31 January 2024
So the Lord sent a pestilence on Israel from that morning until the appointed time; and seventy thousand of the people died, from Dan to Beer-sheba. But when the angel stretched out his hand towards Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented concerning the evil, and said to the angel who was bringing destruction among the people, ‘It is enough; now stay your hand.’
From 2 Samuel 24:2,8-17, NRSV.
In the first part of this reading, we hear an account of a census ordered by King David. The numbers reported back to the king were very large – perhaps even exaggerated. The senior officers were possibly trying to impress the king with the size of his kingdom. For reasons that are not entirely clear, King David subsequently realised that he had sinned in decreeing this census. Perhaps this was because of the dishonesty that ensued or perhaps David had overstepped his authority in taking unto himself something that rightly belonged to God. The consequence of the sin for King David’s subjects was extreme punishment including plague, disease and the death of many. However, we hear that the Lord relented and showed mercy in delivering Jerusalem from destruction.
- What do you suppose led David to the realisation that he had sinned?
- When have you been aware of receiving God’s mercy?
Pray for those who suffer because of others’ wrongdoing – and especially for the innocent victims of war.
