11When David rose up in the morning, Yahweh’s word came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying,12“Go and speak to David, ‘Yahweh says, “I offer you three things. Choose one of them, that I may do it to you.” ’ ”
13So 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.”
14David said to Gad, “I am in distress. Let us fall now into Yahweh’s hand; for his mercies are great. Let me not fall into man’s hand.”
11 When David rose up in the morning, Yahweh’s word came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying,
12 “Go and speak to David, ‘Yahweh says, “I offer you three things. Choose one of them, that I may do it to you.” ’ ”
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.”
14 David said to Gad, “I am in distress. Let us fall now into Yahweh’s hand; for his mercies are great. Let me not fall into man’s hand.”
KJVKing James Version
11 For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying,
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.
13 So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days’ pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.
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.
Show all 3 translations
JPSJPS Tanakh (1917)
11 And when David rose up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying:
12 'Go and speak unto David: Thus saith the LORD: I lay upon thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.'
13 So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him: 'Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thy foes while they pursue thee? or shall there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise thee, and consider what answer I shall return to Him that sent Me.'
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.'
Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.
How many years of famine?2 Samuel 24:13 has the prophet Gad offering David seven years of famine as one of three punishment options.
Is God merciful?Dozens of texts describe YHWH as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abundant in loyalty — Exodus 34:6, Deut 4:31, the Psalms, the prophets, the New Testament l…
Psalms 119:156(v14)Great are your tender mercies, Yahweh. Revive me according to your ordinances.
Psalms 51:1(v14)Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.
1 Chronicles 21:13(v14)David said to Gad, “I am in distress. Let me fall, I pray, into Yahweh’s hand; for his mercies are very great. Don’t let me fall into man’s…
1 Samuel 9:9(v11)(In earlier times in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, “Come! Let’s go to the seer;” for he who is now called a prophet…
1 Samuel 22:5(v11)The prophet Gad said to David, “Don’t stay in the stronghold. Depart, and go into the land of Judah.” Then David departed, and came into…
Show all 51 cross-references
1 Chronicles 21:12(v13)either three years of famine; or three months to be consumed before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you; or else three…
1 Chronicles 29:29(v11)Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Samuel the seer, and in the history of Nathan…
Jonah 4:2(v14)He prayed to Yahweh, and said, “Please, Yahweh, wasn’t this what I said when I was still in my own country? Therefore I hurried to flee to…
Leviticus 26:25(v13)I will bring a sword upon you that will execute the vengeance of the covenant. You will be gathered together within your cities, and I will…
2 Samuel 21:1(v13)There was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the face of Yahweh. Yahweh said, “It is for…
1 Kings 17:1-7(v13)Elijah the Tishbite, who was one of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As Yahweh, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there…
Psalms 86:15(v14)But you, Lord, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth.
Psalms 103:8-14(v14)Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness. He will not always accuse; neither will he stay angry…
Psalms 106:41-42(v14)He gave them into the hand of the nations. Those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them. They were brought into…
Psalms 130:4(v14)But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared.
Psalms 145:9(v14)Yahweh is good to all. His tender mercies are over all his works.
Proverbs 3:12(v12)for whom Yahweh loves, he corrects, even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.
Isaiah 55:7(v14)Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him, to our God,…
Hebrews 12:6-10(v12)for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with…
Revelation 3:19(v12)As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.
Exodus 34:6-7(v14)Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness…
Leviticus 26:16-17(v13)I also will do this to you: I will appoint terror over you, even consumption and fever, that shall consume the eyes, and make the soul to…
Leviticus 26:20(v13)Your strength will be spent in vain; for your land won’t yield its increase, neither will the trees of the land yield their fruit.
Leviticus 26:36-37(v13)“ ‘As for those of you who are left, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies. The sound of a driven leaf…
Leviticus 26:41(v12)I also walked contrary to them, and brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised heart is humbled, and they…
Leviticus 26:43(v12)The land also will be left by them, and will enjoy its Sabbaths while it lies desolate without them; and they will accept the punishment of…
Deuteronomy 28:22(v13)Yahweh will strike you with consumption, with fever, with inflammation, with fiery heat, with the sword, with blight, and with mildew. They…
Deuteronomy 28:25(v13)Yahweh will cause you to be struck before your enemies. You will go out one way against them, and will flee seven ways before them. You…
Deuteronomy 28:27(v13)Yahweh will strike you with the boils of Egypt, with the tumors, with the scurvy, and with the itch, of which you can not be healed.
