April 28, 2026 - 2 Samuel 24; Psalm 24

Week 18

• Psalm 51

• 2 Samuel 24, Psa 24

• Psalm 1, 19

• Psalm 103, 119:1-48

• Psalm 119:49-128

The last chapter of 2 Samuel continues the theme of God's blessing on David's life and the nation oflsrael because of his faithfulness to his covenant. However, the events in this chapter are another example of God temporarily removing his blessing because of sin. The military census David took angered God because it happened at a time when the nation of Israel was at peace, which revealed David's interest in his own power and military success over his trust in the Lord.

God responded to David's sin by punishing all of Israel, which opened David's eyes to the error of his ways and led to his confession of sin and repentance. Throughout David's life, we notice a cycle in his relationship with God that makes it look a lot like ours. David moved from a place of worship to sin, then to repentance, then back to worship. Second Samuel ends with David's example of costly sacrifice as a display of his worship toward God. This theme is the heart of Psalm 24, a psalm that acknowledges the power of God-the Source and Perfecter of everything.

David acknowledged that because everything is God’s, He deserved sacrifices that cost David everything in response. What is a costly sacrifice you can give to God this week? Read Romans 12:1-2 as you reflect on this question and today’s readings.