Counting on strength
2 Samuel Chapters 23 – 24
2 Samuel ends on a somewhat confusing note, as David is punished for conducting a census. It’s not clear why God considers this to be wrong—or why it looks like God initiated something he later punished David for.
The most likely reason for the census being considered bad, though, is that it is an indication of David depending on his power and resources rather than on God.
If this is indeed the reason, the first proverb in today’s meditation is particularly appropriate.
The book ends, though, with David returning to his commitment to put his people’s wellbeing ahead of his own, and his practical humility in refusing to make a sacrifice that costs him nothing.