1 Chronicles 21:10

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.

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.

"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.'"

“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.’”

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.

Context of 1 Chronicles 21:10

This verse delivers a pivotal moment in the narrative of King David's reign, immediately following his grievous sin of numbering Israel. Prompted by Satan (1 Chronicles 21:1) and contrary to God's will, David conducted a census of the fighting men of Israel and Judah. This act, likely rooted in pride, a desire for military strength, or a lack of trust in God's provision, deeply displeased the Lord. As a consequence, God sends the prophet Gad to David with a divine ultimatum, setting the stage for a critical choice that would impact the entire nation. This account parallels the events described in 2 Samuel 24:11-13.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment for Disobedience: The verse highlights the direct and unavoidable consequences of sin, even for a beloved king like David. God, in His righteousness, does not overlook disobedience.
  • God's Sovereignty and Authority: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" underscores God's ultimate authority over all creation and His right to administer justice. He is the one who "offers" the choices, demonstrating His control even in judgment.
  • The Role of the Prophet: Gad serves as God's direct messenger, delivering a difficult but necessary word to the king. This exemplifies the crucial role of prophets in conveying divine messages and holding leaders accountable.
  • A Choice in Consequence: While judgment is certain, God extends a measure of grace by offering David a choice among three specific punishments. This demonstrates God's desire for David to acknowledge his sin and make a decision that reflects his reliance on divine mercy.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" (Hebrew: Koh amar Yahweh) is a common and powerful prophetic formula found throughout the Old Testament. It signifies that the words spoken are not the prophet's own, but a direct, authoritative utterance from God Himself. This emphasizes the divine origin and gravity of the message delivered to David, leaving no room for doubt about its source or importance.

Practical Application

The narrative of 1 Chronicles 21:10 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Consequences of Sin: Every act of disobedience, whether private or public, has consequences. While God is merciful, He is also just, and our choices inevitably lead to outcomes.
  • God's Justice and Mercy: Even in judgment, God often tempers His wrath with mercy, as seen in the offer of a choice. This reflects His compassionate nature (Psalm 103:8).
  • Accountability: This passage reminds us that even those in positions of leadership are accountable to God. No one is exempt from divine scrutiny.
  • Choosing Wisely: When faced with difficult choices, especially those stemming from our own failures, it is crucial to seek God's wisdom and choose paths that honor Him and lead to repentance and restoration.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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