💧 1 Chronicles 21

1 Chronicles 21 is a real chapter from the Old Testament. It starts, “Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to take a census of Israel.” That is not a motto invented for a poster. It is the first sentence a family hears when this page is opened at night.

Keep going a little further. The chapter also says, “David lifted up his eyes, and saw Yahweh’s angel standing between earth and the sky, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces.” 1 Chronicles 21 opens with these words: “Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to take a census of Israel.” The line to keep is 1 Chronicles 21:7: “God was displeased with this thing; therefore he struck Israel.” Carry the word “displeased” from that verse into the rest of the day.

The line worth learning out loud is 1 Chronicles 21:7: “God was displeased with this thing; therefore he struck Israel.” If the rest of the chapter feels crowded, hold that one sentence until the room is quiet.

What happens first in 1 Chronicles 21? Then try this: Read “God was displeased with this thing; therefore he struck Israel.” once more. What does it show you about God? You do not have to finish every verse. You can close the book after the memory verse and still have read the Bible together.