1 Chronicles 21:12

Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh [thee]; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.

Either three {H7969} years {H8141}' famine {H7458}; or three {H7969} months {H2320} to be destroyed {H5595} before {H6440} thy foes {H6862}, while that the sword {H2719} of thine enemies {H341} overtaketh {H5381} thee; or {H518} else three {H7969} days {H3117} the sword {H2719} of the LORD {H3068}, even the pestilence {H1698}, in the land {H776}, and the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} destroying {H7843} throughout all the coasts {H1366} of Israel {H3478}. Now therefore advise {H7200} thyself what word {H1697} I shall bring again {H7725} to him that sent {H7971} me.

three years of famine; or three months of being swept away by your enemies, while your enemies' sword overwhelms you; or three days of ADONAI's sword - plague in the land, with the angel of ADONAI destroying everywhere in Isra'el's territory. Now think about what answer I should give to the one who sent me."

between three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies and overtaken by their swords, or three days of the sword of the LORD—days of plague upon the land, with the angel of the LORD ravaging every part of Israel.’ Now then, decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.”

either three years of famine; or three months to be consumed before thy foes, while the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of Jehovah, even pestilence in the land, and the angel of Jehovah destroying throughout all the borders of Israel. Now therefore consider what answer I shall return to him that sent me.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 21:12 (KJV) presents King David with a stark choice of divine judgment following his sin of numbering Israel. The prophet Gad, sent by the Lord, offers David three severe options: a prolonged famine, defeat by enemies, or a swift, devastating pestilence.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial narrative detailing King David's unauthorized census of Israel. The account begins with Satan inciting David to number the people, a sin that demonstrated a lack of trust in God's provision or was an act of pride in his own military strength. Though David's commander Joab warned him against it (1 Chronicles 21:3), David proceeded. As a consequence, God sent the prophet Gad to present these three forms of judgment, allowing David to choose one. A parallel account of this event is found in 2 Samuel 24:13.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Disobedience: The verse vividly illustrates that sin, even by a revered leader like David, carries severe consequences, leading to divine judgment.
  • God's Justice and Sovereignty: God's justice is clear in holding David accountable. The options presented emphasize God's absolute control over natural events (famine), human conflicts (enemies), and disease (pestilence).
  • The Severity of Judgment: Each option presented is catastrophic, highlighting the gravity of David's sin and the seriousness with which God views disobedience.
  • The Weight of Leadership: David's personal sin brought potential devastation upon the entire nation, underscoring the immense responsibility of those in leadership.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Sword of the LORD": This powerful phrase signifies a direct and decisive act of divine judgment. It is not a literal weapon but a metaphor for God's irresistible power to execute His will, often through calamity or disease.
  • "Pestilence": This refers to a widespread, deadly epidemic. In biblical contexts, pestilence is frequently depicted as a direct instrument of God's wrath or judgment, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 9:3).
  • "Angel of the LORD destroying": This figure, often a manifestation of God's presence or a divine messenger, is here depicted as an agent of destruction. This emphasizes the direct, supernatural intervention of God in executing the judgment.

Practical Application

This passage offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Accountability: It reminds us that all, regardless of status or piety, are accountable to God for their actions. Sin has consequences, and God is just.
  • The Seriousness of Sin: The severe options presented to David underscore that sin is not trivial; it can have far-reaching and painful repercussions.
  • Trusting God's Character: David's ultimate choice to fall into the hand of the Lord (1 Chronicles 21:13) teaches us to trust in God's great mercies, even when facing His judgment. It encourages us to seek His compassion above all else.
  • The Impact of Choices: Leaders and individuals alike should consider the broader impact of their decisions, as personal choices can affect entire communities.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 47:6 (2 votes)

    O thou sword of the LORD, how long [will it be] ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

  • Deuteronomy 28:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

  • Ezekiel 14:19 (2 votes)

    Or [if] I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my fury upon it in blood, to cut off from it man and beast:

  • Ezekiel 14:21 (2 votes)

    For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?

  • 2 Samuel 21:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, [It is] for Saul, and for [his] bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.

  • 2 Kings 8:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

  • Luke 4:25 (2 votes)

    But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;