Deuteronomy 28:35(v13)Yahweh will strike you in the knees and in the legs with a sore boil, of which you cannot be healed, from the sole of your foot to the…
Deuteronomy 28:52(v13)They will besiege you in all your gates until your high and fortified walls in which you trusted come down throughout all your land. They…
1 Samuel 13:6(v14)When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble (for the people were distressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, in…
2 Samuel 12:9-10(v12)Why have you despised Yahweh’s word, to do that which is evil in his sight? You have struck Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have…
2 Samuel 12:14(v12)However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to Yahweh’s enemies to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you will surely…
2 Kings 6:15(v14)When the servant of the man of God had risen early, and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was around the city. His servant…
2 Kings 13:3-7(v14)Yahweh’s anger burned against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of…
1 Chronicles 2:19(v11)Azubah died, and Caleb married Ephrath, who bore him Hur.
1 Chronicles 21:10-11(v12)“Go and speak to David, saying, ‘Yahweh says, “I offer you three things. Choose one of them, that I may do it to you.” ’ ” So Gad came to…
2 Chronicles 28:5-9(v14)Therefore Yahweh his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria. They struck him, and carried away from him a great multitude of…
Job 5:17-18(v12)“Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects. Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. For he wounds and binds up. He…
Psalms 86:5(v14)For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.
Proverbs 12:10(v14)A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Isaiah 47:6(v14)I was angry with my people. I profaned my inheritance and gave them into your hand. You showed them no mercy. You laid a very heavy yoke on…
Ezekiel 14:13(v13)“Son of man, when a land sins against me by committing a trespass, and I stretch out my hand on it, and break the staff of its bread, and…
Ezekiel 14:19-21(v13)“Or if I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my wrath on it in blood, to cut off from it man and animal; though Noah, Daniel,…
Luke 4:25(v13)But truly I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up three years and six months, when a…
Psalms 91:6(v13)nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday.
Micah 7:18(v14)Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage? He doesn’t retain his anger…
Zechariah 1:15(v14)I am very angry with the nations that are at ease; for I was but a little displeased, but they added to the calamity.”
John 12:27(v14)“Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this time?’ But I came to this time for this cause.
Philippians 1:23(v14)But I am hard pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (17 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
Geneva Bible translators1599 · Public DomainOn vv11, 13Whom God had appointed for David and his time.
Whom God had appointed for David and his time.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp1656 · Public DomainOn vv11–142Sa 24:11 For when David was up in the…
2Sa 24:11 For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying,
Ver. 11. And when David was up in the morning.] Having prayed the night afore in faith, that God would take away his iniquity, and own him for his servant, for he knew that he had deserved to be discountenanced and rejected for ever. His sin was doubtless pardoned; but in his people - his pride - he must be punished. Gad therefore cometh to him, and saith in effect, as that other prophet did to the wife of Jeroboam, {1Ki 14:6} "I am sent to thee with heavy tidings."
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole1685 · Public DomainOn vv11, 13, 14David’s seer; so called, because he was a prophet,…
David’s seer; so called, because he was a prophet, (for such were called seers, 1Sa 9:9) now and at other times employed by God to reveal his mind and will to David. See 1Sa 22:5; 1Ch 29:29.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill1763 · Public DomainOn vv11–14For when David was up in the morning,.... Which…
For when David was up in the morning,.... Which it is probable was very early, he not being able to sleep through the distress of mind he was in; for the words should be rendered, "and David arose in the morning" (c), for, as we render them, they seem to imply as if he had no sense of his sin before the prophet came to him next mentioned; whereas it was in the night he had been under the conviction of it, and had acknowledged it, and prayed for the pardon of it; upon which the prophet was sent to acquaint him what was the will of God concerning him:
the word of the Lord came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer; with whom he had used to advise about the will of God on various occasions, though in this he had neglected to consult him; the Targum calls it the word of prophecy from the Lord:
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saying; as follows.
