SACRIFICE 1 - Sacrifice always costs something.

Sacrifice 1 - English files

Opferbereitschaft 1 - German files 

Devotional Thoughts about 2 Samuel Chapter 24

This chapter at the end of 2 Samuel and near the end of David’s life leaves us wondering about several things. For instance, we’re not told what sin had aroused God’s anger at Israel (verse 1) nor is it said what David’s census had to do with it, but by the time the numbers were all in, the sin was compounded, and punishment was coming.

David was given the unique opportunity of choosing from three frightening punishments: famine, losing at war and an epidemic. His response was characteristic for him. He knew he couldn’t trust people, but he could trust God to be merciful. God chose for him the epidemic, and true to His character, He was merciful, stopping it before it reached Jerusalem.

David insisted on paying full price for Arauna’s land and oxen, making his obedience a true sacrifice. Turn just one page back in your Bible to 2 Samuel 23:14-17 to find another example of how important sacrifice was for David.

Lord, help me be ready to make sacrifices for Your sake.

By the way, Arauna’s threshing floor was chosen as the site of the temple Solomon was to build (1 Chronicles 22:1,2).

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