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(at this time, Israel was at rest from her enemies, but David) said, ‘Now go throughout all the tribes of Israel, . and count the people, that I may know the number of the people.’ 2 Samuel 24:2

The object of our confidence throws light on that which we rely.

Joab (ruthless military commander) resisted David: ‘May your God multiply people by the hundreds ., but why on earth would you desire (an unlawful census)? 2 Samuel 24:3

Examine criticism carefully, regardless of the source.

David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the Lord, I have sinned greatly in what I have done. 2 Samuel 24:10a

I was doing wrong but (as God’s child) my heart wouldn’t let me stay there. Brenda Folz, Christian teacher

(after a sincere confession of his sin, David prays) But now, O Lord, please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly. 2 Samuel 24:10b

Worldly sorrow means you feel bad about what you did, but you don’t have a change of mind about it. But godly sorrow produces a change of mind, repentance. Dr. Tony Evans, 1950ish- Senior Pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, President, The Urban Alternative

(Lord gave David 3 choices of consequences as a result of his sin) David said, ‘Please let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man’. 2 Samuel 24:14

Although forgiven, consequences are not dissolved; yet, left humbly in God’s mercy, they are tempered with a minimum of insult and pain.

"Point of Reference" from Fred Price

A Broken Spirit And Contrite Heart