“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.”
Context:In this chapter, we find David, the king of Israel, deciding to count the number of fighting men in his kingdom. Conducting a census of this nature was seen as a sign of reliance on military strength rather than trust in God. The prophet Gad was sent to deliver a message from the Lord to David, presenting him with three options for the punishment for his action.
The Message from God:The verse starts with the command for Gad, the prophet, to go and deliver a message to David. The message is on behalf of the Lord, offering David three choices for his punishment. It implies that God had determined that David’s action was displeasing.
Three Options:The Lord gives David three options to choose from as a consequence of his actions. These options are not explicitly mentioned in this verse but can be found in the subsequent verses. The options are as follows:
- Seven years of famine: The first option is a severe famine that would afflict the land for a prolonged period. This would result in a scarcity of food and great hardship for the people.
- Three months of fleeing before enemies: The second option involves David and his forces being pursued by their enemies for a limited time. This would likely involve battles and challenges during the entire three-month period.
- Three days of pestilence: The third option is a plague that would strike the land, causing widespread sickness and death.
David’s Decision:We do not see David’s response in this particular verse, but in the subsequent verses (2 Samuel 24:13-14), we learn that David is faced with a difficult choice. He expresses his distress and acknowledges his reliance on God’s mercy. Ultimately, David chooses the third option, trusting in the Lord’s mercy rather than the hands of men.
Key Lessons:
- Reliance on God’s Guidance:This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our decisions. David’s actions were motivated by a lack of trust in God’s provision and security. As believers, we should seek the Lord’s wisdom and guidance in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that He knows what is best for us.
- Consequences of Our Actions:David’s decision to count the people had far-reaching consequences. It is a reminder that our actions can have an impact, not just on ourselves but also on those around us. We should consider the potential consequences before making choices and strive to align our actions with God’s will.
- Trusting in God’s Mercy:David’s response to the choices presented to him highlights the importance of trusting in God’s mercy. Even when faced with difficult circumstances, we can place our trust in God’s loving-kindness and seek His forgiveness. David’s choice of pestilence demonstrates his understanding of God’s sovereignty and his reliance on divine mercy.
Overall, this verse from 2 Samuel 24:12 serves as a reminder to seek God’s guidance, consider the consequences of our actions, and trust in His mercy when faced with challenging situations.
