I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading. I had been using One Year Bible Online, but it was time for a change.

Today, I am reading and commenting on 2 Samuel 23-24.

    I have never fully understood what David did wrong here. I have heard or read several explanations: David’s desire to take a census demonstrated a lack of faith, David failed to collect the census tax laid out in Exodus, etc.. However, whatever the sin was, as soon as David realized that he had sinned he acknowledged his sin and begged for God’s forgiveness. This is a model which we should seek to follow. Asking for forgiveness will not allow us to escape the consequences of our sin, but, if we are genuine in our repentance, it will allow us to avoid repeating the sin and suffering the even greater consequences.

    When given a choice of consequences to suffer, David said, “…let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great. Do not let me fall into human hands.” David was correct. God will have much more mercy for us than our fellow humans. If I am going to be punished for my sins, I would much rather the punishment which God chooses to give me than the punishment my fellow man would dish out.