(c) "et surrexit", Pagninus, Montanus, &c.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke1810 · Public DomainOn vv11, 13, 14Verse 11. For when David was up] It is…
Verse 11. For when David was up] It is supposed that David's contrition arose from the reproof given by Gad, and that in the order of time the reproof came before the confession stated in the 10th verse. 2Sa 24:10
David's seer] A holy man of God, under the Divine influence, whom David had as a domestic chaplain.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson1811 · Public DomainOn vv11, 142Sa 24:11-13. For when David was up in the…
2Sa 24:11-13. For when David was up in the morning — The words thus translated give the reader to apprehend that David’s penitence was caused by Gad’s threat, which certainly was not the case. He was made sensible of his sin and made sorry for it before Gad came to him. They should here be rendered, And when David was up, &c., David’s seer — Gad is so called because he was David’s domestic prophet, by whom he consulted God in difficult cases, and received his directions and commands. I offer thee three things — To show him and the world that the vengeance he now came to denounce was no casual calamity, nor the effects of any natural cause, he gave him his choice of the three evils, one of which must be immediately inflicted upon him. Shall seven years of famine come unto thee — In 1Ch 21:12, it is only three years of famine which is the reading of the LXX.; a reading, says Houbigant, which I prefer in this place, because the three years of famine answer to the three months’ flight before his enemies, and the three days’ pestilence. It is easy to suppose here, as in 2Sa 24:9, that a slight mistake has been made by the writer in transcribing the text. If this be not satisfactory to the reader, he may suppose, with Poole and others, that in Chronicles the sacred writer speaks exactly of those years of famine only which came for David’s sin: but that here he speaks comprehensively, including those three years of famine sent for Saul’s sin, chap. 21. And this sin of David’s being committed in the year next after them, was in a manner a year of famine; either because it was a sabbatical year, wherein they might not sow nor reap; or rather because, not being able to sow in the third year, on account of the excessive drought, they were not capable of reaping this fourth year. And three years more being added to these four, make up the seven here mentioned. So the meaning of the words is this: As thou hast already had four years of famine, shall three years more come? Now advise — That is, consider. The divine wisdom appears in the nature of the offer here made to David; he had sinned by placing his heart on human means of safety and security, instead of placing it on the divine protection. A trial was therefore made of him by this offer, how his heart now stood, and whether it would not fly to human means for safety. He had numbered his people, that he might rest in confidence by knowing the strength of his kingdom. Had not, therefore, his heart smote him, as mentioned 2Sa 24:10, and had he not seen the sin and folly of seeking safety in human strength, independent of the Almighty, he would, in all likelihood, have chosen to have tried his fortune with his enemies in war, as depending on the known strength, courage, and number of his people. Or he would have chosen famine, as depending on his great riches for obtaining a sufficient supply of food from other countries, though the famine should come into his land. But by humbly and confidently leaving it to God, to inflict either of those punishments which come more immediately from his own hand, and one of which, namely, the pestilence, he knew no human power or means could any ways guard against, and from which all his mighty men of war, or his own valour and wisdom, could not defend him, but he would lie equally exposed as the meanest subject; by such a submission or choice as this, David gave a public testimony, that he was again convinced that all human means or strength avails nothing, unless we have the help and protection of the Almighty; that all our confidence is vain, unless that which is placed in the Lord.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes1834 · Public DomainOn vv11, 13David’s seer - Margin, references. From the latter passage…
David’s seer - Margin, references. From the latter passage it is probable that we have here Gad’s narrative.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary1859 · Public DomainOn vv11, 13, 14And seer. This was a peculiar distinction of the…
And seer. This was a peculiar distinction of the prophet, (Haydock) who was appointed to direct David, (Menochius) to whom he had been long attached, 1 Kings xxii. 5. (Calmet0
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown1871 · Public DomainOn vv13–14Shall seven years of famine come unto thee--that is,…
Shall seven years of famine come unto thee--that is, in addition to the three that had been already, with the current year included (see on Ch1 21:11).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon1874 · Public DomainOn vv11, 1411. When David was up — From his bed,…
11. When David was up — From his bed, where probably all night he had watered his couch with his tears. See Psa_6:6, which was, perhaps, composed on this sad occasion.
Gad — Who had been with him in his early wanderings. 1Sa_22:5.
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Seer — See note on 1Sa_9:9.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges1878 · Public DomainOn vv11, 13, 1411. For when David was up in the morning]…
11. For when David was up in the morning] And David arose in the morning, and, &c.: after the recognition and confession of his sin. The E. V. gives the false impression that the conviction of his sin was the result of Gad’s visit, which is not the meaning of the passage. Gad was not sent until after his confession and prayer for pardon.
the prophet Gad, David’s seer] Gad has not been mentioned since he was with David in his wanderings (1Sa_22:5), but no doubt had been acting as his confidential counsellor throughout. The word for “seer” is chôzeh, literally “gazer,” a term first used here in place of the older word “seer,” rôeh. See note on 1Sa_9:9. The narrative before us was not improbably written by Gad himself (1Ch_29:29).
