Bible Problem: 2 Samuel 24:1 vs 1 Chronicles 21:1. Did God or Satan Incite David to Conduct the Census?
Problem:
2 Samuel 24:1 says:
And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
But 1 Chronicles 21:1 reads:
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
Both verses are talking about the same census, so this is an obvious contradiction, right?
Solution:
This is not a contradiction because both statements are true. Both God and Satan incited David to conduct the census.
King David’s pride was getting the better of him as he pondered his conquests of Canaan, Syria and Phoenicia. He was not thinking about God’s might, but his own.
God needed to teach David a lesson in humility and Satan of course wanted David to sin. But God knows how to turn Satan’s temptations and men’s sins into something advantageous.
There are several instances in the Bible where God uses Satan’s evil deeds and man’s sins to further His cause.
In the book of Job God allows Satan to bring great suffering upon Job. While this was undoubtedly very difficult for Job, his character, faith and rewards were greatly increased and we have the book of Job to teach us some very important lessons.
Another example is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Satan could not convince Jesus to sin, so he wanted to destroy Him. God had a plan to use Jesus’ sacrifice as a way to save lost sinners. Satan had Jesus crucified. God resurrected Jesus whose death paid the price for our sins, so we may now be forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ and be granted eternal life.
God has given us free will. Satan tempts us to sin. We make mistakes, and sometimes bad things happen to good people at no fault of their own. However, God can and does use our suffering and sins for the greater good.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.