2 Samuel 24:1–25 – God’s Mercy in Judgment

By Dave Jenkins

Reading the Bible Daily with Dave – July 24, 2025

In today’s episode, we explore the final chapter of 2 Samuel, where David’s sinful census brings judgment—but also displays God’s astounding mercy. Through repentance, sacrifice, and divine compassion, this passage reminds us of the cost of true worship and the hope of a greater King to come.

Today’s Takeaways:

• Sin has consequences—but God’s mercy is greater.
• Repentance is the path to restoration.
• True worship costs something and comes from the heart.

Key Verse:

“I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” — 2 Samuel 24:24

Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:1–25 (ESV)

Exposition & Interpretation

Verses 1–9 – David’s Census

• David orders a census, likely driven by pride or misplaced trust in military power.
• Though Joab resists, the census is carried out.
• The act is framed as sinful and sovereignly permitted.

Verses 10–14 – David’s Confession and Choice

• David is convicted and confesses his sin.
• God offers three judgments—David chooses to fall into God’s merciful hands.

Verses 15–17 – The Plague and Intercession

• A plague strikes Israel, killing 70,000.
• God relents, and David intercedes on behalf of the people.

Verses 18–25 – The Altar on the Threshing Floor

• David is instructed to build an altar.
• He insists on paying for the offering—he will not offer to God that which costs him nothing.
• The sacrifice is made and the plague is stopped.

Key Themes

• Sin and Responsibility: Even great leaders fall; sin has consequences.
• Repentance and Mercy: God is merciful to the repentant.
• True Worship: Worship that costs nothing reflects little.
• God’s Sovereignty: His justice and mercy work together for His glory.

Biblical Theology Connection

• 1 Chronicles 21 – Parallel account with added spiritual insight.
• Psalm 51 – David’s heart of repentance.
• Luke 13:1–5 – Jesus on repentance amid judgment.
• Hebrews 12:6 – “The Lord disciplines the one He loves.”

Church History Insight

Matthew Henry: “David’s tender conscience made him tremble even at the thought of sin… he knew that judgment begins at the house of God.”

Charles Spurgeon: “The threshing floor became the place of worship, reminding us that where God humbles us, He also meets us.”

Christ-Centered Application

• David points us to Christ—the true King who bore the wrath we deserve.
• The plague was halted through sacrifice; Christ is the greater atonement.
• Repentance brings us to the foot of the cross, where mercy flows.

Takeaways for Daily Life

• Private: Examine your heart for pride or self-reliance.
• Home: Teach your family about repentance and grace.
• Church: Encourage worship that reflects sacrifice and reverence.
• Work: Lead with humility and dependence on the Lord.
• Culture: Call others to trust in God’s mercy, not worldly strength.

For Leaders, Teachers, and Counselors

• Use David’s failure to teach about leadership and repentance.
• Explain God’s discipline as fatherly, not punitive.
• Call your people to costly, joyful, God-centered worship.

Scripture Memory Verse

2 Samuel 24:24 – “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.”

Devotional Series Planning Note

This chapter fits into the series: Shadows of the Throne: The Failure of Earthly Kings and Our Need for Christ

• Lessons: The Cost of Worship, God’s Mercy in Judgment, Repentance in Leadership

Reformed Reflection and Gospel Response

• Scripture: Romans 3:23–26; Hebrews 9:26
• Reformed Insight: God’s justice is satisfied in Christ; He welcomes the repentant through the blood of Jesus.
• To Unbelievers: God’s mercy is real and offered through Christ.
• To Believers: Worship with reverence and gratitude—give your best to the Lord.

Summary Box

• Main Theme: God’s mercy shines even through judgment.
• Key Doctrine: True worship requires heartfelt repentance and costly obedience.
• Main Takeaway: God is merciful to the repentant and worthy of costly worship.

Conclusion

Thanks for joining me today on Reading the Bible Daily with Dave.

In this final chapter of 2 Samuel, we’ve seen the seriousness of sin, the mercy of God, and the call to true worship. Let’s continue to fix our eyes on Christ, our greater David, who gave His life as the perfect sacrifice.

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Until next time—stay in the Word, and keep your eyes on Jesus.