2 Samuel 24:12

Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three [things]; choose thee one of them, that I may [do it] unto thee.

Go {H1980} and say {H559} unto David {H1732}, Thus saith {H1696} the LORD {H3068}, I offer {H5190} thee three {H7969} things; choose {H977} thee one {H259} of them, that I may do it unto thee {H6213}.

"Go and say to David that this is what ADONAI says: 'I am giving you a choice of three punishments. Choose one of them, and I will execute it against you."

โ€œGo and tell David that this is what the LORD says: โ€˜I am offering you three options. Choose one of them, and I will carry it out against you.โ€™โ€

Go and speak unto David, Thus saith Jehovah, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

Commentary

2 Samuel 24:12 presents a pivotal moment in David's life, where the prophet Gad delivers God's stern message regarding the consequences of David's sinful census. This verse sets the stage for a difficult choice David must make, highlighting God's justice and the gravity of sin.

Context

This verse comes immediately after David's confession of sin regarding his unauthorized census of Israel and Judah. The narrative begins with the Lord's anger against Israel, which implicitly leads to David's action (2 Samuel 24:1). David, perhaps out of pride or a desire to rely on his own strength rather than God's, commanded Joab to number the fighting men (2 Samuel 24:2-9). Immediately after the census was completed, David's conscience smote him, and he confessed his great sin to the Lord. In response, God sends the prophet Gad, David's seer, to present him with three options for divine punishment, as detailed in 2 Samuel 24:13.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Consequences of Sin: The verse underscores that God does not overlook sin, even from His chosen leaders. David's actions brought severe consequences, demonstrating that what one sows, one will also reap.
  • God's Sovereignty in Judgment: While David is given a choice, the judgment itself is initiated and decreed by God, affirming His ultimate authority and control over human affairs.
  • The Role of the Prophet: Gad acts as God's direct and authoritative messenger, delivering a word of judgment and choice that only a prophet could convey. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" emphasizes the divine origin and unalterable nature of the message.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" (ื›ึนึผื” ืึธืžึทืจ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”, koh amar Yahweh) is a common prophetic formula in the Old Testament. It signifies that the words spoken are not the prophet's own, but a direct, authoritative utterance from God Himself. This reinforces the solemnity and certainty of the message delivered to David, leaving no room for doubt about its divine origin.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a powerful reminder that:

  • Even those in positions of leadership or great faith are accountable to God for their actions.
  • Sin, particularly acts of pride or self-reliance, carries real and often painful consequences, not just for the individual but for those under their influence.
  • Sometimes, life presents us with incredibly difficult choices between undesirable options, requiring profound faith and humility to navigate. David's predicament highlights the heavy burden of leadership and the weight of sin.
  • God, in His justice, also demonstrates a measure of mercy by allowing David to choose his punishment, perhaps reflecting His understanding of David's heart of repentance.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 3:19 (3 votes)

    As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • Hebrews 12:6 (3 votes)

    For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

  • Hebrews 12:10 (3 votes)

    For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.

  • Proverbs 3:12 (3 votes)

    For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son [in whom] he delighteth.

  • 2 Samuel 12:9 (2 votes)

    Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife [to be] thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

  • 2 Samuel 12:10 (2 votes)

    Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

  • Leviticus 26:41 (2 votes)

    And [that] I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: