The First Sin Is Often Pride

By Dean Collins

There is nothing wrong with making plans. But when we make plans because we have experienced so much success in the past and want to prove to ourselves how great our accomplishments have been, it may suggest that the enemy has already planted a seed that can lead to our fall. That is exactly what happened to King David in 1 Chronicles 21.

David’s empire was expanding. His military leaders continued to secure victory after victory. And, of course, the expansion of David’s kingdom was ultimately due to the blessing and favor of God. Chapter 21 opens with this sentence: “Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.”

David fell for the temptation and told Joab and all of his military commanders to go count the troops. On the surface, it seems completely logical to know what you have before you go into battle. But in this case, David failed to acknowledge that his accomplishments were a direct result of God’s favor. Yes, David was a skilled warrior, but temporarily he allowed himself to take credit for and take pride in his victories as if he were the reason for all of this success.

Joab immediately saw the error in David’s heart and posed a direct question to the king, hoping he would recognize the error of his ways. But David was not deterred. He deliberately moved forward with his plan. The sin of pride grew stronger and led to another sin: disobedience.

The result of David’s disobedience was painful discipline from God. And God’s discipline would be felt by more than just the king. Other people would be harmed and even die as a result of David’s sin. How often we forget that while our sins impact us, they almost always have a ripple effect—some consequences we see and often many that we do not.

David had turned his success and his vast army into an idol and had broken one of God’s commandments. When God confronted King David, he quickly repented but still had to endure the consequences of his actions. David saw God’s wrath clearly and up close:

“God sent the angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, but as he was about to destroy it, the Lord saw, and he relented from the calamity. And he said to the angel who was working destruction, ‘It is enough; now stay your hand.’ And the angel of the Lord was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. And David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, and in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem.”

Seeing David’s sorrow and repentance, God instructed him to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. David did not own the property and offered to buy it from Ornan. Ornan told the king that he could simply have it and use it to build an altar. King David’s response demonstrated the sincerity of his repentance:

“No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

The beauty of this story is found in this transaction. The very place where David experienced his failure became the place where he built an altar and made his sacrifice. Later, this same location would become the site of the Temple in Jerusalem. The place of David’s failure became a place where God would demonstrate his grace and mercy in the future.

When God sent Jesus to die for us just outside the gates of Jerusalem, he once and for all paid the penalty for our sins. Because of the grace and mercy of God, we are forgiven. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are the temple of our holy and righteous God.

The temptation to sin will come again. It is so critical that we stay in daily Scripture and prayer so that, through the Holy Spirit, we can recognize when pride begins to creep into our thoughts and hearts. The closer we are to Jesus, the better prepared we are to defend against the pride that can lead to sin.

Father, thank you for this story of King David that reminds us that grace and mercy come at a price. Forgive us today for our pride. We humble ourselves before you and ask that you show us where and how we can work to extend your kingdom today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
1 Chronicles 21:1–30 ESV

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