David was a remarkable and successful leader, who left his imprint on secular and sacred history. David was also a spiritually sensitive mean, who truly loved God and desired to obey him. But David, like the rest of us, was a sinner, and knew what it means to fail personally. 2 Samuel now reports David’s personal troubles and failings. But these are not mentioned in 1 Chronicles! Why? Because Chronicles records history from God’s perspective. While David’s sins were real, and are recorded as historical events in 2 Samuel, they are also forgiven sins. It is another indication of God’s great grace that they are omitted in Chronicles. Scripture says “our sins and iniquities he remembers no more” (Jer. 31:34). David’s sins are not discussed in the history reported from the divine viewpoint because God has dismissed them and in his sight they are gone!
No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” Jeremiah 31:34
Painting: David by Federick Leighton