May 2, 2025 -God or Satan?

2 SAMUEL 24:1-9

1 CHRONICLES 21:1-6

2 SAMUEL 24:10-17

1 CHRONICLES 21:7-17

2 SAMUEL 24:18-25

1 CHRONICLES 21:18-22:19

Chronological Bible Readings

2 Samuel 24:1 Again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.”

1 Chronicles 21:1 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are.”

Reading these chronologically shows what looks like a contradiction so I had to look it up. There are lots of articles on it but they get so in depth they loose me before I get to the end then I found this one Is there a Bible contradiction in 2 Samuel 24:1?

It summarizes it which I really appreciate.

Solution: Both statements are true. Although it was Satan who immediately incited David, ultimately it was God who permitted Satan to carry out this provocation. Although it was Satan’s design to destroy David and the people of God, it was God’s purpose to humble David and the people and teach them a valuable spiritual lesson. This situation is quite similar to the first two chapters of Job in which both God and Satan are involved in the suffering of Job. Similarly, both God and Satan are involved in the crucifixion. Satan’s purpose was to destroy the Son of God (John 13:2; 1 Cor 2:8). God’s purpose was to redeem humankind by the death of His Son (Acts 2:14–39).

If you are someone who like all the specifics and want more detail to this summery if you Google "2 Samuel 24:1 and 1 Chronicles 21:1" you will find plenty to get lost in.