1 Chronicles 21:13
And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.
Original Language Analysis
גָּ֖ד
unto Gad
H1410
גָּ֖ד
unto Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
4 of 19
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
צַר
strait
H6887
צַר
strait
Strong's:
H6887
Word #:
5 of 19
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
מְאֹ֔ד
I am in a great
H3966
מְאֹ֔ד
I am in a great
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
אֶפֹּֽל׃
but let me not fall
H5307
אֶפֹּֽל׃
but let me not fall
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
8 of 19
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
נָּ֣א
H4994
נָּ֣א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
9 of 19
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
וּבְיַד
into the hand
H3027
וּבְיַד
into the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 19
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רַבִּ֤ים
great
H7227
רַבִּ֤ים
great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
13 of 19
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
מְאֹ֔ד
I am in a great
H3966
מְאֹ֔ד
I am in a great
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וּבְיַד
into the hand
H3027
וּבְיַד
into the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
16 of 19
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אָדָ֖ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֖ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
17 of 19
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Cross References
Hebrews 10:31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.Isaiah 55:7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.Psalms 130:7Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.Philippians 1:23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:John 12:27Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Historical Context
The three options - seven years famine, three months fleeing enemies, or three days pestilence - represented decreasing duration but increasing intensity. David's choice of the shortest, most direct judgment showed faith that God's discipline, though severe, is redemptive.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you trust God's mercy even when facing His discipline for sin?
- How does Christ's bearing of God's judgment in your place give confidence to approach God's throne of grace?
Analysis & Commentary
David's response 'Let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man' reveals profound theological insight. When given choice between three judgments, David chooses the one bringing him directly under God's hand rather than human enemies. This demonstrates confidence in divine mercy (rachamim - compassionate love) even in judgment. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's judgments are tempered with mercy for His people, while human judgment is often merciless. This points to Christ who fell under God's judgment in our place, that we might experience mercy rather than wrath.