Chapter Summary

David's sin in numbering the people. Joab's faithful protest. David's choice of punishment.

Discussion Questions for 1 Chronicles, Chapter 21

1. 1 Chronicles 21:1, “Then satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.” How did satan incite David? What does this chapter teach you about the negative influence satan can have?
2. What things can help guard your heart against lies or coercive decisions from satan? What words of encouragement would be well received by a friend to stir you on in guarding your heart? How can you encourage one another in this?
3. What was the purpose of the census? Why did David want it? Why was he not willing to listen to Joab's council?
4. How did God respond to David’s census? What was your initial reaction to God's response? How does this help you understand God’s heart for obedience?
5. Why do you think David was given a choice? Why did he make the choice he did? (1 Chronicles 21:11-12)
6. 1 Chronicles 21:15, “And God sent the angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, but as he was about to destroy it, the LORD saw, and he relented from the calamity. And he said to the angel who was working destruction, “It is enough; now stay your hand.” And the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.” What is the significance of The Lord seeing and relenting? What does this reveal about God’s heart for His people? Where else in Scripture or in your life have you seen the Lord relent?
7. When David saw the angel of The Lord, how did he respond? What heart shift happens here? How does it differ from the opening verses of this chapter? (Vs. 17)
8. What does God ask of David to do in response to his disobedience? What does this teach you about God’s heart for mercy? What did an altar represent before God?
9. David disobeyed, God rebuked, David repented, God showed mercy. Where else in Scripture have you seen a similar series of events? What does this teach you about the consistency of God’s character?
10. How was the world to perceive the house that David wanted to build? What would draw the world to this house?

Key Words/Phrase

Sin, v. 8.

Characters

God, Satan, David, Joab, Gad, Ornan, angel (Jesus).

Strong Verse(s)

8, 13.