2 Samuel 24:11

For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,

For when David {H1732} was up {H6965} in the morning {H1242}, the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto the prophet {H5030} Gad {H1410}, David's {H1732} seer {H2374}, saying {H559},

When David got up in the morning, this word of ADONAI came to the prophet Gad, David's seer:

When David got up in the morning, a revelation from the LORD had come to Gad the prophet, David’s seer:

And when David rose up in the morning, the word of Jehovah came unto the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying,

Commentary

2 Samuel 24:11 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of King David's reign, immediately following his confession of sin for conducting a census of Israel and Judah (see 2 Samuel 24:10). This verse sets the stage for the divine judgment that will be pronounced upon David and the nation.

Context

The preceding verses describe King David's decision to number the fighting men of Israel and Judah, an act that displeased the Lord. While the exact reason for God's displeasure is debated (perhaps pride, reliance on military strength over God, or a lack of proper atonement ritual), David himself acknowledges his great sin. As the sun rises, signifying a new day, God's immediate response comes through His chosen messenger, the prophet Gad. This highlights the swiftness of divine reckoning and the direct communication God had with His appointed leaders in ancient Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Communication: This verse underscores the principle that God speaks to humanity, often through His chosen servants. The phrase "the word of the LORD came" emphasizes divine initiative and authority.
  • The Role of the Prophet: Gad, identified as "David's seer," served as God's direct conduit for messages to the king. Prophets like Gad were crucial figures in Israel, delivering warnings, instructions, and revelations from God, serving as a check on royal power. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that the Lord God does nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.
  • Consequences of Sin: The immediate arrival of God's word after David's sin demonstrates that actions have consequences, especially for those in positions of leadership. This prepares the reader for the choice of judgments David must face, as detailed in subsequent verses (see 2 Samuel 24:13).

Linguistic Insights

The term "seer" (Hebrew: chozeh) is an older designation for a prophet, often used interchangeably. It literally means "one who sees" or "beholds," emphasizing the prophetic ability to receive visions or direct revelations from God. Gad is also called a prophet (Hebrew: navi), indicating that both terms describe his role as a messenger of God. The pairing here reinforces his legitimate authority in conveying God's message to King David.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Samuel 24:11 reminds us that God is actively involved in human affairs and holds leaders accountable. While we may not have prophets delivering direct audible messages, God continues to communicate His will through His written Word, the Bible. It encourages us to be attentive to spiritual warnings and to understand that our actions, particularly those rooted in pride or disobedience, can have far-reaching consequences. The immediate nature of God's word to David serves as a powerful reminder of divine justice and the importance of swift repentance when sin is recognized, echoing the sentiment found in Proverbs 28:13.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 22:5 (5 votes)

    And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.

  • 1 Samuel 9:9 (5 votes)

    (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for [he that is] now [called] a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

  • 1 Chronicles 29:29 (4 votes)

    Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,

  • 1 Chronicles 2:19 (2 votes)

    And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur.