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2 Samuel-24

A Broken Heart: A Devotional Study on 2 Samuel 24​

Introduction​

The story of David's census in 2 Samuel 24 appears to be a misstep in an otherwise flawless biblical hero. It presents David as taking a census, a practice traditionally associated with kings at war, but David is at peace. In this chapter, we'll explore the spiritual insights that can be gleaned from David's broken heart.

Section 1: The Decision (Verses 1-2)​

Devotional Thought: David's decision to count Israel is puzzling. We know David to be a faithful man of God, and yet, he takes a census. We can learn a few things from this decision. First, David's decision represents a moment of pride. God's promises to David that he would have many sons and become a great king had led David to measure Israel's worth against his own. Sometimes, we too can become too proud, too focused on our own growth, that we neglect to appreciate the work and value of those around us.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can we guard against pride and self-centeredness, especially when we are in positions of leadership or success?
  • In what ways can we be mindful of the value and work of those around us, whether they are beneath us or beside us?

Section 2: The Punishment (Verses 3-17)​

Devotional Thought: David's punishment is swift and severe. God sends a plague that takes seventy thousand men. David is filled with remorse. We see a broken David here, lamenting over his faults and the faults of his people. We can learn a lot from David's brokenness. When we make mistakes, we must follow his example and lament over our attitudes and actions. The enemy here isn't God's wrath, but our own pride.

Reflection Questions:

  • When we make mistakes, how can we follow David's example and lament over our attitudes and actions?
  • In what ways can we acknowledge the faults of ourselves and those around us when we are confronted with missteps?

Section 3: The Act of Faith (Verses 18-25)​

Devotional Thought: David's act of faith may be the most stunning point in this chapter. David sees the devastation of the plague and recognizes that it is his fault. Instead of continuing to wallow in despair, David purchases the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite as an offering site for God's punishment. David responds with a broken heart, an act of generosity, and repentance.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can we practice faith in the midst of missteps?
  • In what ways can we practice generosity and repentance when we are confronted with the consequences of our actions?

Conclusion:​

Chapter 24 of 2 Samuel is unflinching in its criticism of David's arrogance and pride. Yet, in this chapter's aftermath, we can see the beauty of David's response to his mistakes. David's brokenness shows us that our own mistakes and missteps do not need to define us. Our response to them can. May we, like David, respond with faith, generosity, and repentance, seeking to learn from our missteps and grow ever more into the people God wants us to be.