What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 21:13?

David answered Gad

• Gad, “David’s seer,” (1 Chronicles 21:9) brings the word of the Lord after David’s sinful census, offering three judgments (1 Chronicles 21:10–12).

• David immediately addresses the prophet, acknowledging God’s authority by receiving Gad’s message without argument, just as Samuel required Saul to do (1 Samuel 15:22).

• His response shows a repentant heart that listens to God’s appointed messenger (Proverbs 15:31; Hebrews 13:17).

---

I am deeply distressed

• David feels the weight of guilt; “my guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear” (Psalm 38:4).

• True conviction produces sorrow leading to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).

• The king who had numbered his people now senses how small he is before the Holy One (Psalm 51:3–4).

---

Please, let me fall into the hand of the LORD

• Of the three judgments—famine, enemy pursuit, or plague—David chooses the one administered directly by God (1 Chronicles 21:11–12).

• He understands that surrendering to God is safer than any alternative (Psalm 31:5; Isaiah 26:4).

• “The hand of the LORD” can discipline but also rescue, as seen when God struck Egypt yet spared Israel (Exodus 9:3–6).

---

for His mercies are very great

• David banks on God’s revealed character: “The LORD, the LORD, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion” (Exodus 34:6).

• Past experiences confirm this mercy: forgiveness after Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:13) and deliverance from Saul (Psalm 18:1–6).

• Scripture echoes the same confidence: “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail” (Lamentations 3:22–23; cf. Psalm 103:8–11).

---

but do not let me fall into the hands of men

• Human vengeance is often pitiless (Judges 19:25–30); enemies delight in humiliation (Psalm 13:4).

• David recalls earlier chases by Saul and the Philistines (1 Samuel 27:1) and knows how cruel war can be.

• He contrasts finite, flawed human justice with God’s righteous discipline that always aims to restore (Hebrews 12:6,11).

---

summary

David, convicted by his sin, entrusts himself to God’s discipline rather than human punishment. He prefers the Lord’s direct dealing because divine mercy surpasses any human compassion, even when God’s hand strikes. The verse models a repentant heart that rests in the Lord’s unfailing grace while accepting the consequences of sin.