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers1878 · Public DomainOn vv11, 13, 14(1l) For when David.—Read, and when. There is no…
(1l) For when David.—Read, and when. There is no suggestion in the original, as seems to be implied in the English, that David’s repentance was in consequence of the visit of Gad; on the contrary, it was in consequence of his repentance and confession that the prophet was sent to him.
The prophet Gad.—This prophet has not been mentioned since his warning to David to return from the land of Moab (1Sa_22:5); but he had probably been all along one of David’s counsellors. From 1Ch_29:29 it is not unlikely that this account was written by Gad.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary1880 · Public DomainOn vv11, 13, 14For when, etc.; Hebrew, and David arose in the…
For when, etc.; Hebrew, and David arose in the morning, and a word of Jehovah came unto Gad, a seer of David, saying. The visit of the seer was the result of David"s repentance, and not its cause. And he was sent in mercy, that, after such punishment as would cure both king and people of their folly, there might be for both forgiveness. The name for seer is not roeh, the old word used in 1Sa_9:9, and which simply means "one who sees;" but chozeh, a gazer, one who looks with fixed eyes, that penetrate into the hidden world.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator1887 · Public DomainOn vv13–14Now advise, and see what answer I shall return…
2Sa_24:13
Now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.
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Christians exhorted to consider what answer their ministers will have to return to God concerning them
I. Christian ministers are the messengers of God, and sent on an important errand.
1. They are sent of God.
2. They are sent on an important errand.
II. Ministers are to return an answer to Him that sendeth them.
1. They are to return to their Master.
2. They are to answer as to their own fidelity.
3. They are likewise to return an answer concerning the reception which they themselves met with.
III. It becometh the members of Christian churches seriously to consider what answers their ministers will have to return concerning them. Application.
1. This subject affords some useful instruction to Christian ministers. It should lead them to magnify their office, as the messengers of God. It should excite their warmest gratitude that they are employed under Christ, on the same errand which brought him into the world. Further, they may learn to deliver their message with all plainness, seriousness, and fidelity.
2. Christian people may derive some useful instruction from these particulars. Learn, then, to be thankful that messengers are sent to you on so kind and gracious an errand. (J. Orton.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield1917 · Public DomainOn v13Scofield "Gen 12:10".
famine
Scofield "Gen 12:10".
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0On vv11, 13the word of Yahweh came to the prophet Gad,…
the word of Yahweh came to the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying, "Go
The idiom "the word of Yahweh came to" is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this idiom in 2 Samuel 7:4. AT: "Yahweh gave a message to the prophet Gad, David's seer. He said, 'Go" or "Yahweh spoke this message to the prophet Gad, David's seer: 'Go" (See: Idiom)
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David's seer
This means Gad was the official prophet in the royal palace.
Tyndale Open Study Notes2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0On vv11, 1324:11 Gad . . . David’s seer appears only…
24:11 Gad . . . David’s seer appears only here and in 1 Sam 22:5. Seer is an early name for a prophet (1 Sam 9:9, 19). Unlike pagan magicians or sorcerers, biblical seers had divinely inspired visions (see also 2 Kgs 17:13; Isa 29:10; 30:9-10; Amos 7:12; Mic 3:7) and functioned as God’s messengers.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv11, 13 Whom God had appointed for David and his time.
Whom God had appointed for David and his time.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv11–14 2Sa 24:11 For when David was up in the…
2Sa 24:11 For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying,
Ver. 11. And when David was up in the morning.] Having prayed the night afore in faith, that God would take away his iniquity, and own him for his servant, for he knew that he had deserved to be discountenanced and rejected for ever. His sin was doubtless pardoned; but in his people - his pride - he must be punished. Gad therefore cometh to him, and saith in effect, as that other prophet did to the wife of Jeroboam, {1Ki 14:6} "I am sent to thee with heavy tidings."
