Trust or Statistics?

In the final chapter of 2 Samuel an all too familiar refrain is heard; "once again God was angry with Israel".  Perhaps in an attempt to assess the true "spirituality" of the nation, the Lord tests King David.  "Number the people" He whispers.  

David falls for it and issues the order.  Gen'l Joab argues "why would you do this" knowing that when God brought the nation out of Egypt He told Moses "DO NOT NUMBER THE PEOPLE".  David insists, Joab follows orders and reports, and THEN David has a bout of conscience because (vs 10) "he had counted the people, replacing trust with statistics."  David asks forgiveness and the Lord sends him an answer through Gad, the prophet.

3 years of famine, 3 months of war or 3 days of plague, choose.  David makes the "right" choice, plague, knowing that God is a merciful God.  Famine would have had its greatest effect on those least prepared.  War would have given the world an opportunity to ridicule God as "protector" of the nation.  (vs 14) I'd rather be punished by God, whose mercy is great, than fall into human hands."  

The epidemic lasted from "morning until suppertime" when God said "ENOUGH!!"  The Angel of God had reached the threshing floor* of Araunah the Jebusite.  The Lord has David buy the threshing floor and build an altar there.  When burnt offerings and peace offerings are offered there "God was moved... and the disaster ended."

May I always recognize the mercy of God and submit myself to Him and be faithful in trusting Him and not "statistics".

*traditionally the site where Abraham had built the altar to offer his son, Isaac, to fulfill God's request.