The last two chapters of 2 Samuel end the epilogue in the last 4 chapters of the book. It is written in a artistic style called a chiasm. Chapter 23 starts with section "C" which are "David's last words," then it ends with section "B" about king David's mighty men. Chapter 24 covers section "A" which is about how David stopped a divinely sent plague, which technically started because of David's sin regarding a census of the fighting men. David's last words focused on godly leadership who rule in righteousness and the fear of God. Even though this book does not explain who the next king will be, the question is raised if they will lead this way. David's mighty men are also called, "The thirty," but he also had three special mighty men, plus others, so as the last line of chapter 23 says, "There were thirty-seven in all." It is interesting that Joab is not mentioned in this list, but Bathsheba's father, and her husband, Uriah were both listed. With the last chapter, it is unclear as to why taking this census was a sin for David. It could be an act of pride, or an act of comparison between Judah and Israel which would cause more division. It may be that they did not follow the guidelines that are found in Exodus 30:11-16, about taking up an offering for the Lord to help take care of the tabernacle, from each of the men counted. What we do know, was that once David received the news, his heart was convicted. When the prophet Gad came, David quickly repented, but he had to bear the consequences which affected the nation. He chose 3 days of plague, since the Lord is merciful. David pleaded with the Lord to spare the people since it was his sin, and they were just sheep, so the Lord commanded David through the prophet to buy the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite and make an altar and place a sacrifice unto the Lord. Araunah was willing to give it to David, but he said, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." Once the offering was given, the plague on Israel stopped. This ends 2 Samuel.
