In 2 Samuel chapter 24 we have come to the end of 2 Samuel, and except for some final notes, the end of David’s life. I suppose if it were me, I would have stopped with the 23rd chapter as David proclaimed the two things that made his reign as king successful, the faithfulness of God and the men that God placed around him. The chapter before us seems to fly in the face of those two truths as David is reduced to insecurity in numbering his army as a source of pride and confidence. So why include this section in his memoirs? I believe it is to show the progression that led up to David’s purchasing of Araunah’s (Ornan’s) threshing floor, where Solomon, David’s son would build the temple. According to 1 Chron. 21:26, the offering was consumed by God before he could light the fire, and then in 1 Chron. 22:1, we are told that after this David said, “This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.”
Now consider this a moment, won’t you? You see, if you and I were to interview David and ask him what were the biggest regrets in his life, I’m certain that he would mention two:
•Adultery with Bathsheba
•Numbering of the people
Hey saints, both of these sins point to the temple of God, as Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon, who would build the temple, and the numbering of the people led to the purchase of the land in which it would be erected. My point? Look at what God can do through a broken and contrite heart, as He alone can turn our greatest failures into an altar where we worship God who can transform our failures into His success!