2 Samuel 24:14

KJV

And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies [are] great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto Gad {H1410}, I am in a great {H3966} strait {H6887}: let us fall {H5307} now into the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068}; for his mercies {H7356} are great {H7227}: and let me not fall {H5307} into the hand {H3027} of man {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David said to Gad, "This is very hard for me. Let us fall into the hand of ADONAI, because his mercies are great, rather than have me fall into the hand of man."

Berean Standard Bible

David answered Gad, “I am deeply distressed. Please, let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.”

American Standard Version

And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of Jehovah; for his mercies are great; and let me not fall into the hand of man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 24:14, King David, faced with a divinely imposed choice of punishment for his sin of numbering Israel, expresses his profound distress and makes a pivotal decision. Preferring to fall into the merciful hand of God rather than the harsh judgment of man, David articulates a deep theological truth about the boundless compassion of the LORD, even in the administration of justice. This verse encapsulates David's desperate trust in God's character amidst the severe consequences of his disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of the narrative in 2 Samuel 24, which begins with the LORD's anger against Israel, leading to David's census. While the text states the LORD incited David, 1 Chronicles 21:1 clarifies that Satan also played a role, highlighting the complex interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the temptation. David's act of numbering the people is presented as a sin, likely stemming from a prideful reliance on military strength rather than divine provision. The prophet Gad is sent by God to offer David three severe options for punishment: seven years of famine, three months of fleeing before enemies, or three days of pestilence. David's response in [2 Samuel 24:14](/2_samuel/24-14 "2 Samuel 24:14 - David's Choice of Punishment") is a moment of profound theological reflection and agonizing decision, leading directly to the ensuing pestilence and David's subsequent act of atonement at the threshing floor of Araunah, which later becomes the site of the Temple in [1 Chronicles 21:28-22:1](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Altar and Temple Site").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a census was not inherently sinful, as seen in the accounts of Moses in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census") and [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census"). However, David's census here appears to have been undertaken without divine command or proper ritual atonement (cf. [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Atonement for the Census")), suggesting a motive of self-reliance or military pride rather than obedience or preparation for a divinely ordained task. Kings in the ancient Near East often took censuses to assess military strength or taxation potential, but for Israel, reliance was always to be on the LORD. The role of the prophet, like Gad, was crucial in holding the king accountable to God's law and revealing divine judgment or instruction. David's choice also reflects a cultural understanding of human rulers, who could be arbitrary and cruel, versus the just yet merciful character of their covenant God.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, the **Consequences of Sin** are starkly presented; even a king "after God's own heart" ([Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart")) faces severe repercussions for disobedience, affecting not only himself but the entire nation. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice** is prominent, as God initiates the punishment, demonstrating His righteous governance over His people. Thirdly, and most significantly, the verse highlights the **Greatness of God's Mercy** in contrast to human judgment. David's choice underscores his deep understanding that while God's justice is certain, His compassion is boundless and ultimately redemptive, unlike the often arbitrary and unforgiving nature of human adversaries. This choice ultimately reaffirms David's **Trust in God's Character**, even in a desperate situation, preferring to be disciplined by a loving Father than to endure the whims of human adversaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strait (Hebrew, _tsar_):** The Hebrew word צַר (_tsar_) conveys a sense of narrowness, constriction, or extreme difficulty. It describes a situation where one is hemmed in, with no easy way out. David is not merely in a difficult position; he is in a truly desperate, agonizing predicament, a "tight spot" from which escape seems impossible, a direct result of his own sin.
* **Mercies (Hebrew, _rachamim_):** The Hebrew word רַחֲמִים (_rachamim_) is particularly rich in meaning. It is the plural form of _rechem_, which means "womb." This connection suggests a deep, visceral, and tender compassion, akin to a mother's profound, instinctive affection for her child. It speaks of a love that is not merely pity but a profound, empathetic, and enduring tenderness, emphasizing the depth and tenderness of God's compassion, even in the midst of administering judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said unto Gad":** This opening clause emphasizes the direct and personal nature of the communication between the king and the prophet, highlighting the gravity of David's decision and his immediate response to the divine options presented.
* **"I am in a great strait":** David's raw and honest confession of his desperate predicament. This acknowledgment of his "tight spot" reveals his profound distress and the agonizing weight of the choice before him, a choice directly brought about by his own sin.
* **"let us fall now into the hand of the LORD":** This is David's deliberate and decisive choice. He actively chooses divine discipline, demonstrating a profound, albeit desperate, trust in God's character. He prefers to be disciplined directly by God, recognizing that even in judgment, God's hand is ultimately more just and merciful.
* **"for his mercies [are] great":** This clause provides the theological rationale for David's choice. It is not a blind leap of faith but a reasoned decision based on his intimate knowledge of God's character. David understands that while God is just and will punish sin, His fundamental nature is one of immense compassion and unfailing love, even when administering severe discipline.
* **"and let me not fall into the hand of man":** This concluding phrase highlights the stark contrast David perceives. He understands that human judgment, driven by revenge, caprice, or limited understanding, would be far less merciful, more arbitrary, and ultimately more destructive than divine judgment. He trusts God's perfect justice and boundless compassion over the flawed and often cruel nature of human retribution.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, particularly in the juxtaposition of "the hand of the LORD" and "the hand of man," highlighting the fundamental difference between divine and human judgment. This contrast underscores David's theological insight into God's character. The phrase "fall into the hand of" functions as a **Metaphor**, signifying submission to the power, authority, and judgment of either God or humanity. It conveys the idea of being utterly subject to the will and actions of another. David's declaration of being in a "great strait" could also be seen as **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used to emphasize the extreme and overwhelming nature of his distress and the agonizing difficulty of his choice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 24:14 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's justice and mercy. David's choice reveals a mature understanding that God, even in His righteous anger against sin, remains infinitely compassionate. His discipline, though painful, is ultimately redemptive, aimed at correction and restoration rather than annihilation. This contrasts sharply with human judgment, which is often tainted by self-interest, vindictiveness, or a lack of true understanding. The verse underscores that true repentance involves not just acknowledging sin but also trusting in God's character to administer just and merciful consequences, finding solace in His great mercies even amidst the pain of discipline. It is a testament to the fact that even when we deserve judgment, God's nature is fundamentally merciful and compassionate, offering hope and restoration.

