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It seems a confirmation of the view, that the sin of David, in wishing to ascertain the
exact number of those capable of beating arms, was due to carnal elation and pride, and
that the measure was somehow connected with military ambition on his part, that both
in 2 Samuel and in 1 Chronicles. This story follows an enumeration of the three classes
of David's heroes, and of some of their most notable feats of arms.^44
The unwillingness of Joab and of the other captains, to whom the king entrusted the
census, arose partly from the knowledge that such an attempt at converting all Israel
into a large camp would be generally disliked and disapproved - a feeling with which
he and his fellow-captains would, as Israelitish patriots, fully sympathize. But religious
considerations also came in, since all would feel that a measure prompted by pride and
ambition would certainly bring judgment upon the people (1 Chronicles 21:3).
Remonstrance having been vain, the military census was slowly and reluctantly taken,
the Levites being, however, excluded from it (Numbers 1:47-54), and the royal order
itself recalled before the territory of Benjamin was reached.^45 For already David's
conscience was alive to the guilt which he had incurred. It was after a night of
confession and prayer on the part of David, that Gad was sent to announce to him the
punishment of his sin. For, the temporal punishment appropriately followed - not
preceded - the confession of public sin. Left to choose between famine,^46 defeat, and
pestilence, David wisely and well cast himself upon the Lord, finding comfort only in
the thought, which has so often brought relief to those who realize it, that, even when
suffering for sin, it is well to fall into the hands of Jehovah. Nor was his unuttered hope
disappointed.
The pestilence, terrible as it was in its desolations, was shortened from three days to
less than one day, "from the morning to the time of the assembly," viz. for the evening
sacrifice.^47
Meanwhile "David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth" (1 Chronicles 21:16), were
lying on their faces in humiliation before the Lord. Significantly, it was as the Divine
command of mercy sped to arrest the arm of the Angel messenger of the judgment, that
he became visible to David and his companions in prayer. Already he had neared
Jerusalem, and his sword was stretched towards it - just above Mount Moriah, at that
time still outside the city, where Aravnah^48 the Jebusite had his threshing-floor.
It was a fitting spot for mercy upon Israel, this place where of old faithful Abraham
had been ready to offer his only son unto God; fitting also as still outside the city; but
chiefly in order that the pardoning and sparing mercy now shown might indicate the
site where, on the great altar of burnt-offering, abundant mercy in pardon and
acceptance would in the future be dispensed to Israel. At sight of the Angel with his
sword pointed towards Jerusalem, David lifted his voice in humblest confession,^49
(^)