Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:13

Bible Verse: “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.” (1 Chronicles 21:13)

This verse occurs in a pivotal moment where King David is confronted with the consequences of his actions, specifically his decision to conduct a census of Israel, which was considered an act of pride and a lack of faith in God's provision. The surrounding context of this passage explains the gravity of the situation David finds himself in as he faces divine judgment.

Analysis and Interpretation

In this verse, David expresses deep remorse and anguish over his choices. To understand this text fully, we delve into interpretations provided by various theologians:

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry points out that David recognizes the punishment for sin and is aware of the mercy of God. His plea to fall into the hands of the Lord reflects David's understanding of God's character—He is merciful, and even in judgment, His mercy prevails. David chooses divine judgment over the uncertain cruelty of man. This illustrates a profound biblical theme - turning to God in times of distress and recognizing His sovereignty.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes emphasizes the idea that David would rather endure God's chastisement than face man's wrath. He acknowledges the seriousness of his sin and the rightful consequences. This statement represents a significant theological insight into the relationship between humanity and God; David understands that, although he faces punishment, God's mercies outweigh his deserved judgments. The choice signifies surrender and trust in God's ultimate goodness.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke elaborates on the emotional state of David as he battles the weight of his decisions. He highlights the severity of the sin of numbering the people, which brought a plague upon Israel. Clarke discusses that David’s choice here serves as a lesson in accountability and the significance of seeking God's mercy over human judgment. The verse reminds believers of the importance of turning to God amid their failings.

Theological Significance

This verse is significant as it showcases several key themes prevalent throughout Scripture:

• Human Responsibility: David's acknowledgment of sin emphasizes our need to recognize and take responsibility for our actions.
• Divine Mercy: The reference to God’s great mercies speaks to the central idea of grace in the biblical narrative. God, despite His righteous anger, shows mercy and allows for repentance.
• Choice of Suffering: David's preference for falling into God's hands rather than man reflects the biblical principle that suffering for righteousness is preferable to suffering without purpose.

Application for Today

For readers seeking to apply 1 Chronicles 21:13 to their lives, this verse serves as a reminder to:

• Seek God's Mercy: In times of failure, turning to God for forgiveness is a powerful choice that provides peace.
• Understand Consequences: Recognizing the impact of one's actions helps in making more godly choices in the future.
• Value of Divine Judgment: Embracing the idea that God’s judgment, when faced with humility, leads to restoration rather than despair.

Related Bible Cross References

• Psalm 51: A psalm of David that expresses repentance and seeks God's mercy.
• 2 Samuel 24:14: The parallel account of David's choice and its consequences.
• Hebrews 12:6: Discusses God's discipline as a sign of His love for His children.

Conclusion

1 Chronicles 21:13 serves as a profound reminder of the nature of sin, repentance, and God's mercy. The insights provided by renowned commentators like Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke help cultivate a deeper understanding of this scripture. Reflecting on this passage encourages believers to draw nearer to God amid trials and to trust in His compassionate character.

This analysis aligns with the broader exploration of Bible verse meanings, interpretations, and applications found in various Bible study resources. Engaging with scripture through commentary allows for greater Bible verse understanding and aids in personal and communal Bible study groups.