1 Chronicles 21:11

KJV

So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee

KJV (with Strong's)

So Gad {H1410} came {H935} to David {H1732}, and said {H559} unto him, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Choose {H6901} thee

Complete Jewish Bible

Gad came to David and said to him, "Take your choice:

Berean Standard Bible

So Gad went and said to David, “This is what the LORD says: ‘You must choose

American Standard Version

So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Take which thou wilt:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 21:11 records a solemn and pivotal moment where the prophet Gad confronts King David, delivering a direct, authoritative message from the Lord. This verse marks the immediate divine response to David's unauthorized and prideful census, setting the stage for a critical encounter where God, through His chosen messenger, compels David to select one of three severe judgments for his transgression, thereby underscoring the inescapable nature of divine justice and the gravity of disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 21:11 is a pivotal moment within a narrative that begins with Satan inciting David to number Israel (compare [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David")). This act, often seen as a display of pride, a reliance on human strength over divine provision, or a lack of trust in God, immediately displeased the Lord. The preceding verses detail the census itself and David's subsequent confession and deep remorse ([1 Chronicles 21:8](/1_chronicles/21-8 "1 Chronicles 21:8 - David's Confession")). Verse 11 introduces the divine messenger, Gad, who is tasked with delivering God's verdict and the difficult choice of punishment, directly leading into the presentation of the three options in [1 Chronicles 21:12](/1_chronicles/21-12 "1 Chronicles 21:12 - The Three Choices of Judgment"). The parallel account in [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census and Punishment") provides further insight into this significant event in David's reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a census was not inherently wrong (e.g., [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel")). However, David's census, as presented in this chapter and its parallel in [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census and Punishment"), appears to have been motivated by a lack of faith, a desire to boast in military strength, or a deviation from God's prescribed method for numbering. Kings in the ancient Near East often conducted censuses for taxation or military conscription, but for Israel, such actions were to be undertaken with divine approval and often involved a "ransom" or atonement money ([Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Atonement Money for the Census")) to acknowledge God's ownership of the people. David's act, therefore, was a profound breach of covenant loyalty, provoking divine judgment. Prophets like Gad served as direct conduits of God's will to the king, holding even the highest authority accountable to divine law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of disobedience**, demonstrating that even a king beloved by God is not exempt from divine discipline for sin. Secondly, the phrase "Thus saith the LORD" underscores **divine authority and sovereignty**, emphasizing that God's word is ultimate and carries the weight of judgment. Thirdly, it illustrates the crucial role of **prophetic intercession and communication**, as Gad acts as God's direct messenger, conveying warnings and judgments to His people and their leaders. Finally, the concluding command "Choose thee" introduces the theme of **divine justice tempered with choice**, where God, in His righteous governance, allows David to select the form of his discipline, emphasizing the inescapable nature of accountability before a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gad (Hebrew, _Gad_):** Gad was one of David's seers or prophets, first mentioned in [1 Samuel 22:5](/1_samuel/22-5 "1 Samuel 22:5 - Gad Advises David"). His role was to communicate God's word directly to the king, offering guidance, warnings, and pronouncements of judgment. His appearance here signifies that the message is not a human opinion but a divinely ordained communication, carrying the full weight of God's authority.
* **Thus saith the LORD (Hebrew, כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה, _koh amar Yahweh_):** This is a quintessential prophetic formula, appearing hundreds of times throughout the Old Testament. It serves as an emphatic declaration of divine origin, authenticating the prophet's message as the direct, infallible word of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. Its use here immediately elevates the seriousness of the impending pronouncement, leaving no doubt about its source or authority.
* **Choose thee (Hebrew, בְּחַר־לָךְ, _b'char-lakh_):** This imperative phrase highlights God's sovereign prerogative while paradoxically offering David a limited choice within the framework of divine judgment. It underscores the inescapable nature of the consequences of sin, yet also reveals a measure of divine mercy or perhaps a test of David's humility and submission, as he must now actively participate in selecting his own discipline.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Gad came to David":** This opening clause establishes the immediate divine response to David's confessed sin. The prophet Gad, a trusted spiritual advisor to the king, is God's chosen instrument to deliver the message. His arrival signifies that the time for reckoning has come, moving the narrative from David's internal conviction to external divine intervention.
* **"and said unto him":** This simple phrase indicates the direct, personal nature of the confrontation. Gad does not merely deliver a general warning but addresses David specifically, ensuring the king fully comprehends the gravity and personal relevance of the divine pronouncement. It is a moment of direct accountability.
* **"Thus saith the LORD":** This powerful prophetic formula immediately establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the words that follow. It signals that Gad is not speaking his own thoughts or advice, but is merely a mouthpiece for Yahweh. This declaration imbues the subsequent message with ultimate weight, demanding David's full attention and submission.
* **"Choose thee":** This concluding imperative sets the stage for the specific options of judgment that God will present to David. It is a stark command, forcing David to confront the consequences of his actions by actively participating in the selection of his own punishment. While a choice is offered, it is a choice between severe divine disciplines, emphasizing the inescapable nature of God's justice.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Dialogue**, as it records the direct speech of the prophet Gad to King David, creating a sense of immediacy and personal confrontation. This dialogue is framed by the powerful **Prophetic Formula**, "Thus saith the LORD," which functions as a divine seal, authenticating Gad's words as God's own. This formula is a form of **Apostrophe** as it directly addresses David with God's authoritative voice. Furthermore, the concluding phrase "Choose thee" serves as a potent example of **Foreshadowing**, building dramatic tension and preparing the reader for the difficult options that will be presented in the subsequent verses, highlighting the inescapable nature of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that sin, even when confessed, often carries tangible consequences, and that God's justice is an immutable aspect of His character. It underscores the divine prerogative to discipline His people, even His chosen leaders, for disobedience. The directness of God's communication through His prophet emphasizes His active involvement in the affairs of humanity and His commitment to covenant faithfulness, which includes both blessing and judgment. This moment in David's life serves as a powerful reminder of accountability before a holy God and the inescapable reality of divine sovereignty.

* [2 Samuel 24:12](/2_samuel/24-12 "2 Samuel 24:12 - God Offers David Three Choices of Punishment")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 21:11 serves as a stark reminder that even those deeply devoted to God are not immune to the consequences of sin. David, a man after God's own heart, faced direct divine discipline for his prideful act. This calls us to a profound humility, recognizing that our strength and security do not lie in human numbers, wealth, or power, but solely in God's provision and faithfulness. When we stray from God's path, He, in His infinite wisdom and love, may allow or bring about circumstances that force us to confront our choices and return to Him. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of constant self-examination, quick confession, and unwavering obedience, trusting that God's discipline, though painful, is ultimately for our good, refining us and drawing us closer to His perfect will. It also highlights the importance of heeding prophetic warnings, whether from Scripture, godly counsel, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to rely on my own strength or resources rather than fully trusting God?**
* **How do I respond when confronted with the consequences of my own sin or disobedience? Do I confess quickly and accept God's discipline?**
* **What "prophetic voices" (Scripture, godly counsel, Holy Spirit) am I listening to, and am I truly heeding their warnings?**

### FAQ
**Why was David's census considered a sin?**

Answer: While not explicitly stated as a sin in itself, David's census in [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David") and [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census and Punishment") is portrayed as an act displeasing to God. Commentators suggest it was sinful because it likely stemmed from pride, a desire to boast in military might rather than trusting in God's protection, or a lack of proper authorization and atonement money as prescribed in [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Atonement Money for the Census"). The Chronicler attributes the incitement to Satan, indicating a spiritual rebellion behind the act.

**Who was Gad, and what was his role?**

Answer: Gad was a prophet and seer who served King David. His role, like other prophets in ancient Israel, was to be a direct messenger of God's word to the king and the people. He provided divine counsel, warnings, and pronouncements of judgment or blessing. In this instance, he acts as God's conduit to deliver the divine verdict and the options for punishment to David, as seen in [1 Chronicles 21:9-12](/1_chronicles/21-9 "1 Chronicles 21:9-12 - Gad's Message to David").

**Does God still "choose thee" or give us choices of judgment today?**

Answer: While God does not typically present us with three specific physical calamities to choose from as He did David, the principle of consequences for sin remains. God's justice is immutable, and disobedience can lead to natural consequences or divine discipline. However, in the New Covenant, believers are under grace, and God's discipline is primarily redemptive, aimed at sanctification ([Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for His Children")). The ultimate "choice" offered to humanity is between life in Christ or judgment outside of Him ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16 "John 3:16-18 - God So Loved the World")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 21:11, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment for sin, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate confrontation with sin's consequences, which finds its resolution in Jesus Christ. David's inability to escape judgment, even as God's chosen king, highlights humanity's universal predicament. Yet, unlike David, who had to "choose" a form of punishment for his people, Christ willingly chose to bear the entirety of God's wrath and judgment for humanity's sin, becoming the ultimate sacrifice on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He is the true Prophet, greater than Gad, who not only delivers God's word but *is* the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), perfectly revealing God's will and character. Through His atoning work, the "choice" for humanity shifts from selecting a punishment to receiving the gift of salvation and forgiveness, freely offered to all who believe in Him ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). In Christ, the severity of God's justice is met with the boundless depth of His mercy, offering a way out of the judgment that sin demands, and inviting us into reconciliation and eternal life ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - All Fullness Dwells in Christ")).

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

Proverbs 19:20

¶ Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.