yet they lean on

IChron22 is amazing in so many ways, it's hard to know where to begin. Ignoring for now v1 and the implications of liar standing against you, putting aside the image of the avenging angel and sword a mile high -- and seriously, how can you do either? -- focus on the lesson here.

The lesson here isn't just a dependence lesson. That's the easy reading to say that the census reflected a lack of trust in God, and that is why God is seemingly so harsh in response. God isn't harsh simply because of one failed dependency test.

The lesson here is in degrees of trust and extent of trust. As with Moses and the rock, David is punished for something that seems small. And the natural instinct is to make the small matter larger so that it goes down smoother. But I don't need you to rationalize His actions. He can do as He pleases.

The lesson here is that a la Stan Lee, with great power comes great responsibility. With great reliance and great promisekeeping come greater dependence. The censustaking was a small task, but because He'd been there for the bigger tasks, the smaller tasks aren't to be forgotten. The more He saves you, the more He expects you to depend on Him even for the little things.