Are You Tempted by satan?

Where Do You Turn When You Are Tempted By satan?

Jesus Is Tempted By satan

Insight Into Scripture - 2 Samuel 23-24

The list of 30 men in chapter 23 were a special group that had attached themselves to David. They served as a "Special Forces" group.

Taking census was a practical measure utilized by governments. But these census were not appreciated by the people. It usually lead to tax levies as well as forced labor and military services. (24:1-7)

The angel afflicting the people (24:16) was the same terminology used for the destroying angel in the Passover.

A threshing floor (24:24) was a place where grain was threshed. Usually clay soil was packed to a hard smooth surface. Sheaves of grain were spread out on the floor then trampled by oxen. Fans or shovels were used to separate the chaff.

David Built An Altar To God

In verse 24:18 the Bible states how David built an altar to GOD and sacrificed oxen for his disobedience. GOD was pleased with David's sacrifice and stopped the plague on Israel.

Scripture Reading

Again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, "Go, number Israel and Judah." So the king said to Joab, the commander of the army, who was with him, "Go through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and number the people, that I may know the number of the people." But Joab said to the king, "May the LORD your God add to the people a hundred times as many as they are, while the eyes of my lord the king still see it, but why does my lord the king delight in this thing?" But the king's word prevailed against Joab and the commanders of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army went out from the presence of the king to number the people of Israel.

But David's heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the LORD, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly." - 2 Samuel 24:1-4, 10 ESV

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Think n Grow

This story is a good example of pride, faith, God's mercy. See 1 Chronicles 21:1-17 for more insight to this story.

The story starts out by David being tempted by satan. Maybe satan played with David's pride, or maybe satan used fear to tempt David to take the census. Whatever it was David lost the connection with GOD and gave into the temptation. What do you do when you are tempted by satan? See Book on Temptation.

It was wrong for David to take the census. Israel was at peace so there was no need to enlist the troops. Joab knew this census was wrong. He even tried to call David on it, but David, being the anointed king, had the final say and Joab respected him. When you are struggling with a decision you must make, are you open to others opinions or are you closed minded? GOD may put someone in your life to be HIS voice, are you listening?

David, being true to his character felt guilty about his decision, desired to make peace with GOD, admitted his sin, and accepted GOD's judgement. When you have sinned, are you quick to ask forgiveness and humbly accept any consequences given?

In closing I saw one point that I thought I would share with you. GOD gave David his punishment after he had confessed his sin, not before. Maybe GOD wanted David to confess first, and see if David was truly sorry by his acceptance of the punishment. I hope this story of David helped you see events happening in your life. See Books on Overcoming Sin.

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Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus

Thank You Lord for this awesome moon and star that are glistening through my window, as if You are saying good night. Father thank You for the time we get to share together, I pray that I can use it wisely. Father I pray that You help me realize my sins, and confess them with an open heart. Thank You for loving me so much.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen.