The event of David commanding a census of Israel is a significant episode recorded in the Old Testament, found in two primary passages: 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. This event highlights themes of leadership, divine judgment, repentance, and atonement.

Biblical Account:

In 2 Samuel 24:1, the narrative begins with the anger of the LORD burning against Israel, prompting Him to incite David to take a census: "Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He incited David against them, saying, 'Go, take a census of Israel and Judah.'" This passage suggests a divine purpose behind the census, though it is David who acts upon it.

1 Chronicles 21:1 provides a complementary perspective, attributing the incitement to Satan: "Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel." This dual attribution highlights the complexity of divine sovereignty and human agency, as well as the role of spiritual adversaries.

Purpose and Execution:

The census aimed to number the fighting men of Israel, reflecting a reliance on military strength rather than trust in God. Joab, the commander of the army, expressed reluctance, questioning the king's decision: "May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundredfold. My lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?" (1 Chronicles 21:3). Despite Joab's protest, David's command prevailed, and the census was conducted.

Divine Judgment:

Upon completion of the census, David's conscience was stricken, and he recognized his sin: "David’s heart was struck after he had numbered the people. So he said to the LORD, 'I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.'" (2 Samuel 24:10). The LORD responded by offering David a choice of three punishments through the prophet Gad: three years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of plague (1 Chronicles 21:11-12).

David chose to fall into the hands of the LORD, preferring divine mercy over human retribution. Consequently, a plague struck Israel, resulting in the death of 70,000 men (2 Samuel 24:15).

Repentance and Atonement:

As the angel of the LORD prepared to destroy Jerusalem, God relented and commanded the angel to cease: "Enough! Withdraw your hand now!" (2 Samuel 24:16). David, seeing the angel, pleaded for mercy, acknowledging his sin and asking that the punishment fall upon him and his family instead of the people.

Instructed by Gad, David built an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, offering sacrifices to the LORD. David insisted on purchasing the site, declaring, "I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (2 Samuel 24:24). The LORD accepted David's offerings, and the plague was halted.

Theological Implications:

This episode underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance and atonement. It illustrates the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, as well as the interplay between divine justice and mercy. David's actions and subsequent repentance serve as a reminder of the importance of relying on God rather than human strength or numbers. The narrative also foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Christ, who would bear the sins of humanity.