When The Heart Wanders From Dependence On God Series

WHEN THE HEART WANDERS FROM DEPENDENCE ON GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Samuel 24:1-25

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-7, Jeremiah 17:5-8, Psalm 20:7, 1 Chronicles 21:1-30, Isaiah 31:1

INTRODUCTION:

In 2 Samuel 24, David makes a critical leadership mistake that invites divine judgement. He orders a census of Israel's fighting men—not for administrative planning, but seemingly to measure his military strength and security. This act, though not explicitly sinful in civil terms, reveals a heart shift: David placed trust in numbers rather than in God.

This chapter uncovers the subtle danger of pride, self-reliance, and misplaced confidence, especially for those in positions of authority. David had always relied on God through his battles, but now, nearing the end of his life, he momentarily forgets that it was never numbers that gave him victory—it was the Lord.

Yet, we also see the mercy of God. Though judgement came, David responded with humility and repentance. He acknowledged his sin, accepted responsibility, and chose God's discipline over man’s. Ultimately, he builds an altar, offers a costly sacrifice, and God answers with mercy. This story reminds us that even when we fail, restoration is possible when we return wholeheartedly to God.

1. PRIDE AND SELF-RELIANCE OPEN DOORS TO SPIRITUAL ERROR

David ordered a census, disregarding the counsel of Joab and others.

a) “Now again the anger of the Lord was aroused… and He moved David against them to say, ‘Go, number Israel and Judah.’” (2 Samuel 24:1)

The census revealed a heart that leaned more on statistics than on the Spirit.

b) Counting resources without consulting God reflects misplaced dependence

The heart slowly drifts when we start trusting in human strength.

c) Even seasoned leaders must guard against spiritual complacency and self-assurance

One wrong decision can have national implications.

d) Pride blinds discernment and can cause a person to ignore wise counsel

Joab, though not always godly, saw the danger and resisted.

Biblical Example: King Uzziah prospered until pride led to his downfall (2 Chronicles 26:15-21).

2. CONVICTION AND REPENTANCE ARE MARKS OF A GODLY HEART

David immediately felt guilt after the census was completed.

a) “And David’s heart condemned him…” (2 Samuel 24:10)

Though powerful, David remained sensitive to God.

b) True greatness is not in being flawless, but in being quick to repent

Conviction is a sign that a heart is still responsive to God.

c) Leadership must model repentance publicly and sincerely

David admitted, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done.”

d) Repentance opens the door to divine mercy and redirects the course of judgement

God always looks for a broken and contrite heart.

Biblical Example: Peter wept bitterly after denying Jesus and was restored (Luke 22:61-62; John 21:15-17).

3. GOD GIVES US SPACE TO CHOOSE OUR DISCIPLINE

God, through the prophet Gad, offered David three choices of judgement.

a) “Shall seven years of famine come… or shall you flee three months… or shall there be three days’ plague?” (2 Samuel 24:13)

God’s discipline is not arbitrary—it is purposeful and redemptive.

b) David’s response shows deep trust in God's nature: “Let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great”

He knew that even in judgement, God is more merciful than man.

c) Leaders must own the consequences of their decisions and not shift blame

David did not seek to avoid discipline but asked that it fall on him.

d) The fear of the Lord should guide us in all decisions, knowing that choices have consequences

Reverence can prevent unnecessary calamity.

Biblical Example: Jonah accepted the storm as a result of his disobedience and surrendered (Jonah 1:12).

4. INTERCESSION AND SACRIFICE TURN DIVINE JUDGEMENT INTO MERCY

David built an altar and offered sacrifices on the threshing floor of Araunah.

a) “So David bought the threshing floor… and built there an altar to the Lord” (2 Samuel 24:24-25)

He refused to offer what cost him nothing—he gave sacrificially.

b) Intercession must be accompanied by sacrifice—something that truly costs us

Cheap offerings do not carry weight in spiritual matters.

c) David’s action mirrored Christ’s future redemptive work—where intercession and sacrifice merged

This site later became the location of Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 3:1).

d) True leadership makes costly choices for the sake of the people’s peace

David risked wealth, reputation, and more to secure divine mercy.

Biblical Example: Abraham interceded and offered sacrifice at Moriah, the same future location of the temple (Genesis 22:2, 14).

5. GOD’S MERCY PREVAILS WHEN THERE IS GENUINE REPENTANCE

The plague stopped when God saw David’s heart and sacrifice.

a) “The Lord heeded the prayers… and the plague was withdrawn from Israel” (2 Samuel 24:25)

God responded to a sincere cry and a sacrificial act.

b) Mercy is not earned—it is accessed through humility and submission to God's will

David did not negotiate—he surrendered.