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.
So Gad came to David and told him, 'Which punishment will you choose for your land? Seven years of famine, or three months of running from your enemies while they chase you, or three days of deadly plague in your land? Think carefully about your choice, because I need to give an answer back to God who sent me.'
God is offering David a choice between three severe punishments for his sin, delivered through the prophet Gad.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 2 Samuel 24, King David had ordered a census of Israel, which was seen as an act of pride and a lack of faith in God's provision rather than human strength. As a consequence of this sin, God sent the prophet Gad to present David with a choice of three punishments: seven years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of pestilence, emphasizing the seriousness of defying divine authority in ancient Israel's theocratic society.
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