READING THE BOOK OF First Chronicles CHAPTER Twentyone.
David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into human hands.”.(1 Chronicles 21:13 NIV)
destruction of the wicked
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historical explanation for the requested census.- In order to extend his conquests among foreign nations, David decided to increase its military and military service required of all who are age appropriate. To carry out this project, it was necessary to take a census of the population. The pride and ambition led to this action of the king. The census of the people reveal the contrast between the weakness of the kingdom when David became king and his strength and prosperity under his rule. This would tend to encourage even more excessive and felt confident that both the king and the people. The prosperity of Israel under the rule of David was due more to the blessing of God that the ability of the king or the strength of his army. (PP 738).
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Joab perceived that this act would be disapproved by God, for that reason, appeals to David to suspend the census. Joab CENSA not because the Levites were not counted as part of Israel, and God had reserved as his own and not CENSA the Levites, because they had been decimated by the case of the inhabitants of Gibeah of Benjamin.
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Among the three alternatives that presented the prophet Gad, David chose to “fall into the hands of God”, because he trusted that God’s mercy would be more benign than humane treatment. Furthermore, with this decision, David wanted to protect the people of Israel of God’s judgments, because they were innocent, why chose to say: “But it’s better me fall into the hands of the Lord.”
Prayer.
Creator of life and our dear heavenly Father, who warn us your holy spirit when pride, self-sufficiency or success we want to take away from your presence. That thy judgments with mercy when we fall into sin and that your love forgive us and restore. For Jesus, Amen
By Dr. Franz Rios, Translated and adapted by Pablo J. Rios.