Definition: So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three daysâ pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 24:13. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage from the Bible. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it’s about: This verse is about God’s protection and concern for King David. It’s essentially a plea from God to protect David from impending disaster. Let’s unpack the parts: "So Gad came to David..." : This tells us the problem is coming from someone who knows David well – Gad, a close advisor. "...and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee?" : This is the core of the worry. God is asking about a potential disaster that could affect David’s kingdom – a severe famine. He's also asking if David would run away to safety before his enemies attack. "...or that there be three daysâ pestilence in thy land?" : This adds another layer of concern - the possibility of a deadly plague or disease spreading across the land. What’s the point of God's question? God is showing David that he cares about him and his kingdom. He wants to know if David is taking sufficient precautions to protect himself and his people. It’s a way of saying, "I'm watching over you, and I want to ensure your safety." The Significance & Interpretation: This verse doesn’t necessarily mean that this specific disaster is imminent. It's more about God being aware of potential threats and taking proactive steps to safeguard David. It speaks to the idea of divine providence – God actively working for good. Think of it like this: Imagine you’re a shepherd watching over your sheep. You notice a storm coming, and you want to make sure they're safe. You ask them if they’ll run away before the storm hits. God is doing something similar, but on a much grander scale – protecting David’s kingdom. In short: God is concerned about David and his people, and he's asking him to be mindful of potential dangers. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the context of this passage in a broader biblical story?