"David's Census" 2 Samuel 24

David in his old age commits a grievous sin in numbering the people of Israel.  God prohibited it because the King's confidence was not to be found in self-sufficiency but in the knowledge it was God Almighty who fought for them and the source of victory.  God gives David three choices for the punishment of his sin.  David wisely chooses to place himself and the people under the hand of God knowing He is the God of everlasting love.