Righteous People Grieve Over Their Sin - 2 Samuel 20-24

Righteous People Grieve Over Their Sin

2 Samuel 24:10 (ESV)
The LORD'S Judgment of David's Sin
10 But David's heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly.”

In chapter 24 we read the story of David’s pride.  He sends out his second in command to number to warriors and fighters and population in his follower-ship.   Anyone knows that you are not a leader unless others are following.  David wanted to know how many were following him.   We read in the first verse in this chapter that this came from his heart, as incited by God:

2 Samuel 24:1 (ESV)
David's Census
1 Again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”

The word “incite” means to “prick,” or “seduce.”  It is sometimes translated, “deceive.”    The point is that God tested David with this thought.  David failed the test.   David succumbed to his pride and it brought disaster onto the nation of Israel.   However, just as David’s heart was struck with pride to indulge himself in counting his followers, so, too, was David’s heart sensitive that this was his sin ruling in his life for that moment.  This is the key to understanding out walk with God.  We WILL sin against God.  But, note what happens to the heart of the righteous person:  They are pricked in their heart to repent, as well.   David feels the nudge of God here, as well, and he responds in repentance.   Righteous people will repent from sin.   Righteous people will sin.    But, they will also sense in the heart the offense against God and will repent.  Saul, when tempted to sin by offering as a sacrifice because Samuel delayed did not repent.  He rather made excuses and blamed the people he was leading.    David repented.