撒但起来攻击以色列人，激动大卫数点他们。大卫就吩咐约押和民中的首领说：“你们去数点以色列人，从别是巴直到但，回来告诉我，我好知道他们的数目。”约押说：“愿耶和华使他的百姓比现在加增百倍。我主我王啊，他们不都是你的仆人吗？我主为何吩咐行这事，为何使以色列人陷在罪里呢？”但王的命令胜过约押。约押就出去，走遍以色列地，回到耶路撒冷，将百姓的总数奏告大卫：以色列人拿刀的有一百一十万；犹大人拿刀的有四十七万。惟有利未人和便雅悯人没有数在其中，因为约押厌恶王的这命令。
(历代志上 21:1-6 和合本)

    在《历代志上》21:1-6中，大卫王因为受到撒但的诱惑，决定数点以色列人，这一行为被视为一种严重的罪。这段经文我读了很多遍却始终不知所云，但今天有了一些心得，和大家一起学习一下：

这个故事说了什么？
    经文明确指出，撒但起来攻击以色列人，并激动大卫数点他们。大卫的决定并非出于对上帝的敬畏或顺从，而是受到了撒但的引诱和挑拨，他对上帝的保护和供应缺乏信任。上帝已经多次证明了他对以色列人的看顾和保守，但大卫似乎更关注自己王国的军事实力，他希望通过了解军队的规模来增强自己的安全感和自豪感，而不是依靠上帝的力量。
    约押清楚地意识到数点百姓的行为是不合上帝心意的，因此他反对大卫的命令。然而，大卫的决定最终导致以色列人陷入罪中，引发了上帝的愤怒和惩罚。这一错误不仅影响了大卫本人，还对整个以色列民族带来了负面后果。

为什么说大卫轻慢了上帝的信任？
    既然说到对上帝的信任，我们就不得不先解释一下上面提到的撒但作为（‘撒但起来攻击以色列人，并激动大卫数点他们’），撒但究竟是个什么‘鬼’？牠是什么样子？怎么就会攻击、激动......以色列人和大卫呢？对初信耶稣基督的弟兄姐妹来说的确有点悬，以为撒但是站在我们背后使坏的那个‘人’，甚至会误认为撒但是我们做错事的‘背锅侠’和‘捣乱鬼’......。
    其实当我们多读圣经后就会明白，经文里说的撒但其实也是我们思想深处的那部分意念，那些按照个人骄傲、眼目及肉体情欲衍生出来的所有一切都属于撒但的‘掌权职责’范围，而当我们谦卑下来，愿意安静等候环境带给我们的一切时，我们的主就开始做工了。
    如果你认可这个说法的话，我们挖掘一下上面的依据吧，这句经文是这样的：因为凡世界上的事，就像肉体的情欲，眼目的情欲，并今生的骄傲，都不是从父来的，乃是从世界来的。(约翰一书 2:16 和合本)
    说到这里，相信弟兄姐妹对文章开头的经文有了一个初步认识了。大卫在上帝带领下取得了一系列胜利后，并不认为是上帝的‘功劳’，反而以为是自己统治的以色列国兵力强盛且作战勇猛获得的，这样做实际上就是从根本上否定了上帝给予以色列人的救赎和带领。
    进一步说，上帝的恩典和力量远超我们所能掌控的一切，以色列人包括大卫应始终信靠上帝的供应和保守，而不是认为可以依赖自己的力量和资源获得这些成就。
    弟兄姐妹们，当我们意识到骄傲是许多错误和罪恶的根源时，我们应学会保持谦卑，认识到自己能力的有限，依靠上帝的智慧和引导。在做决定时，应倾听他人的忠告和劝诫，特别是那些符合上帝旨意的声音。约押的反对是出于对上帝的敬畏，但大卫没有听从，最终酿成大错。撒但，也就是我们心中的那个骄傲的‘自我’，常常以各种方式引诱我们偏离正道，我们需要时刻保持警醒，通过祷告和灵修增强对抗诱惑的能力。当我们犯错时，应勇于承认错误，并承担相应的后果。大卫在意识到自己的错误后，悔改并祈求上帝的宽恕，这是我们应学习的榜样。

结语
    上帝的带领和撒但的搅扰在每个人的心里，何时何地、谁做我们的主取决于我们的选择。你要保守你心，胜过保守一切，因为一生的果效，是由心发出。(箴言 4:23 和合本)。大卫的错误在于他没有信靠上帝，反而依赖自己的力量，导致了严重的后果。我们应从中汲取教训，始终保持对上帝的信任，谦卑自己，警惕诱惑，并听从符合上帝旨意的劝诫。只有这样，我们才能避免陷入罪中，走在正义和真理的道路上。
   让我们一起为此祷告！

（如有建议敬请留言讨论，邮箱：hu0023@gmail.com）

Obey God or Indulge the Inner Satan?

