OK - lots going on here.
When you reconcile these two passages it states that the Lord allows Satan to tempt David. Honestly, since God is in control, He can stop or allow Satan to do anything Satan dreams up. However, when it comes to temptation, we have a choice - give in or stand against it. So, the Lord allowing Satan to tempt David was simply giving David the option of choosing which he would do. It is Satan's goal to tempt us away from God. BUT - he cannot force you to disobey. He is simply making a suggestion. Whether or not you follow is your choice.
David falls into temptation. Why was a census wrong? Because it shows a lack of faith in God. David didn't need to reassure himself with numbers when God has proven Himself faithful to deliver Israel over & over again. To deal with the sin, God gives David a choice - 3 years famine, 3 months of fleeing, or 3 days of pestilence. Most scholars agree that the number of casualties would be the same regardless of the event. David chooses the quickest one.
But why should the innocent die for the one? Oh, we hear this question often. Why do the innocent suffer?Well, two reasons: 1) no one is innocent. It's a harsh reality, but it is true. Anyone who has children can tell you that you don't have to teach a child to be naughty, you have to teach him to be good. 2) In the Old Testament, "[David] is the representative of God's people, and thus they bear the consequences of his behavior, whether good or evil." ESV study Bible. Another harsh reality. We don't complain when good happens, but we do complain when bad does. We like to reap the benefits, but not the punishments. Even today, we reap the benefits and consequences of the leaders we elect. A country is made or broken upon its leadership. So, be thoughtful in who you support, in who you elect. Didn't vote for the person in power? Pray, pray hard that his heart will be softened to the will of God, but remember, he is your leader & you are to respect him. Yes, that is in the Bible too.
King David's history can be difficult to comprehend, but I look at it this way - if David, as God's representative, is allowed to "get away" with sinful behavior, what is to stop those that look up to him from following in his footsteps? Where is the accountability? I'm going to get very personal here. I became pregnant at the age of 18. I was unmarried. In fact, the biological father left the moment I told him I was pregnant. My father was the youth leader, I was a Sunday School helper. I truly repented and was forgiven. There were no consequences to deal with in my church other than the humiliation of being a single, unwed mother. I wasn't even asked to step down from helping in Children's ministry. Not a harsh word was spoken in my hearing. In fact, most people were highly supportive. I was grateful for the mercy and grace I was shown. I still am. However, within 3 years two other girls in my church became single, unwed mothers. I can't help but wonder: if instead of sparing my feelings the church had taken a harsher stand would these girls have thought twice about their actions? I realize that I am not responsible for their decisions. But, did my easy plight make sin look a little less sinful? Did they stop & think, "well, her life is just fine. So, why wouldn't mine be also?" If the consequences had been greater, would it have made these girls think twice? Looking back, I should have faced some harsher consequences. Accountability in church and in life is important. Not only for yourself, but for those watching.
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