寫歷代志的人，意在教導以色列的歷史。此點，由記載在二十一章，他詳述大衛犯調查以色列戶口的罪，可以看出。第二十二章詳述大衛之子所羅門建造聖殿，也是基於同樣的寫作立場。撒母耳記下以同樣的故事作結尾，但是一點也沒有說到大衛選擇阿珥楠（「亞勞拿」的另一拚法，撒下24：18）的禾場，做為聖殿未來位址的事。但是這事在歷代志中卻特別被強調。（看「讀經日程」撒下24章的評註，可得更詳細的資料）。

        由這兩件記載，我們可以推論出，雖然撒但試探大衛，但上帝也允許此事發生。大衛沒有勝過試探，決心辦戶口調查；而上帝也早就決定要懲罰以色列（撒下24：1），於是戶口調查成為一個管道，上帝藉此懲罰，清除這由於許多反叛而充滿罪和流血的大地。撒但可以被使用作為工具，讓上帝的計畫和目的得以實現。雖然牠在這事件中插了一腳，但是牠絕不能越過上帝設定的界限（參伯1：6~12；2：1~6；亞3：1~5）

        撒但必曾促使大衛因他的軍力驕傲。因為戶口調查的目的便是數算從別是巴到但以色列所有能作戰的男丁。大衛榮耀自身而不榮耀上帝，實在是一大過錯。約押的想法才是正確的，以色列的力量只能從上帝、並對祂的應允有信心而來，絕不是靠人多(21：3)。大衛被大騙子撒但欺騙了（參雅1：13~16）。

        在上帝施行責罰之前，大衛的良心就已促使他悔改。他承認自己有罪，並且愚蠢(21：8)。這雖是個一時失察的行動，但他仍要承受犯罪的後果，上帝也派出死亡的使者。牧人的失敗，常使羊群受苦。大衛決定求上帝憐憫自己，是正確的選擇(21：13)。他知道上帝的慈悲，因為他從前曾經歷過好幾次這樣的事。大衛情願服從上帝經由先知迦得所下的指引，在阿珥楠的禾場上築壇獻祭，使上帝下令召回死亡的使者，收刀入鞘，以此中止天災(21：27)。大衛的順服，也使上帝啟示把那個地方分別為聖，作為祂居所的位址。

        之後大衛竭盡全力和智慧，為兒子所羅門建築聖殿而廣為預備（22章）。他豐富地收集了所需的一切材料，甚至連藝師和工人也預備好了。大衛年事漸老，希望在未死之前立兒子作自己的繼承人。他提拔所羅門以實現自己的願望，好建造、奉獻世界上最美的建築給主，來榮耀祂。大衛不但以國王身份勸誡他的繼承者，並且以一位父親衷心的關懷，希冀自己的兒子跟從上帝。此後，大衛令所有以色列的領袖幫助所羅門。人絕不可能單獨靠自己為上帝做偉大的工，所有人都有責任求上帝與他們同在，然後才能建造主的聖所來榮耀祂的名。我們也都領受了責任，齊心合力擴增上帝的國。

        噢主啊！藉著您靈和您話的運行，求使我們每天能更加認識您，並且使我們真與您一同勞苦，建造您的王國。奉耶穌基督的名禱告，阿們。

English

        The chronicler's purpose in teaching Israel's history, as it relates to the worship of God and His Holy House, is clearly seen by his perspective on the story of David's sin in taking the census of Israel, as recorded in chapter 21. This is actually the background information of chapter 22, about David's preparations for his son Solomon to build the Temple. The book of 2 Samuel closes with this same story, but nothing is said about David's choice of the threshing floor of Ornan (a variant spelling of "Araunah", 2 Samuel 24:18) to be the future site of God's Temple; yet this very thing is emphasized in the Chronicles account. (For more detailed information see "Day Unto Day" commentary on 2 Samuel 24).

        From these two accounts, we can derive that Satan tempted David and God allowed it. Yielding to temptation, David made up his mind to take the census, but God had previously resolved to punish Israel (2 Samuel 24:1). The census was to be a channel for God's punishment of purging the land that was full of sin and spilt blood, due to the many revolts. Satan is a created being and thus subject to the authority of God. He can be used as an agent or instrument to see God's plan and purpose carried out, as he was in this incident with David; but he cannot overstep the boundaries God has set (cf. Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; Zechariah 3:1-5).

        Satan must have appealed to David's pride concerning his military strength, for the purpose of the census was to number all the fighting men in Israel, from Beersheba to Dan. David's self-glorification, not the glorification of God, would be the outcome. The strength of Israel was to be found in God alone and by faith in His promises, not in their numbers, as Joab understood (21:3). David was deceived by the great deceiver himself, Satan (c.f. James 1:13-16).

        David's guilty conscience prompted his repentance, even before the divine punishment was executed. He confessed that he had sinned and admitted his foolishness (21:8). This action was exemplary, but even so, David was to bear the consequences of his sin, and God sent out His death angel. The shepherd's failure always causes the sheep to suffer. David's decision to throw himself upon the mercy of God was the right choice (21:13). He understood the mercy of God because he had experienced it several times before. David's willingness to obey God's instructions, given through the prophet Gad, concerning building the altar on the threshing floor of Oman and making sacrifices, led to God's orders that the death angel return his sword to its sheath. Thus the plague was stopped (21:27). David's obedience also led to God's revelation of that place being hallowed and designated as the site for His House.

        David now put all his strength and wisdom into making extensive preparations for his son Solomon to build the Temple (chapter 22). All the required materials were gathered in abundance and even the craftsmen and workers were provided. David was old and wanted to establish his son as his successor before he died. He exhorted Solomon to fulfill his desire and thus glorify God by building and dedicating to Him the most beautiful structure on the face of the earth. David not only gave kingly advice to his successor, but spoke with the heart of a father concerned to see his son follow God. After this, David charged all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon. No one can stand alone to do a great work for God. They were all charged to seek God with their whole being and build the sanctuary of the Lord for the glory of His name. We are likewise charged to build the kingdom of God with our whole being.

        By the working of Your Spirit and Your Word, O Lord, grant that we may set our hearts fully on You, seeking to know You more every day, that we may truly be labourers together with You in building Your Kingdom.