So Gad went and said to DavidGad was a prophet during the reign of King David, often referred to as "David's seer." His role was to convey God's messages to the king, acting as a divine intermediary. This highlights the importance of prophets in Israel's history, serving as God's mouthpiece. Gad's involvement here underscores the seriousness of the situation, as prophets were typically called upon during times of significant divine intervention or judgment. David, as king, was expected to heed the words of the prophet, reflecting the theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy, where the king was subject to God's law and guidance.
This is what the LORD says
The phrase indicates a direct message from God, emphasizing the authority and divine origin of the communication. In the Old Testament, such declarations often precede important instructions or judgments. This underscores the belief in God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, guiding and correcting them. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, reminding David of his responsibilities under this covenant.
You must choose
This phrase introduces a divine test or decision point, a common theme in biblical narratives where individuals are given choices that reflect their faith and obedience. The context here is God's response to David's sin of conducting a census, which was seen as an act of pride and lack of trust in God's provision. The choice given to David is a form of divine discipline, intended to lead to repentance and restoration. This moment foreshadows the ultimate choice humanity faces regarding sin and redemption, pointing to the need for a savior, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
GadA prophet and seer during King David's reign, Gad served as a messenger of God's word to David. He played a crucial role in delivering God's message and guidance to the king.
2.
DavidThe second king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God, his military conquests, and his significant role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. In this context, David is facing the consequences of his actions and must make a difficult decision.
3.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenantal name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness. Here, God is depicted as just and sovereign, giving David a choice as a consequence of his sin.
4.
IsraelThe nation chosen by God, often experiencing the consequences of their leaders' actions. In this passage, Israel is affected by David's decision and the subsequent divine judgment.
5.
The Event of ChoosingThis event is a pivotal moment where David must choose between three forms of judgment as a consequence of his sin of conducting a census, which was against God's command.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of DisobedienceDisobedience to God's commands, even by a king, leads to serious consequences. This passage reminds us of the importance of adhering to God's laws and the impact of our actions on others.
The Role of ProphetsProphets like Gad serve as God's messengers, providing guidance and correction. We should be open to receiving God's word through His appointed messengers today.
The Sovereignty of GodGod's sovereignty is evident in His control over the situation and His ability to offer choices even in judgment. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace in times of uncertainty.
Repentance and MercyDavid's situation underscores the need for genuine repentance and the hope of God's mercy. We are encouraged to seek God's forgiveness and trust in His compassionate nature.
Decision-Making in CrisisDavid's choice highlights the importance of seeking God's wisdom in decision-making, especially during crises. We should prioritize prayer and godly counsel when faced with difficult choices.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 21:11?
2.How does 1 Chronicles 21:11 demonstrate God's justice and mercy simultaneously?
3.What can we learn about decision-making from David's response in this chapter?
4.How does this passage connect to the theme of repentance in Scripture?
5.How can we apply the lessons from David's choice to our daily lives?
6.What does this verse teach about the consequences of disobedience to God?
7.Why did God give David three punishment options in 1 Chronicles 21:11?
8.What does 1 Chronicles 21:11 reveal about God's justice and mercy?
9.How does 1 Chronicles 21:11 fit into the broader narrative of David's reign?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 21?
11.What are the visions and prophecies of Gad?
12.Who incited David to take a census? (2 Samuel 24:1 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:1)
13.Why does Judges 7 seemingly contradict other biblical passages that emphasize the need for adequate numbers in battle (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:1-5)?
14.Why do 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21 differ in their attribution of who prompted David's census--God or Satan?What Does 1 Chronicles 21:11 Mean
So Gad went“So Gad went…” (1 Chronicles 21:11a)
• Gad, called “David’s seer” in2 Samuel 24:11 and1 Chronicles 29:29, responds instantly to God’s directive.
• His obedience mirrors Samuel’s quick compliance in1 Samuel 3:10 and Isaiah’s “Here am I” inIsaiah 6:8—showing that true servants move when God speaks.
• Gad’s going also highlights God’s mercy: the Lord does not leave David in guilt or confusion (cf.Psalm 25:8-9), but sends a trusted messenger to guide him.
and said to David“…and said to David…” (v. 11b)
• The confrontation is personal. Just as Nathan faced David over Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1-7), Gad now addresses him regarding the census.
• God’s leaders are not exempt from correction—Moses was reproved at Meribah (Numbers 20:12), Peter by Paul at Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14).
• The king must submit to the prophet’s word, affirming that no earthly authority outranks God’s (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
This is what the LORD says“This is what the LORD says:” (v. 11c)
• The opening formula underscores divine authorship; Gad is merely the mouthpiece (Jeremiah 1:7).
• Because the message is from Yahweh, it comes with absolute authority—echoing “Thus says the LORD” that saturates the prophetic books (e.g.,Isaiah 1:2).
• Scripture consistently presents God’s word as living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), demanding attention and obedience.
You must choose“‘You must choose…’” (v. 11d)
• The Lord presents David with three possible judgments (v. 12). God could have decided unilaterally, yet He invites David into the decision, revealing His relational nature.
• Choice highlights responsibility: David’s census sin (21:1-8) carries consequences he cannot evade (Galatians 6:7).
• Similar divine invitations appear when God set life and death before Israel (Deuteronomy 30:19) and when Elijah challenged the wavering people on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:21).
• David’s later selection—falling into the Lord’s hands rather than men’s (v. 13)—reflects trust in God’s mercy (Psalm 51:1), even while accepting discipline.
summary1 Chronicles 21:11 captures a crucial moment: God sends Gad, His obedient messenger, to confront David personally with a word carrying absolute authority and an unavoidable choice. The verse reminds us that the Lord lovingly corrects His own, calls leaders to account, and involves them in decisions that shape their destiny—all while revealing His righteous yet merciful character.
(11)
And said unto him.--Samuel has the pleonastic, "And told him, and said," &c.
The following curse from the Annals of Tiglath Pileser I. (circ. 1120 B.C.) well illustrates the three penalties proposed by God to David: "May Assur and Anum, the great gods my lords, mightily rebuke him and curse him with grievous curse . . . The overthrow of his army may they work! In presence of his foes may they make him dwell altogether! May Rimaron with evil pestilence his land cut off! Want of crops, famine, corpses, to his country may be cast!"
Thus saith the Lord, Choose thee.--Not in Samuel, which has instead a direct question: "Shall there come to thee seven years' famine in thy land?" Our "choose" (take) is a word of later use in Hebrew. The Syriac gives the same term (qabbel).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So Gadגָ֖ד(ḡāḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1410:Gad -- a son of Jacob, also his tribe and its territory, also a prophetwentוַיָּ֥בֹא(way·yā·ḇō)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goand saidוַיֹּ֥אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saytoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toDavid,דָּוִ֑יד(dā·wîḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse“This is whatכֹּֽה־(kōh-)Adverb
Strong's 3541:Like this, thus, here, nowthe LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsays:אָמַ֥ר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘Take your choiceקַבֶּל־(qab·bel-)Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6901:To receive, take
Links
1 Chronicles 21:11 NIV1 Chronicles 21:11 NLT1 Chronicles 21:11 ESV1 Chronicles 21:11 NASB1 Chronicles 21:11 KJV
1 Chronicles 21:11 BibleApps.com1 Chronicles 21:11 Biblia Paralela1 Chronicles 21:11 Chinese Bible1 Chronicles 21:11 French Bible1 Chronicles 21:11 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Chronicles 21:11 So Gad came to David and said (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) 
