I Chronicles 20-22

“Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel” (21:1).  While II Samuel reports David’s crimes of adultery and murder, Chronicles focuses on a different failure: David’s “numbering of the people.”  Taking a census was sometimes permitted, but in this case, David knew it was wrong (21:3-4). Satan was stirring up David’s pride in Israel’s armies rather than dependence on God. David knew he had acted “very foolishly” (21:8) and deserved punishment (21:13).

“For His mercy is very great” (21:13).  Though it seems like a lesser sin than adultery or murder, pride is dangerous because it convinces us we don’t need God’s mercy. Only by opening our hearts in humility can we receive His abundant forgiveness and grace.