Whodunnit?

Once again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he caused David to harm them by taking a census. “Go and count the people of Israel and Judah,” the Lord told him. [2 Samuel 24.1]

Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel. [1 Chronicles 21.1-2]

So, whodunnit? Who caused David to take a census? God or Satan?

Here today we have two different accounts of the event of David taking a census of Israel and the two accounts differ greatly as to who caused David to do it.

I suppose this discrepancy should cause great alarm among Bible enthusiasts. It should certainly be a source of grief for those who, in "idol fashion" hold that the Bible is inerrant! I myself have had great turmoil over this discrepancy in times past.  However, today, I do not find myself alarmed so much by it.

The Bible is a book of historical antiquity. The story it chronicles is not only one of history but also one of spiritual revelation.  Like any and all other history books, the Bible, in its historical capacity, is also subject to error in duplication, translation, and interpretation.  And this is precisely what I believe is seen in the discrepancy discussed here. 

However, the revelation side of the Bible is subject to a relationship between the reader and God. Revelation cannot be taught but rather must be experienced. What one person takes away from a particular "lesson" from the Bible can greatly vary from what another gets from it. Revelation that is born from Bible reading as it relates to personal experience is, in fact, the Word of God.

The litmus test for the Bible, just like individual revelation, is continuity. Historically, and in some other factual representations, the Bible is conflicted.  However, the overall spiritual representation that God is God and, as such is in control, is a solid and pure "Word of God" theme from cover to cover. So also, individual revelation, if in fact it is genuine revelation, will remain true to the direction and theme of all revelation from God. Yes, the execution may vary, but the outcome will be in perfect unity with the whole.  There are no lone rangers in God's family - only different parts of the same single Body!

So, having said this, and remaining true to my declarations above, if one believes all the Bible says about God's character and domain, that person will have no trouble with God being attributed as the instigator of David's sin. Why? Because Satan, who in all his proud self-initiated rebellion and hate, was originally created by God. By virtue of the fact that Satan was created by God, it can therefore be attributed that God did the deed. And, considering that God built in free will to all his created beings angelic and human alike, it comes as no surprise that even though God created Satan (originally unflawed) that Satan rebelled utilizing his own God-given free will.

I love it when it all makes perfect sense!

Father, I am grateful that You are in control.  I am grateful that You are sovereign.  I am grateful that the Bible so represents Your perfection to all who seek You!