The Power of Confession (2 Sam 24.3, 10, 17, 23)
But Joab said to the king, “May the LORD your God increase the number of the people a hundredfold, while the eyes of my lord the king can still see it! But why does my lord the king want to do this?”
“I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O LORD, I pray you, take away the guilt of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.”
“I alone have sinned, and I alone have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let your hand, I pray, be against me and against my father’s house.”
“May the LORD your God respond favorably to you.”
Background
The book of Second Samuel is drawing to a close, and the writer is summing up the life of David in a few different ways. But there is one story left to tell. A story that teaches us how easy it is to slip into thinking of ourselves as the center of the universe instead of God. The story includes a blessing-prayer, a prayer of confession and petition for forgiveness, another confession, an intercession, and finally, a petition.
The final story about David is another about his sin. He did not fall away from God like the Israelites during the time of Judges, nor did he seek his agenda by any means as Saul. Once again, David’s sin was in “believing his press.” Like the situation with Bathsheba, David lost his focus and let his kingship and his success get the better of him.
Studies, polls, and surveys of believers have indicated that confession is one of the least offered types of prayers. It is easy to understand why, especially in a culture that often deflects personal responsibility. To offer prayers as David does requires some self-reflection and a willingness to admit, “I sin.” It is much easier to focus on the sins of others, of course.
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