The episode of the LORD's anger and David's census is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. This narrative highlights themes of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the interplay between judgment and mercy.

Context and Background

The account begins with the LORD's anger kindled against Israel, prompting a series of events that lead to King David's decision to conduct a census of the fighting men of Israel. The text in 2 Samuel 24:1 states, "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 that the census was a divine test or judgment upon the nation, though the exact reason for the LORD's anger is not explicitly stated.

In 1 Chronicles 21:1, the narrative provides an additional perspective, indicating that "Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel." This dual attribution of the incitement to both the LORD and Satan reflects the complexity of divine providence and the permissive will of God, allowing Satan to act as an agent of testing.

David's Decision and Joab's Reluctance

Despite the divine prompting, David's decision to conduct the census is met with resistance from Joab, the commander of his army. Joab questions the king's motives and warns against the potential consequences, as seen in 1 Chronicles 21:3: "But Joab replied, 'May the LORD multiply His 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?'"

Joab's reluctance underscores the understanding that the census could lead to sin and divine displeasure. Nevertheless, David's command prevails, and the census is carried out, resulting in a count of 1.3 million fighting men in Israel and Judah.

Divine Judgment and David's Repentance

Following the completion of the census, David's conscience is stricken, and he acknowledges his sin before God. In 2 Samuel 24:10, David confesses, "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."

In response to David's repentance, the LORD offers him a choice of three forms of judgment through the prophet Gad: three years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of plague. David chooses to fall into the hands of the LORD, trusting in His mercy, as recorded in 2 Samuel 24:14: "I am in deep distress. Please let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men."

The Plague and the Altar

The LORD sends a plague upon Israel, resulting in the death of 70,000 men. As the angel of the LORD approaches Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD relents and commands the angel to cease, demonstrating His mercy even in judgment.

David is instructed to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, where the angel had stopped. David purchases the site and offers sacrifices to the LORD, and the plague is halted. This act of worship and atonement is significant, as it later becomes the location for Solomon's Temple, a central place of worship for Israel.

Theological Implications

The narrative of the LORD's anger and David's census raises important theological questions about divine justice, human agency, and the nature of repentance. It illustrates the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement, while also highlighting God's readiness to forgive and restore those who turn to Him in humility and faith. The event serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between God's righteous judgment and His abundant mercy.