II Samuel 24:1, "And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah."

I Chronicles 21:1, "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel."

This morning, many people stumble and falter at things written in the word of God due to not rightly dividing what is taught. Without the bedrock principle that there are no errors in the Holy Scriptures (and there are not), then we will never understand what they mean as we do not agree with what is said. So, the first thing to realize about these two verses is that this is NOT a contradiction. There are no errors in the Bible, but there are many times contradictions and errors in our minds. Also, this verse is not teaching that God and Satan work together. God and Satan are at odds with each other, and Satan is no match for our God. The end of Satan is certain, as we are told that our Lord has won the battle and will one day manifestly show that to us.

On this occasion, David sins again against God. He numbers Israel, and the sin is that he is putting his trust in the arm of flesh instead of the arm of God. David could have the number of his army be as Gideon's was and still win the victory if the arm of the Lord was his strength. So now we know the sin and motive for the sin, but it has been asked how to rightly divide these companion verses. So, how do we? What is God's work, and what is Satan's work? God was displeased with Israel, and His displeasure was just and righteous. Satan's aim on the other hand is not justice, but rather, he takes delight in suffering and enjoys the pains that are brought forth.

So, now we have the motive properly aligned, and the question becomes, "Who moved David?" The answer is quite simply that God and Satan moved on this occasion (as the verses will not support any other conclusion), but their movements were very different. David is spoken of as a man after God's own heart. Now, it is important that he is AFTER God's own heart, as God had to initially do something for David to have a desire for God. Also, after God moved David in regeneration, David's steps of obedience must be attended by God's providence as David is no better than we and can do nothing without Christ. Therefore, if David is found in a state of sin (such as murder and adultery), then God's providence must be absent at that time. Likewise on this occasion, God's movement was away from David. He never left David by relationship, but His providential hand was lifted from around David (as He also did to Job).

So, God moved on this occasion in lifting His timely hedge from the king. Now, after this is done, Satan begins to provoke and turn away David after his pride. David's thoughts become filled with the glory of his kingdom and army. This provocation brought on a lustful desire for glory that ended in sinful state that brought much death. Job's case is similar in that the Lord actively removed Himself, and Satan actively provoked over and over again.

Whenever we are tempted and provoked, we cannot charge God with that temptation, but He does move sometimes away from us (in providence) to prove our faith. David's faith was lacking, and he stumbled in the temptation, but the Lord is NOT at fault for that. Someone might then inquire, "How could God leave David like that?" The answer is quite simple, "God was not required to providentially be there at all." The things that He chooses to do are always RIGHTEOUS!

Therefore, if He is with us and guiding us, we owe thanks to Him. If we stumble and fall, we throw all blame upon self, as there can be no other source for the goodness but Him and no other blame for the sin but us. I pray that this has helped the question and not gendered more questions than answers.