Bible Chapter Summary
2 Samuel 24 Summary
David's Census and the Plague Upon Israel
The Lord's anger is kindled against Israel, and He moves David to number the people. Though Joab questions the command, David insists, and the census counts eight hundred thousand men in Israel and five hundred thousand in Judah. David's heart condemns him for the deed, and he confesses his great sin to the Lord. God offers three punishments through the prophet Gad; David chooses to fall into the Lord's hand rather than man's. A pestilence strikes Israel, killing seventy thousand from Dan to Beersheba. When the angel stretches out his hand against Jerusalem, the Lord relents and commands the angel to stay. David purchases Araunah's threshingfloor, builds an altar, and offers sacrifices; the Lord accepts the atonement and stays the plague.
Key themes
Key verses
2 Samuel 24:10
“And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.”
2 Samuel 24:15-16
“So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beer-sheba seventy thousand men.”
2 Samuel 24:24-25
“And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”
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