The Chronicler doesn’t tell us much about the turmoil that marked David’s reign because of his affair with Bathsheba or the later rebellion led by his son Absalom. But in 1 Chronicles 21, he does mention one event when David clearly disobeyed God. Why? Most likely because this sin led to the location of the temple, which was a critical part of the covenant God made with David. Having been shown the fulfillment of God’s promise to subdue all David’s enemies (17:7), we will now see how God fulfilled the second portion of His promise to “appoint a place for My people Israel” (17:9). Clearly the promise involved more than a secure land for their dwelling, but a place where God Himself would dwell among them—namely the temple—for the central task of the promised descendant would be to build a house for the LORD (17:12). The occasion of the selection of the temple site is described in great detail because it highlights with remarkable clarity the ultimate purpose for the temple: God’s salvation of His people. This was not to be a religious shrine, but the place where sinful humans could meet with a righteous and holy God, that He might demonstrate the greatness of His grace and mercy to them. The chapter opens with Satan inciting David to number the people of Israel (v 1). This act was strictly forbidden in the law of Moses, unless accompanied by a tax on each person counted, which was to be used in the service of the sanctuary. Otherwise, a plague would come upon the people. In the parallel account of 2 Samuel 24, it says, “the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and He incited David” to conduct the census. So who prompted David to sin: was it Satan or God? Well, in one sense, it doesn’t matter, for as Luther said, “the devil is God’s devil.” God does not directly tempt anyone to do evil, but in God’s universe, it is impossible to escape His sovereignty. Whether He providentially allows something or acts more directly, God is always in charge, and His ways are always just and good. Three times David expresses deep contrition (v 8, 13, 17), yet consequences are severe. Finally, God acts in mercy to halt the deadly plague at the site of Ornan’s threshing floor (v 14-15). And there God commands David to build an altar and offer up the sacrifice He had provided in His law (v 18). This is the place where God will build His house. It’s never right to sin so that good may come of it, but when we do sin, praise God that He can overrule it for good, transforming the effects into something which will contribute to His glory. For further meditation: