1. King David's evil command (1-7)

David commanded Joab to count the army in Israel. Apparently, this was a way of glorying and gloating in Israel's strength and power. Joab was repulsed by the command but had to obey the king's order. He counted 1.1 million soldiers in Israel but left out Levi and Benjamin. David's command was also evil to God and Israel was punished.

2. "Let your hand fall on me" (8-17)

David confessed his sin and folly, begging God's mercy. God gave David a choice: 3 years of famine, 3 months of military defeat, or 3 days of plague. David said, "Let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is very great." The LORD sent a plague, and 70,000 men of Israel died, before God said, "Enough!" David admitted to God, "I, the shepherd, have sinned...These are but sheep...let your hand fall on me." A leader's sin affects many people, even a nation.