The long period following David's sin is omitted. There is no reference to the rebellions under Absalom and Sheba. The narrative jumps to the end of David's life.

v1-2: Satan's accusation was permitted by God, 2 Sam 24.1. We do not always see the events in the spiritual realms, but we see their outworking. Satan tempted David to the sin of pride, wanting to number his people.

v3-7: Even Joab knew that David's request was wrong; Chronicles deals little with Joab's harshness and cruelty; it emphasizes more his role as David's army commander.

We note that Joab did not number all the people, because what David asked him to do was "repulsive".

v8: David's godly character; he confessed his sin before he was rebuked. Our first rebuke must come from an unsettled conscience, before any consequence exposes our sin. We draw a distinction between sorrow for sin, and sadness over its consequences.

v9-13: God gave David three options. We see his spiritual perception; having something of God's heart, he recognised that God is merciful. He made the character of God the basis for his decision

v14-16: Again, David saw the spiritual reality, the angel (2 Kings 6.15,17; John 21.17); the spiritual man will always see more. The angel was restrained by God, whose mercy is great, and who command "Withdraw your hand!"

v17: Personal confession; David was the one who had sinned and done evil; there was no 'blame' for Satan here; we are responsible for our own sins, to repent and confess, but not to blame another. David also maintained his concern for his people.

v18-24: The command of God was that an altar be erected. This would be a place of petition and worship. But the principle of sacrifice had to be followed; the end of judgment demanded a sacrifice; and a life of obedience is a life of sacrifice. Even so the life of Christ was a life totally given over to God. We too are obliged to give of ourselves, however our sacrifice is a voluntary thing.

v25-30: David offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. In response the angel put away his sword, and so further judgment was averted. David, in gratitude, made further sacrifices. David did not go to the tabernacle, but made an offering directly to God; an indication of his personal responsibility, and his personal faith in God.