Why did God allow David to sin in taking a census?
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God allowed David to sin as part of His sovereign plan, using it to provoke David's heart and reveal his need for humility and atonement.
In the account of David’s sin of taking a census, we see a complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human actions. 2 Samuel 24:1 states that the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel and led David to take this census. Meanwhile, 1 Chronicles 21:1 attributes the provocation directly to Satan. This showcases that while God allows certain temptations, He remains sovereign over all circumstances to fulfill His purposes. In David's case, the act of taking a census was rooted in pride, revealing his lack of dependence on God. This eventual conviction led David to sacrifice, not just to atone for his sin, but to recognize and turn back to God, thus fulfilling God's purpose of demonstrating grace through humility.
Scripture References:
2 Samuel 24:1, 1 Chronicles 21:1
Commentary