2 Samuel 21, 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, and Psalm 30
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
Day 104 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on famine (2 Samuel 21) brought about by Saul's attempt to annihilate the Gibeonites (despite an earlier agreement of protection by Joshua), David's sinful attempt to perform a census of Israel (2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21) and God's reaction, which led to a plague of death with greater destruction halted only by God's great mercy and David's cries for forgiveness and his intercession. David then makes preparations to build the temple (1 Chronicles 22) and Psalm 30 dedicates the temple in advance of its construction by Solomon.
With regard to the famine that God brought upon Israel many years after a sin was committed by Saul, my commentary* indicates this incident "teaches something about...the significance in God’s eyes of sins long forgotten by man".
*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
God does not forget about our sin and nothing is hidden from God and upon final judgement (see John Piper on this) as we stand before the throne we are held to account based on what is recorded in the Book of Life and the Book of Deeds.
We should be grateful, therefore, for God's compassion and mercy - as the wages of sin are death, but God sent His one and only Son to die for all of us so that we might be redeemed.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has gone to the cross so that I could life - thank You Jesus! The greatest gift of all time! I am not deserving of such a gift. I sin...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me over come and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
