II Samuel describes an instance where, in order to punish King David for taking a census of his people, YHWH “sent a pestilence upon Israel [that killed] 70,000 men from the people of Dan to Beersheba? [And David] said to YHWH, ‘Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these [people] are sheep: what have they done?’”[48]
What could the lessons and moral implications of this story be? That taking a census is a major sin? That innocent people ought to be punished for other people’s sins, just so God can make a point? That God has far more regard for a King than for other people? That God is cold-hearted?
Is this story a source of perfect moral guidance? Can a God who is portrayed like this really represent the ideal of all ideals—a pattern and model that people should above all seek to emulate, and one that represents compete, absolute, and unparalleled perfection?
And here is another event in the Tanakh / Old Testament that I would imagine many people would regard as having questionable moral implications.
[48]II Samuel 24:15-17