2 samuel 24:13 - So Gad came to David, and told him, and said to him, “Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ pestilence in your land? Now answer, and consider what answer I shall return to him who sent me.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 samuel 24:13" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 24:13 describes a crucial moment where King David is presented with a difficult choice of punishments for a sin he committed. Let's break down the meaning:
"So Gad came to David, and told him..." - Gad was a prophet who served as David's seer and advisor. This indicates that the message is divinely inspired.
"...and said to him, “Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ pestilence in your land?" - This is the core of the verse. God, through Gad, offers David three options, each a form of national punishment:
Seven years of famine: A prolonged period of widespread hunger, devastating the land and its people.
Three months of fleeing before enemies: A time of military defeat, constant fear, and loss of territory. David and his people would be constantly running away from their foes.
Three days of pestilence: A deadly plague sweeping through the land, causing widespread death.
"Now answer, and consider what answer I shall return to him who sent me.”" - Gad instructs David to choose one of these punishments. He also reminds David that Gad is merely a messenger, and the decision ultimately affects David's relationship with God. This adds weight to the decision, emphasizing the need for careful and prayerful consideration.
The context of the verse within 2 Samuel 24 is crucial:
The chapter begins with God inciting David to conduct a census of Israel and Judah. While seemingly a straightforward act, it was viewed as a sign of David's pride and reliance on his own strength rather than on God's provision. This act of taking a census was considered a sin, hence the punishment.
The Significance of the Choice:
David's sin: The punishments are a direct consequence of David's sin of pride and distrust in God.
Divine Justice: God, as a just ruler, must address sin. The choice of punishments highlights the serious nature of David's transgression.
David's Leadership: As king, David's choice impacts the entire nation, making the burden of the decision immense.
David's Response (found in later verses): David ultimately chooses the pestilence, reasoning that it is better to fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great, than to fall into the hand of man. This shows David's faith in God's mercy, even in the midst of punishment.
In essence, this verse sets up a moment of profound moral and spiritual crisis for David. He is faced with choosing the least terrible option among three devastating punishments, all resulting from his own sin. It highlights the consequences of disobedience, the importance of humility before God, and the heavy responsibility of leadership.
2 samuel 24:13 - So Gad came to David, and told him, and said to him, “Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ pestilence in your land? Now answer, and consider what answer I shall return to him who sent me.”
What does "2 samuel 24:13" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 24:13 describes a crucial moment where King David is presented with a difficult choice of punishments for a sin he committed. Let's break down the meaning:
"So Gad came to David, and told him..." - Gad was a prophet who served as David's seer and advisor. This indicates that the message is divinely inspired.
"...and said to him, “Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ pestilence in your land?" - This is the core of the verse. God, through Gad, offers David three options, each a form of national punishment:
Seven years of famine: A prolonged period of widespread hunger, devastating the land and its people.
Three months of fleeing before enemies: A time of military defeat, constant fear, and loss of territory. David and his people would be constantly running away from their foes.
Three days of pestilence: A deadly plague sweeping through the land, causing widespread death.
"Now answer, and consider what answer I shall return to him who sent me.”" - Gad instructs David to choose one of these punishments. He also reminds David that Gad is merely a messenger, and the decision ultimately affects David's relationship with God. This adds weight to the decision, emphasizing the need for careful and prayerful consideration.
The context of the verse within 2 Samuel 24 is crucial:
The chapter begins with God inciting David to conduct a census of Israel and Judah. While seemingly a straightforward act, it was viewed as a sign of David's pride and reliance on his own strength rather than on God's provision. This act of taking a census was considered a sin, hence the punishment.
The Significance of the Choice:
David's sin: The punishments are a direct consequence of David's sin of pride and distrust in God.
Divine Justice: God, as a just ruler, must address sin. The choice of punishments highlights the serious nature of David's transgression.
David's Leadership: As king, David's choice impacts the entire nation, making the burden of the decision immense.
David's Response (found in later verses): David ultimately chooses the pestilence, reasoning that it is better to fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great, than to fall into the hand of man. This shows David's faith in God's mercy, even in the midst of punishment.
In essence, this verse sets up a moment of profound moral and spiritual crisis for David. He is faced with choosing the least terrible option among three devastating punishments, all resulting from his own sin. It highlights the consequences of disobedience, the importance of humility before God, and the heavy responsibility of leadership.