David’s Census

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Book: 2 Samuel
• Chapters: 2 Samuel 24
• Summary: David orders a census in pride, bringing plague until mercy is shown at Araunah’s Threshing Floor.

Details

Despite Joab’s warning, David insists on numbering the people. Conviction follows too late, and judgment spreads through the land until God halts the plague at Araunah’s threshing floor. There David offers costly worship, and the book ends with mercy.

Key People Involved

• David
• Joab
• Gad

Key Places

• Jerusalem
• Araunah’s Threshing Floor

Important Verses

“Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” - 2 Samuel 24:24

Cross-References

• Related events: Davidic Covenant
• Related books: 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles

Notes

2 Samuel ends where judgment is stayed. The final scene leaves the reader not with David’s power, but with God’s mercy.