This effectively marks the final major incident in David’s life. Given a choice between three punishments for grieving God in the matter of the census, he opts for the shortest. And probably the deadliest: a three-day pandemic that will sweep through the country. But when David sees the angel of the Lord poised to destroy Jerusalem, he pleads for mercy and is allowed to make a burnt offering to the Lord. 

All this takes place on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. This was on Mount Moriah, the hill to the east of Jerusalem, and was the site upon which the Temple was built afterwards (2 Chronicles 3:1). Jewish tradition identified this with the mountain which was the scene of the sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:2). 

Some places carry memories of worship and encounter with the living God. David’s last act is his remembrance of meeting the grace of God in the midst of his failure. This is where the Temple will be built but not by him. 

‘The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply’.¹

This last section of 2 Samuel tells us about the end of David’s reign, finishing with a story of astute negotiation, commitment to God and the recognition and final taking up of his own responsibility. 1 Kings follows on directly, beginning with David at the end of his life having lost the ability to carry out further responsibilities or even to care for himself. The four books of Samuel and Kings belong together, but the writer apparently wants us to look back over David’s reign and, even while clearly aware of weaknesses and failures, also to see David’s strengths and successes. We have a lovely picture here of eastern negotiations, where it is hard to know when a suggestion, such as Araunah’s offer to provide everything, is genuine or just part of the cultural power play. In either case, David wanted to be very clear that he accepted his responsibility. This was his offering, his sacrifice, acknowledging both his own sin and his own thankfulness to God. 1 Samuel began with worship and sacrifice offered at God’s house in Shiloh² and 2 Samuel ends with worship and sacrifice at what was to become the site of the new Temple.³ 

The account ends with a repetition of the statement made at the end of the story of the consequences of Saul’s sin.⁴ God ‘answered his prayer on behalf of the land’ (v 25). The writer has been consistently clear that sin has consequences and must be dealt with but, once it is dealt with, life moves on. God is still listening, still caring, still powerful, still answering. The next stage of Israel’s history may be worse or may be better but, at this point, hope remains. 

Lord, help us to take responsibility for our failures. Thank you that you are a God of mercy and hope, allowing us to move on. Help us do that too. 

¹ 1 Pet 4:7,8  ² 1 Sam 1:3  ³ 2 Chr 3:1  ⁴ 2 Sam 21:14