Read: 2 Samuel 24
This story sets the stage for an important event to come. David counts the people of Israel. He is depending on the number of people under his control instead of God. God punishes David for his lack of faith by showing that He is more powerful than people. The plague of death stops and David buys the land at the point where the plague stopped. This is the location where David鈥檚 son, Solomon, will build the Temple of the Lord.
The symbolism is amazing! God鈥檚 punishment stops at the place where Israel鈥檚 priests will soon be offering sacrifices to seek God鈥檚 forgiveness for sin. It is the ongoing story of the entire Bible: humanity鈥檚 sin and God鈥檚 forgiveness.