Bible Strands
2 Samuel 24:12
“Go and tell David that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am offering you three options. Choose one of them, and I will carry it out against you.’”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Gad the prophet delivers a direct command from Yahweh to David after the census. The LORD instructs Gad to present three specific punitive options for David to select.
The words — The Hebrew הָל֞וֹךְ (ha.Lokh) functions as an imperative to proceed, while שָׁלֹ֕שׁ (sha.Losh) precisely marks the number of choices offered. The verb וְ/דִבַּרְתָּ֣ (ve./di.bar.Ta) confirms the messenger must verbally declare Yahweh’s terms.
The thread — This passage operates within the broader scriptural theme of corrective judgment outlined in Proverbs 3:12, Hebrews 12:6, and Revelation 3:19. Each reference establishes that divine discipline targets those whom God acknowledges as His own.
Why it lands — The text requires David to consciously choose his punishment, affirming that Yahweh alone executes the judgment. Readers must face the necessity of accepting accountability rather than resisting divine correction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 3:12 for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.
- Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.”
- Revelation 3:19 Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
- Leviticus 26:41 and I acted with hostility toward them and brought them into the land of their enemies—and if their uncircumcised hearts will be humbled and they will make amends for their iniquity,
- Leviticus 26:43 For the land will be abandoned by them, and it will enjoy its Sabbaths by lying desolate without them. And they will pay the penalty for their iniquity, because they rejected My ordinances and abhorred My statutes.
- 2 Samuel 12:9 Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own. You have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites.
- 2 Samuel 12:14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD, the son born to you will surely die.”
- 1 Chronicles 21:10 “Go and tell David that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am offering you three options. Choose one of them, and I will carry it out against you.’”
- Job 5:17 Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.