Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to
take a census of Israel. 1 Chronicles 21:1
Footnote: David's census brought disaster because, unlike
the census taken in the book of Numbers that God had ordered, this census was
taken so David could take pride in the strength of his army. In determining his
military strength, he was beginning to trust more in military power than in
God. There is a thin line between feeling confident because you rely on God's
power and becoming proud because you have been used by God for great
purposes.
The Bible text says Satan incited David to take a census.
Can Satan force people to do wrong? No, Satan only tempted
David with the idea, but David decided to act on the temptation. Ever since the
Garden of Eden, Satan has been tempting people to sin. David's census was not
against God's law, but his reason for the census was wrong -- pride in his
mighty army while forgetting that his real strength came from God. Even Joab,
not known for his high moral ideals, recognized the census as sin. From David's
example we learn that an action that may not be wrong in itself can be sinful if
it is motivated by greed, arrogance, or selfishness. Often our motives, not the
action itself, contain the sin. We must constantly weigh our motives before we
act.
Keep reading -- 125 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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