Counting on Human Strength

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator

The incident recounted in the first reading for today's liturgy may seem strange for us, a people who live in a country which conducts a census every ten years. Why was it considered sinful for King David to conduct a census?

We conduct a census today in order to apportion the benefits that come to various governmental units from the federal government and to determine the number of representatives for each of the fifty states. In Biblical times, conducting a census was related to the strength of one's army. A census was conducted to determine whether enough men of fighting age were available for military service. It was a way of determining strength.

The God of Israel tried to impress upon the people that "numbers" did not necessarily equal "strength." Rather than putting their trust in the number of infantryman and charioteers in the army, God wanted the people to place their trust in Him. He would be their strength, a shield, a bulwark, a protection from their enemies. So when David conducted his sentence, he was betraying his lack of trust in God's providential care for the people of Israel.

David compounds this sin by choosing a punishment which will place the burden of his sin on the people rather than upon himself. At least he repents of this sin once he realizes what he has done.

Stories such as this remind us of the ultimate trust we place in Jesus as our redeemer. The only way to overcome sin in our lives is by tapping into his strength and grace. He is our bulwark and shield.