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv11, 13, 14 David’s seer; so called, because he was a prophet,…
David’s seer; so called, because he was a prophet, (for such were called seers, 1Sa 9:9) now and at other times employed by God to reveal his mind and will to David. See 1Sa 22:5; 1Ch 29:29.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv11–14 For when David was up in the morning,.... Which…
For when David was up in the morning,.... Which it is probable was very early, he not being able to sleep through the distress of mind he was in; for the words should be rendered, "and David arose in the morning" (c), for, as we render them, they seem to imply as if he had no sense of his sin before the prophet came to him next mentioned; whereas it was in the night he had been under the conviction of it, and had acknowledged it, and prayed for the pardon of it; upon which the prophet was sent to acquaint him what was the will of God concerning him:
the word of the Lord came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer; with whom he had used to advise about the will of God on various occasions, though in this he had neglected to consult him; the Targum calls it the word of prophecy from the Lord:
Read full note →
saying; as follows.
(c) "et surrexit", Pagninus, Montanus, &c.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv11, 13, 14 Verse 11. For when David was up] It is…
Verse 11. For when David was up] It is supposed that David's contrition arose from the reproof given by Gad, and that in the order of time the reproof came before the confession stated in the 10th verse. 2Sa 24:10
David's seer] A holy man of God, under the Divine influence, whom David had as a domestic chaplain.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv11, 14 2Sa 24:11-13. For when David was up in the…
2Sa 24:11-13. For when David was up in the morning — The words thus translated give the reader to apprehend that David’s penitence was caused by Gad’s threat, which certainly was not the case. He was made sensible of his sin and made sorry for it before Gad came to him. They should here be rendered, And when David was up, &c., David’s seer — Gad is so called because he was David’s domestic prophet, by whom he consulted God in difficult cases, and received his directions and commands. I offer thee three things — To show him and the world that the vengeance he now came to denounce was no casual calamity, nor the effects of any natural cause, he gave him his choice of the three evils, one of which must be immediately inflicted upon him. Shall seven years of famine come unto thee — In 1Ch 21:12, it is only three years of famine which is the reading of the LXX.; a reading, says Houbigant, which I prefer in this place, because the three years of famine answer to the three months’ flight before his enemies, and the three days’ pestilence. It is easy to suppose here, as in 2Sa 24:9, that a slight mistake has been made by the writer in transcribing the text. If this be not satisfactory to the reader, he may suppose, with Poole and others, that in Chronicles the sacred writer speaks exactly of those years of famine only which came for David’s sin: but that here he speaks comprehensively, including those three years of famine sent for Saul’s sin, chap. 21. And this sin of David’s being committed in the year next after them, was in a manner a year of famine; either because it was a sabbatical year, wherein they might not sow nor reap; or rather because, not being able to sow in the third year, on account of the excessive drought, they were not capable of reaping this fourth year. And three years more being added to these four, make up the seven here mentioned. So the meaning of the words is this: As thou hast already had four years of famine, shall three years more come? Now advise — That is, consider. The divine wisdom appears in the nature of the offer here made to David; he had sinned by placing his heart on human means of safety and security, instead of placing it on the divine protection. A trial was therefore made of him by this offer, how his heart now stood, and whether it would not fly to human means for safety. He had numbered his people, that he might rest in confidence by knowing the strength of his kingdom. Had not, therefore, his heart smote him, as mentioned 2Sa 24:10, and had he not seen the sin and folly of seeking safety in human strength, independent of the Almighty, he would, in all likelihood, have chosen to have tried his fortune with his enemies in war, as depending on the known strength, courage, and number of his people. Or he would have chosen famine, as depending on his great riches for obtaining a sufficient supply of food from other countries, though the famine should come into his land. But by humbly and confidently leaving it to God, to inflict either of those punishments which come more immediately from his own hand, and one of which, namely, the pestilence, he knew no human power or means could any ways guard against, and from which all his mighty men of war, or his own valour and wisdom, could not defend him, but he would lie equally exposed as the meanest subject; by such a submission or choice as this, David gave a public testimony, that he was again convinced that all human means or strength avails nothing, unless we have the help and protection of the Almighty; that all our confidence is vain, unless that which is placed in the Lord.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv11, 13 David’s seer - Margin, references. From the latter passage…
David’s seer - Margin, references. From the latter passage it is probable that we have here Gad’s narrative.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv11, 13, 14 And seer. This was a peculiar distinction of the…
And seer. This was a peculiar distinction of the prophet, (Haydock) who was appointed to direct David, (Menochius) to whom he had been long attached, 1 Kings xxii. 5. (Calmet0
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv13–14 Shall seven years of famine come unto thee--that is,…
Shall seven years of famine come unto thee--that is, in addition to the three that had been already, with the current year included (see on Ch1 21:11).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv11, 14 11. When David was up — From his bed,…
11. When David was up — From his bed, where probably all night he had watered his couch with his tears. See Psa_6:6, which was, perhaps, composed on this sad occasion.
