David’s conscience hit him with a hard blow

Lessons for Leaders from David #1709

2 Samuel 24. David penitently reflected on and confessed his sin in numbering the people. While the census was in progress we do not see that David was sorry for or aware of his sin, for if he had, he would have commanded that the census be discontinued. But when the account was finished and laid before him, evidently that very night his conscience was awakened, and he felt its pain instead of enjoying what he thought would be its pleasure. He was about to feast on satisfaction in the number of his people but instead his conscience hit him with a hard blow. A hard blow. Yes, it seemed so to David, but a necessary and good blow. David is to be commended for being sensitive, even if late, for realizing his mistake.