Scripture Passage:
Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring the number of them to me that I may know it. ” And Joab answered, “May the Lord make His people a hundred times more than they are. But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why then does my lord require this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt in Israel?” Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came to Jerusalem. Then Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to David. All Israel had one million one hundred thousand men who drew the sword, and Judah had four hundred and seventy thousand men who drew the sword. But he did not count Levi and Benjamin among them, for the king’s word was abominable to Joab. (1 Chronicles 21:1-6 NKJV)

Image Description: This painting depicts the scene from 1 Chronicles 21:1-6, showing King David ordering Joab to number the people of Israel under the influence of Satan. David appears deep in thought and internally conflicted, while Joab looks reluctant and worried. In the background, one can see the silhouettes of the Israelite army, emphasizing the scale of the census. The ancient historical architecture and landscapes of Jerusalem are also portrayed, setting an overall atmosphere of tension and moral conflict.

What Does the Passage Say?

The passage clearly states that Satan arose to attack Israel and incited David to conduct a census of the people. David’s decision was not made out of fear or obedience to God; rather, it was prompted by Satan’s temptation and provocation. Despite God’s repeated demonstrations of protection and provision for Israel, David focused on the military strength of his kingdom. He hoped to secure a sense of safety and pride by assessing the size of the armed forces—instead of relying on the Lord’s power.

Joab, on the other hand, clearly recognized that numbering the people was not in accordance with God’s will. His objection stemmed from his reverence for God, yet David’s command prevailed, and ultimately, David’s decision brought sin upon Israel, incurring God’s wrath and punishment. This error affected not only David personally but had negative consequences for the entire nation of Israel.

Why Does It Seem That David Mistrusted God?

Since the topic is about trust in the Lord, it is necessary first to clarify the mention of Satan in the passage (“Satan arose to attack Israel and incited David to number them”). What kind of “demon” is Satan supposed to be? How is he able to attack and incite both Israel and David? For new believers, it might seem abstract—even to the point of imagining Satan as simply the “troublemaker” behind our misdeeds or as a convenient scapegoat when things go awry.

In truth, as one reads more of the Bible, it becomes clear that the Satan mentioned in the text also symbolizes those thoughts deep within our minds—ideas that arise from personal pride, covetousness, and carnal lusts; all of which fall under the “domain” of Satan’s influence. When we humble ourselves and patiently wait upon the circumstances God brings about, the Lord begins to work on our behalf.

If you agree with this perspective, consider this supporting verse:“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”(1 John 2:16, NKJV)

With this understanding, it becomes easier to grasp the opening scripture. After a series of victories led by the Lord, David did not credit God for the accomplishments. Instead, he attributed the strength and valor of the Israelite army to his own achievements— thus fundamentally denying the redemption and guidance that God had bestowed upon Israel.

In further reflection, God’s grace and power far exceed anything we can control. Both David and the nation of Israel were meant to constantly depend on God’s provision and protection—not on their own strength or resources.

Beloved brothers and sisters, when we recognize that pride is the root of many errors and sins, we ought to remain humble and acknowledge our limitations, relying instead on God’s wisdom and guidance. In making decisions, we should listen to the counsel and admonitions of others—especially those voices that align with God’s will. Joab’s objection stemmed from his fear of the Lord; yet David did not heed his warning, and this disobedience led to grave consequences. Satan—the very embodiment of pride within us—often tempts us to stray from the right path. We must remain vigilant, strengthening our ability to resist temptation through prayer and spiritual disciplines. When we err, we should courageously admit our mistakes and accept the consequences. David’s eventual repentance and plea for God’s forgiveness serve as an example for all of us.

(Image Description: Obey God or Yield to Satan?)

Conclusion

God’s guidance and Satan’s disruptions reside in every heart. Whether God or Satan is ultimately in charge depends on our choices. As Proverbs 4:23 warns,“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

David’s error was in failing to trust in God and instead relying on his own strength, which led to serious consequences. We must learn from his mistake, always trust in the Lord, humble ourselves, remain alert to temptation, and heed any admonition that is in line with God’s will. Only by doing so can we avoid falling into sin and continue on the path of justice and truth.

Let us pray together for this!