1 Chronicles 21:10

KJV

Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three [things]: choose thee one of them, that I may do [it] unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go {H3212} and tell {H1696} David {H1732}, saying {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, I offer {H5186} thee three {H7969} things: choose {H977} thee one {H259} of them {H2007}, that I may do {H6213} it unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Go and tell David that ADONAI says, 'I am offering you a choice of three punishments: choose one of them, and I will execute it against you.'"

Berean Standard Bible

“Go and tell David that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am offering you three options. Choose one of them, and I will carry it out against you.’”

American Standard Version

Go and speak unto David, saying, Thus saith Jehovah, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 21:10 records the prophet Gad's solemn pronouncement to King David, delivering a direct message from the LORD. As a consequence of David's grievous sin in numbering Israel, God presents the king with an inescapable ultimatum: three distinct options for divine judgment, from which David must choose one. This pivotal moment underscores the gravity of David's transgression and the certainty of God's righteous response, even towards His chosen king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of King David's reign, immediately following his unauthorized census of Israel. The preceding verses ([1 Chronicles 21:1-8](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David's Census")) detail how Satan incited David to undertake this census, an act that deeply displeased the LORD. Despite the warnings of Joab, David persisted, leading to God's severe displeasure. Verse 9 then introduces the prophet Gad, David's seer, whom the LORD instructs to present the king with the three options for judgment. The subsequent verses ([1 Chronicles 21:11-17](/1_chronicles/21-11 "1 Chronicles 21:11 - Gad Presents the Options")) describe David's choice, the ensuing plague, his repentance, and God's merciful intervention. This account parallels the narrative found in [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census and Punishment"), offering a slightly different perspective, particularly regarding the instigator of the census.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Censuses in ancient Israel were typically conducted for military purposes, taxation, or land distribution, and sometimes required a specific atonement payment ([Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - The Atonement Money")). David's census, however, appears to have been driven by pride, a desire to rely on military strength rather than divine provision, or perhaps a lack of faith in God's ability to protect His people. Such an act, without divine command or proper ritual, was seen as a usurpation of God's sovereignty and a display of human arrogance. Prophets like Gad served as God's direct spokespersons, delivering divine messages—often of judgment or deliverance—to kings and the people. Their role was crucial in holding leaders accountable to the covenant. The concept of corporate responsibility was also prevalent, where the sin of a leader could bring consequences upon the entire nation.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully highlights **divine judgment for disobedience**, demonstrating that even a king "after God's own heart" is not exempt from the consequences of sin. God's **sovereignty and authority** are paramount, as He is the one who initiates the judgment and dictates the terms. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" underscores His ultimate control. The **role of the prophet** as God's messenger is clearly depicted, emphasizing the importance of hearing and heeding divine warnings. Furthermore, the offering of a choice, even within the context of judgment, reveals a facet of God's **mercy and grace**, allowing David agency and an opportunity to acknowledge his sin and rely on God's compassion, as seen in [Psalm 103:8](/psalm/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The LORD is Merciful"). This event also contributes to the broader Chronicler's theme of **retribution theology**, where obedience brings blessing and disobedience brings judgment, a motif consistently explored throughout [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and Kingship") and [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - Kings of Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Thus saith the LORD" (Hebrew, _koh amar Yahweh_):** This is a quintessential prophetic formula, appearing hundreds of times in the Old Testament. It signifies that the words spoken are not the prophet's own opinion or interpretation, but a direct, authoritative, and infallible utterance from God Himself. Its inclusion here imbues Gad's message with absolute divine gravity and leaves no room for David to doubt the source or the certainty of the impending judgment.
* **"I offer thee three [things]" (Hebrew, _notel aleikha shalosh_):** The verb _notel_ (נֹטֵל) can mean "to take up," "to bear," or "to impose." In this context, it conveys more than a casual offer; it suggests God "taking up upon Himself" to impose these options or "laying upon" David the burden of choice from these severe consequences. It emphasizes that these are not suggestions but unavoidable, divinely determined judgments.
* **"choose thee one of them" (Hebrew, _bechar lekha echad_):** The imperative _bechar_ (בְּחַר) means "choose" or "select." Even in judgment, God grants David a measure of agency. This choice is not between judgment and no judgment, but between different forms of certain judgment. It forces David to confront the severity of his sin and to actively participate in the consequence, potentially leading to deeper repentance and reliance on God's mercy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go and tell David, saying":** This phrase highlights the prophet Gad's role as God's direct and obedient messenger. The command is clear and immediate, emphasizing the urgency and directness of God's communication with His king, even when delivering a difficult word.
* **"Thus saith the LORD":** This authoritative declaration establishes the divine origin and absolute truth of the message. It underscores that the words are not Gad's but God's, removing any possibility of negotiation or dismissal based on human authority.
* **"I offer thee three [things]:"** God Himself is the one presenting the options for judgment. This signifies His sovereignty over the consequences of sin. The "three things" refer to the specific punishments detailed in the subsequent verse: famine, flight from enemies, or plague.
* **"choose thee one of them, that I may do [it] unto thee."** This clause underscores David's forced agency within the framework of divine judgment. He is given the grim privilege of selecting the form of punishment, but the certainty of its execution ("that I may do [it] unto thee") is absolute. This choice forces David to reckon with the direct link between his sin and its national consequences.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is the **Ultimatum**, where God presents David with a stark, non-negotiable choice between three severe punishments, emphasizing the inescapable nature of divine justice. This is closely linked to **Divine Speech**, as the phrase "Thus saith the LORD" directly attributes the message to God, lending it ultimate authority and solemnity. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the very act of offering a choice hints at the dire consequences that will follow, building narrative tension. Furthermore, a subtle **Irony** can be perceived: David's sin was rooted in a desire for human strength through numbers, and the judgment offered directly attacks those numbers through famine, war, or plague, diminishing the very strength he sought.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 21:10 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that sin, even for God's chosen leaders, carries inevitable consequences. It underscores God's unwavering righteousness and His commitment to justice, demonstrating that His holiness demands a response to disobedience. Yet, even within judgment, God's character is revealed as one who offers a measure of choice, reflecting His compassion and desire for His people to acknowledge their transgressions and turn to Him. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that accountability extends to all, regardless of status, and that true leadership requires humility and absolute reliance on divine wisdom rather than human strength or pride. The ultimate goal of such divine discipline is often restoration and a deeper understanding of God's character.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life")
* [Amos 3:6](/amos/3-6 "Amos 3:6 - God's Sovereignty in Calamity")
* [Psalm 51:4](/psalm/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - Against You Only Have I Sinned")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 1 Chronicles 21:10 offers timeless lessons for believers today, particularly concerning the gravity of sin and the nature of divine justice and mercy. It compels us to examine our own hearts for areas where we might be tempted to rely on our own strength, wisdom, or resources rather than placing our complete trust in God's sovereign provision. David's sin of numbering Israel was an act of pride and a lack of faith, and its consequences were not confined to him but extended to the entire nation. This reminds us that our choices, especially those of leaders, have far-reaching implications. When confronted with the consequences of our own disobedience, whether personal or corporate, this passage challenges us to respond with humility, repentance, and a willingness to choose the path that honors God, even if it involves enduring difficult circumstances. It reassures us that even in the midst of judgment, God's compassion allows for a choice, inviting us to lean into His mercy rather than despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when faced with the consequences of my own sin, particularly when those consequences affect others?**
* **In what areas of my life or leadership might I be tempted to rely on my own strength or resources rather than fully trusting in God's provision?**
* **What does David's difficult choice reveal about the nature of God's justice and His mercy, even in judgment?**
* **How does this passage inform my understanding of accountability, both for myself and for those in positions of spiritual or temporal authority?**

