The man’s pain lasted until the third day
Preaching Outline on II Samuel 24:14-15 – “Then David said to Gad, ‘I am in great distress, but let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercies are many; but let me not fall into the hand of man. And the LORD sent the plague upon Israel from the morning until the set time: and from Dan even to Beer-sheba died seventy thousand men of the people.”
Introduction to II Samuel 24:14-15
The story of David told in this text teaches us profound lessons about sin, judgment and grace. The context shows that David sinned by taking a census motivated by vanity and self-sufficiency, disobeying the Lord. As a result, God presented David with three options for judgment. This episode is not only a portrait of God’s justice, but also of his mercy, which points to the gospel of Christ and the redemptive power of the third day.
Development
DAVI’S SIN
David commits a grave sin by taking the census. In Exodus 30:12, God instructs that every census must be accompanied by a ransom in money, symbolizing redemption. However, David neglects this instruction, driven by pride and confidence in the numbers of his army, rather than trusting in God’s sovereignty. This reminds us that sin is not just a transgression of laws, but an attitude of the heart that distances us from God.
THE CONSEQUENCE OF SIN AND FREE WILL
David’s sin brought terrible consequences for Israel. God offered David three choices of judgment: seven years of famine, three months on the run from his enemies or three days of plague. This choice teaches us that, although man has free will, he is also responsible for the consequences of his choices. However, in the midst of judgment, David shows wisdom by choosing to fall into God’s hands, recognizing his mercy.
GOD’S JUDGMENT AND MERCY
God sends the plague, but divine grace manifests itself. On the third day, the angel of destruction ceases his work. Here we see a powerful principle: God is just, but also merciful. He does not destroy completely, but offers redemption. God’s grace does not eliminate the consequences of sin, but gives us a new opportunity.
THE THIRD DAY AS A POINT OF REDEMPTION
The third day, when the angel stops the destruction, points prophetically to Jesus Christ. Just as David and Israel experienced relief on the third day, we too have been delivered from God’s judgment through Christ’s resurrection. On the third day, Jesus conquered death and secured our redemption. Romans 4:25 reminds us that he was delivered up for our transgressions and raised for our justification.
CHOOSING GRACE
David could have tried to justify his sin or run away from the consequences, but he chose to trust in God’s mercy. This is an invitation to all of us: in the face of sin, we must choose God’s grace. There is no redemption apart from the cross of Christ.
Conclusion
Just as David and Israel’s pain lasted until the third day, our redemption was consummated on the third day through Christ’s resurrection. May we, like David, recognize our dependence on divine mercy. May we fully trust in Jesus, who is the perfect manifestation of God’s grace and mercy. Today, the Lord calls us to a profound experience of his grace and to live the transforming reality of the third day.
- Acknowledge your sins and hand them over to God, trusting in his mercy.
- Choose to depend on God’s grace instead of relying on your own strength or justifications.
- Live in the light of the third day, celebrating Christ’s victory over sin and death.
May the Lord strengthen us every day to live this grace and share it with others, pointing to the redemptive power of the third day.
Preaching Outline on II Samuel 24:14-15 – “Then David said to Gad, ‘I am in great distress, but let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercies are many; but let me not fall into the hand of man. And the LORD sent the plague upon Israel from the morning until the set time: and from Dan even to Beer-sheba died seventy thousand men of the people.”
More Preaching Outlines
- Genesis 22:1-5 – And he saw the place from afar
- Hannah’s affliction – I Samuel 1:13
- All creation groans – Romans 8:22-23