Gad — Who had been with him in his early wanderings. 1Sa_22:5.
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Seer — See note on 1Sa_9:9.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv11, 13, 14 11. For when David was up in the morning]…
11. For when David was up in the morning] And David arose in the morning, and, &c.: after the recognition and confession of his sin. The E. V. gives the false impression that the conviction of his sin was the result of Gad’s visit, which is not the meaning of the passage. Gad was not sent until after his confession and prayer for pardon.
the prophet Gad, David’s seer] Gad has not been mentioned since he was with David in his wanderings (1Sa_22:5), but no doubt had been acting as his confidential counsellor throughout. The word for “seer” is chôzeh, literally “gazer,” a term first used here in place of the older word “seer,” rôeh. See note on 1Sa_9:9. The narrative before us was not improbably written by Gad himself (1Ch_29:29).
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv11, 13, 14 (1l) For when David.—Read, and when. There is no…
(1l) For when David.—Read, and when. There is no suggestion in the original, as seems to be implied in the English, that David’s repentance was in consequence of the visit of Gad; on the contrary, it was in consequence of his repentance and confession that the prophet was sent to him.
The prophet Gad.—This prophet has not been mentioned since his warning to David to return from the land of Moab (1Sa_22:5); but he had probably been all along one of David’s counsellors. From 1Ch_29:29 it is not unlikely that this account was written by Gad.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv11, 13, 14 For when, etc.; Hebrew, and David arose in the…
For when, etc.; Hebrew, and David arose in the morning, and a word of Jehovah came unto Gad, a seer of David, saying. The visit of the seer was the result of David"s repentance, and not its cause. And he was sent in mercy, that, after such punishment as would cure both king and people of their folly, there might be for both forgiveness. The name for seer is not roeh, the old word used in 1Sa_9:9, and which simply means "one who sees;" but chozeh, a gazer, one who looks with fixed eyes, that penetrate into the hidden world.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv13–14 Now advise, and see what answer I shall return…
2Sa_24:13
Now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.
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Christians exhorted to consider what answer their ministers will have to return to God concerning them
I. Christian ministers are the messengers of God, and sent on an important errand.
1. They are sent of God.
2. They are sent on an important errand.
II. Ministers are to return an answer to Him that sendeth them.
1. They are to return to their Master.
2. They are to answer as to their own fidelity.
3. They are likewise to return an answer concerning the reception which they themselves met with.
III. It becometh the members of Christian churches seriously to consider what answers their ministers will have to return concerning them. Application.
1. This subject affords some useful instruction to Christian ministers. It should lead them to magnify their office, as the messengers of God. It should excite their warmest gratitude that they are employed under Christ, on the same errand which brought him into the world. Further, they may learn to deliver their message with all plainness, seriousness, and fidelity.
2. Christian people may derive some useful instruction from these particulars. Learn, then, to be thankful that messengers are sent to you on so kind and gracious an errand. (J. Orton.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v13 Scofield "Gen 12:10".
famine
Scofield "Gen 12:10".
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv11, 13 the word of Yahweh came to the prophet Gad,…
the word of Yahweh came to the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying, "Go
The idiom "the word of Yahweh came to" is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this idiom in 2 Samuel 7:4. AT: "Yahweh gave a message to the prophet Gad, David's seer. He said, 'Go" or "Yahweh spoke this message to the prophet Gad, David's seer: 'Go" (See: Idiom)
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David's seer
This means Gad was the official prophet in the royal palace.
translationWords
raise
word of God
prophet
Gad
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv11, 13 24:11 Gad . . . David’s seer appears only…
24:11 Gad . . . David’s seer appears only here and in 1 Sam 22:5. Seer is an early name for a prophet (1 Sam 9:9, 19). Unlike pagan magicians or sorcerers, biblical seers had divinely inspired visions (see also 2 Kgs 17:13; Isa 29:10; 30:9-10; Amos 7:12; Mic 3:7) and functioned as God’s messengers.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.