Day 134: Devastating Effects of Sin

Today's readings: 2 Samuel 16, 1 Chronicles 21, and Psalm 15.

I. 2 Samuel 16 continues the story of David's flight from Absalom during Absalom's rebellion. It contrasts loyalty, deception, and divine judgment. We are told that Shimei, a Benjaminite from Saul's family, curses David. Abishai wanted to kill him, but David stayed his hand. When Absalom entered Jerusalem, Ahitophel advised him to publicly sleep with David's concubines, which he did. So much for loyalty, let alone consent.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, notes:

David's response, though, reveals that he has indeed been humbled. He says that he is not so good and innocent that he does not deserve these curses. This is a great sign of repentance to say, "If you knew my heart and how much I have sinned against the Lord, you would know that your criticism of me doesn't cover half of it." (p. 30)

II. 1 Chronicles 21 recounts David's census of Israel, but with details and theological emphases that differ from the parallel account in 2 Samuel 24. In this account, Satan incites David to do the census, making God angry. He offers a choice of punishments to David through the prophet Gad. David offers his own life, but 70,000 Israelites die in a plague instead. God commands David to build an altar, and he offers sacrifices. God answers by sending fire from heaven, and the plague ceases. This will be the future site of Solomon's Temple.

The differences from 2 Samuel seem odd to me, more for why God was angry. The BIY Companion, Vol II, explains, though, that "by conducting a new census, David is implying that the people of Israel are not God's people anymore but his." Now that makes much more sense.

III. Psalm 15 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes:

An entrance liturgy. It opens with questions, probably posed by a Levite or priest, and it continues with the congregation's response as they enter the precincts of the Temple. At issue are the moral requirements for entering the Lord's presence. The worshipper must be righteous in word and deed and a model of justice toward his neighbor. Scholars also identify Ps 24 as an entrance liturgy. (p. 841)

That's all for today!