Chapter Summary

David's sin in numbering the people. His choice of punishment.

Discussion Questions for 2 Samuel, Chapter 24

1. What was David's sin in this chapter? Do you believe the Lord, in his anger, caused David to sin? Why or why not?
2. What was Joab's response when David instructed him to count the people of Israel? Was he right to respond this way? Why or why not?
3. In what way might a census of Israel be a sinful action on David's part? Why would it be advantageous for a king to know the number of his men? What does this indicate about David's reliance upon God for strength at this time? Why do you think so?
4. According to verse 1, who is the Lord angry against? Did he enact vengeance against them in this chapter? If yes, how? Why might God use a king such as David in order to do so?
5. According to verse 10, "David's heart struck him" after he had completed the census (ESV). What do you think this phrase means? Did this come from his conscience, or from God? Why do you think so?
6. How is David's response to recognizing he has sinned against the Lord one that believers should follow when repenting of sin? Is the answer God gave something we should expect today? Why or why not?
7. Read verses 12-14. What reason does David give for his answer to the three choices that Gad listed? How could famine or pestilence be "merciful", according to him (ESV)? Do you agree? Why or why not?
8. When pleading with God for mercy in verse 17, David calls the people of Israel "sheep". This is imagery used throughout the Bible to describe the people of God. What comes to mind when you think of sheep? What qualities do they possess? Why is it important that sheep have a shepherd? How is David acting as a good shepherd in this verse?
9. How did David repent both in word and in deed in this chapter? Is this a practice still relevant to believers today? Why or why not?
10. Consider David's response in verse 25 after being offered the space and materials to make a sacrifice unto the Lord for free. Would it have been a true sacrifice if he had accepted them? Why or why not? What does this teach us about the character and the desires of God for his people?

Key Words/Phrase

Sinned, v. 10.

Characters

God, angel (Jesus), Joab, David, Gad, Araunah.

Strong Verse(s)

10, 24.