Day 6

MORE TROUBLE

"And account that the longsuffering of the Lord is salvation: even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you." 1 Peter 3:15

David, as any king had to be prepared to handle natural disasters as well as man-made ones. At one stage a famine lasting three years hit the land. The king turned to God to seek a cause (2 Sam. 21:1). When he discovered it he appears to have handled the matter without further reference to God, involving seven innocent men of Saul's family and causing great sorrow. (2 Sam. 21:2-14)

Goliath was not the only giant to threaten Israel. Chapter 21 of second Samuel gives a whole list. Note that David's men refused to allow him to risk himself this time. David's days as a champion of Israel in single combat were over!

The final incident recorded in the books of Samuel is a census. David commanded Joab to number the people which angered God because it reflected the, "increased pride and self confidence of Israel and ... a decreasing sense of the solemn destiny to which the nation had been called."(SDA Bible Commentary vol2 p710). When he realised he had sinned David repented (2 Sam. 24:10) but through Gad the prophet God declared punishment in an unusual way (2 Sam. 24:11-17).

In these isolated incidents from David's reign it is easy to see how many problems God had with him! He asks for guidance then goes his own way! It is incredible how deep is God's understanding and how extensive his patience in dealing with his servant.

What does David's reaction to God's choice of punishment reveal about him? (2 Sam. 24:14,17)

At this stage does he still deserve his reputation as a man after God's own heart?

Is God as understanding and tolerant with us? Look again at our discover text.