For the second time in the appendixes David has to face the wrath of God (cf. 2 Sam. 21:1–14), but this time he bears more of the blame. It is a hard lesson for David and his people, though the chapter ends on a note of worship that paves the way for the building of the temple.

A comparison of verse 1 with 1 Chronicles 21:1 reveals a startling difference about the identity of the one who incites David to take a census (24:1–9). According to 2 Samuel it is the Lord, whereas 1 Chronicles names Satan as the instigator. The change in the texts highlights a theological difference between the historian of 1–2 Samuel and the historian of 1–2 Chronicles. The majority of Old Testament writers held a worldview in which the Lord, as the Creator of all, was also responsible for both peace and disast…