### FAQ
**Why did God punish David for numbering Israel?**

Answer: The sin was not merely the act of counting, but the underlying motivation and context. In ancient Israel, censuses were sometimes conducted by divine command (e.g., [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census")), but David's census was unauthorized and seemingly driven by pride, a desire for military strength, or a lack of trust in God's provision. It represented a reliance on human power rather than divine power. Furthermore, some interpretations suggest it was a failure to collect the atonement money required for a census as prescribed in [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Atonement for the Census"), which would have made it an act of presumption. Joab's warning in [1 Chronicles 21:3](/1_chronicles/21-3 "1 Chronicles 21:3 - Joab's Warning to David") indicates that it was recognized as a transgression.

**What were the three choices offered to David as punishment?**

Answer: As detailed in [1 Chronicles 21:12](/1_chronicles/21-12 "1 Chronicles 21:12 - The Three Options"), the three choices were:
* Three years of famine.
* Three months of fleeing before his enemies, with their sword overtaking him.
* Three days of the sword of the LORD—a plague in the land, with the angel of the LORD destroying throughout the territory of Israel.
David ultimately chose the third option, preferring to fall into the hand of the LORD because "His mercies are great" ([1 Chronicles 21:13](/1_chronicles/21-13 "1 Chronicles 21:13 - David Chooses the Plague")).

**How does God's offer of a choice demonstrate His character?**

Answer: God's offer of a choice, even within the context of severe judgment, reveals a profound aspect of His character. It demonstrates His **justice**, as consequences for sin are certain and unavoidable. However, it also highlights His **mercy and compassion**. By allowing David to choose, God extends grace, acknowledging David's agency and providing an opportunity for him to lean into divine mercy rather than a human-orchestrated outcome. David's choice to "fall into the hand of the LORD" rather than man ([1 Chronicles 21:13](/1_chronicles/21-13 "1 Chronicles 21:13 - David's Choice")) underscores his understanding that God's judgment, while severe, is tempered with great mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's sin and the subsequent divine judgment in 1 Chronicles 21:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. David's census, born of pride and a reliance on human strength, brought devastating consequences upon the people. The plague, a direct result of sin, ceased at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, a site that would later become the location for the Temple, a place of atonement and sacrifice ([2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Solomon Begins Building the Temple")). This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice. While David's choice led to suffering for his people, Jesus, the greater Son of David, made a choice that brought salvation for all humanity. He willingly chose to bear the ultimate penalty for sin, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The wages of sin are death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")), and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood")). Christ's sacrifice on the cross became the definitive act of atonement, stopping the plague of sin and death for all who believe. He is the ultimate mercy provided by God, absorbing the righteous judgment we deserved, so that by His wounds we might be healed ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). The severity of God's justice seen in David's time underscores the immeasurable grace and love demonstrated in Christ's self-offering.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 12:10

Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

2 Samuel 12:12

For thou didst [it] secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Joshua 24:15

¶ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Proverbs 1:29

For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

Proverbs 1:31

Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

Numbers 20:12

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.