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.

“So Gad went…” (1 Chronicles 21:11a)

• Gad, called “David’s seer” in 2 Samuel 24:11 and 1 Chronicles 29:29, responds instantly to God’s directive.

• His obedience mirrors Samuel’s quick compliance in 1 Samuel 3:10 and Isaiah’s “Here am I” in Isaiah 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…” (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:” (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…’” (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.

1 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.

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 ...