As a nation, apparently, we are held accountable for the sins of leaders and people in the past. So the Gibeonites must be avenged for Saul's treatment of them.
Rash and willful Joab is on the right side of the census question. David is not. And so an Angel of the Lord is set loose on Israel as punishment -- 70,000 en fall dead. The angel is finally stopped at the threshing floor of Arunah the Jebusite. David builds an altar here and it's designated the site of "the house of the Lord God."
David will not build the temple because of the violence and bloodshed under his watch. Does this make sense? Were his battles not fought to secure the Promised Land or to escape Saul? Wasn't this the Lord's work? Maybe it was the manner or joy with which he fought? Or maybe, simply, we can't do it all. Some of the task is left to others so that we don't take credit but give God the glory. David lived at a time when violence reigned. Now peace will reign and the Lord will receive his house during that reign -- the reign of Solomon.
Like any well-meaning and dotting father, David will do all he can to help his son. He will gather all of the materials and craftsman needed. Do everything but built the temple. Does he not think his son Solomon capable? Or is David simply trying to help Solomon start off his reign on the best possible footing? Ironically, David asks the Lord to give Solomon "discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel." [1 Chron. 22:12]
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