – and compared yourself to others based on your stuff? Did this help you have a Godly heart?