* [1 Chronicles 21:1-8](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1-8 - Parallel Account of David's Census")
* [Psalm 103:8](/psalm/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The LORD's Mercy and Grace")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Mercies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's agonizing choice in 2 Samuel 24:14 provides a timeless lesson for believers navigating the consequences of their own actions or facing difficult life decisions. When we find ourselves in a "great strait," whether due to our own sin or the complexities of life, David's example encourages us to turn directly to God. It reminds us that even when we deserve judgment, God's nature is fundamentally merciful and compassionate. We can trust His hand to be more just, more redemptive, and ultimately more loving than any human solution or punishment. Our comfort in affliction comes from knowing that His mercies are indeed great, offering hope and restoration even amidst correction. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's character, believing that His discipline is always tempered by love and designed for our ultimate good, leading us to repentance and deeper reliance on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "great straits" do I find myself today, and how am I tempted to rely on human solutions rather than God's hand?**
* **How does my understanding of God's "great mercies" influence my response to His discipline or the consequences of my sin?**
* **What does it mean practically to "fall into the hand of the LORD" in my current circumstances?**
* **How does David's choice encourage me to embrace God's corrective hand, trusting His ultimate goodness even when it's painful?**

### FAQ
**Why was David's census considered a sin, especially if God incited it?**
Answer: While [2 Samuel 24:1](/2_samuel/24-1 "2 Samuel 24:1 - God Incites David") states the LORD incited David, [1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David") clarifies that Satan also incited him. This highlights the complex interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The sin was not merely the act of counting, but the motive behind it. Unlike the divinely commanded censuses in Numbers, David's census here appears to have been driven by a lack of trust in God's provision and protection, instead relying on the strength of his military numbers. It was an act of pride, a display of human might rather than dependence on the LORD, and it lacked the required atonement offering for numbering the people (cf. [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Atonement for the Census")).

**How does David's choice to "fall into the hand of the LORD" demonstrate faith?**
Answer: David's choice demonstrates profound faith by acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and His character as both just and merciful. He understood that human judgment is often arbitrary, cruel, and without true compassion, whereas God's judgment, though severe, is always tempered by His "great mercies" and aims for ultimate restoration. By choosing God's hand, David expressed a deep trust that even in discipline, God's ways are superior, more righteous, and ultimately more redemptive than any human alternative. It was a recognition that God's love underlies even His most severe acts of correction, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God Disciplines Those He Loves").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's desperate choice to "fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercies are great" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, a king and a man after God's own heart, still fell into sin, bringing judgment upon his people. His choice highlights the profound truth that God's mercy is indeed boundless, even in the face of human failure. In Christ, we see the full embodiment of this great mercy. The God whose "mercies are great" did not merely offer a choice of judgment but provided the ultimate solution to sin's "great strait." Instead of us falling into the hand of the LORD for judgment, the [Lamb of God, Jesus Christ](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fell into the hand of the LORD on our behalf. He bore the full weight of divine judgment for our sins, so that by His stripes, we might be healed ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). God's great mercy is most clearly revealed in His willingness to send His Son to suffer the consequences we deserved, demonstrating His love while we were still sinners ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")). Through Christ, we are invited not to fear falling into God's hand for judgment, but to embrace His hand of grace and forgiveness, finding refuge and redemption in the One who perfectly satisfied both God's justice and His great mercy ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy")).

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

Psalms 119:156

¶ Great [are] thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.

Psalms 51:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

1 Chronicles 21:13

And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great [are] his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.

Jonah 4:2

And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou [art] a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

Psalms 145:9

The LORD [is] good to all: and his tender mercies [are] over all his works.

Psalms 106:41

And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.

Psalms 106:42

Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.