June 9

When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.” — 2 Sam 24:17 BSB

It’s all too human, and very common, to try to blame others when we’ve done wrong. Compare Saul’s behavior when Samuel confronted him about his disobedience in sparing the Amalekite king and the best of the spoil—he blamed the people. How much nobler was David’s response! Although the sin wasn’t his alone, he only saw his own guilt. He watched the people suffering under God’s punishment, a burden he felt should fall on him, and he cried out to God to lift the punishment from them and let it fall on him instead.

This is a lesson for all of us. We should never try to shift the blame for our sins or mistakes onto others. We should accept responsibility ourselves. If consequences come as a result of our wrongdoing, we should bear them, rather than allowing innocent people to suffer while we escape.

Another lesson here is how David’s repentance deepened under God’s judgment. Some people grow rebellious when they face consequences, but the right response when we’ve sinned and punishment comes is to draw closer to God, humbling ourselves before Him. This humble, repentant spirit pleases God and opens the way for His blessing.