2 Samuel 24:1-17 “Good Leaders Take Responsibility”
“Once again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he caused David to harm them by taking a census….” (1a) This has a parallel recorded in 1 Chronicles 21 attributing David’s action to satan. In Samuel’s version David is moved by God thus creating an apparent conflict. However, when we are in a place of disobedience, God lifts His hand of protection allowing satan to influence our behavior and actions. Joab questioned the wisdom of this action saying, “…But why, my lord the king, do you want to do this?…” (3b). In the context of many victories the people lost sight of the one who actually gave them victory! They likely swelled with pride over their accomplishments failing to acknowledge God as the source of them. But David insisted on taking a census until his “…heart troubled him…” (10a). So he confessed and cried out to God for forgiveness for the foolish thing he did. Then God sent a message by the prophet Gad giving him three options. David then appealed to God’s mercy but still 70,000 men died. He again cries out to God taking full responsibility and asking God to spare the people. Good leaders always take full responsibility for their actions without excuse!
