The Census and Its Aftermath: This is not an easy passage for a number of reasons. The equivalent passage in 1 Chronicles 21 has a number of differences, not the least being the inspiration of David’s action, presented as the Lord in 2 Samuel and as Satan in 1 Chronicles. In the context of 2 Samuel, in particular the appendix, this passage has a parallel in 21:1–14, where Saul’s sin brought tragedy to the nation. The writers may intend to make it clear that the actions of any ruler, not just the disgraced Saul, have consequences that go far beyond the action. In both instances the accounts end with God again answering prayer in behalf of the land (21:14; 24:25). In this instance there is a looking forward to Solomon’s reign. The details given concerning the threshing floor of Araunah are e…