You can tell a lot about a man (a leader) when they are under distress. In fact, some would say that is the only real time you know a man or leader). In this section David is put under a microscope in several ways. Although he was a typical man and was full of the depravity of sin, we see a few instances where he stood tall in a slouching world - in a place other leaders would not stand.
In 23:17 we read that when three of David's mighty men risk their own lives to retrieve a bottle of water from Jerusalem, rather than drink it, David poured it out on the ground. Most men would count it an honor and drink it. David knew he was not worthy of their devotion. Humility always trumps Honor.
In 24:17 we read that when David had sinned via ego in the counting of his "people" God sent a pestilence to punish the "people." God began killing the people for David's sin. But, we see David, rather than resolved to let it happen, stood in the place and pleaded for the people, offering his own life. Other kings were never that willing to sacrifice themselves for their people.
Finally, in 24:24 we see that when David was about to resurrect a place for the ark on that very spot God stopped the pestilence he once again shows his character. As king he could have just taken the property he wanted. In fact the owner of the property offered it to him. But, David's true character wouldn't let him do that. He offered to buy it and did. A leader full of power would have just taken it when offered. But, David was a man of character. We don't have many leaders like that today. We need to make sure have a great character if we want to a great leader.
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