David takes things into his own hands and takes a census of his military might. Wrong thing to do, at this time with God. David, tempted to trust in his own military might, doesn't ask God to take the census, avoids taking godly advise and moves forward. This only takes more than nine months to find out that there are over a million soldiers under David's command. Here we see the prophet come, named Gad, and give David a striking word of judgment from God. Can you imagine the impact of this judgment (70,000 dead)? I don't fully understand this passage but I think it is a strong challenge for us who are under the new covenant. Don't assume that every plague or attack is from the Devil. The enemy can strike because of sin or faithfulness, but not without God's knowing and giving His permission. A tough time for David to have others suffer because of the consequences of his leadership example. It's recorded in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles concerning David seeing the Angel of the Lord at the threshing floor. The cool thing is that as David submits himself to God again, builds an altar, offers sacrifice and prays - God answers. If we offer ourselves, humbly repent, worship God and pray.....I would not be surprised if God doesn't lift some of the heaviness that we are living in either.

As far as the "thinker" comment on how we esteem David so much even though he was an adulterer, murderer and prideful guy is simply this......he was also a man after God's heart, imperfect, able to take responsibility for his actions and understand that God was present, giving him the freedom to sin or not to sin. David always seemed to point us back to God, the sustainer of our lives, the forgiver of our sins and the peace we desperately need. David, though not perfect by any stretch of the word, was a man seeking to be sold out to God. He failed, but each time he did, he was willing to own it, ask forgiveness and move forward. I can't say that I'd be the same with someone today. The incredible grace that we walk in is simply amazing. We all struggle with pride, lust, idolatry, sinful patterns, anger, gossip, etc. It's hard when these enter into the real physical world and we act on them. I guess the question may be, "How far does the forgiveness of God go"? I actually think it stretches farther than any of our human efforts but I'm not also saying, "lets' go sin to find out". The value of walking in God's holiness along with walking in God's grace are not that easy for any of us. It is also easier for us to judge than to grant mercy. I see, even in our readings today, that God was willing to temporarily judge (plagues, etc.) but also offer forgiveness and reconciliation to those who ask (David). Hope this helps.