2 Samuel 24:14

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.

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}.

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."

David answered Gad, โ€œI 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.โ€

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

Context

This pivotal verse concludes a tragic episode in King David's reign. The narrative in 2 Samuel 24 describes David's sin of numbering the people of Israel and Judah, an act often interpreted as a display of pride in his military strength rather than trust in God. This census displeased the LORD, who sent the prophet Gad to David with three options for divine punishment: seven years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of pestilence. David is faced with an agonizing choice, recognizing the severe consequences of his disobedience.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mercy vs. Human Judgment: David's profound understanding of God's character is evident in his choice. He knows that while God's justice is sure, His mercy is boundless, unlike the often harsh and unforgiving nature of human judgment. This reflects a central biblical truth about God's compassion.
  • Consequences of Sin: Even a king "after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22) faces severe repercussions for sin. This passage powerfully illustrates that disobedience has real, often painful, consequences, affecting not only the individual but also the nation.
  • Trust in God's Character: David's decision to "fall into the hand of the LORD" demonstrates a deep, albeit desperate, trust in God's ultimate goodness and faithfulness. He prefers to be disciplined by a loving Father than to endure the whims of human adversaries.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "great strait" translates the Hebrew word tsar (ืฆึทืจ), which conveys a sense of narrowness, distress, or extreme difficulty. David is truly in a tight spot, with no easy way out. The word "mercies" (ืจึทื—ึฒืžึดื™ื - rachamim) is particularly rich in meaning. It is often linked to the Hebrew word for "womb" (rechem), signifying a deep, compassionate, and tender love, akin to a mother's profound affection for her child. This emphasizes the depth and tenderness of God's compassion, even in judgment.

Related Scriptures

  • David's sin of numbering the people is also recorded in 1 Chronicles 21:1-8.
  • The three options presented by Gad are detailed in 2 Samuel 24:13.
  • David's confidence in God's great mercies is a recurring theme in the Psalms, such as Psalm 103:8, which declares, "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy."
  • The concept of God's unfailing compassion, even in the midst of discipline, is beautifully expressed in Lamentations 3:22-23.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today. When facing difficult consequences for our actions, or simply navigating life's "great straits," 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 and ultimately more redemptive 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.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 119:156 (7 votes)

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

  • Psalms 51:1 (7 votes)

    ยถ 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 (6 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 106:41 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 106:42 (3 votes)

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