King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:12 Mean?

2 Samuel 24:12 in the King James Version says “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 th...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 24:12 · KJV

Context

10

And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

11

For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,

12

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.

13

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 days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.

14

And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man. are great: or, are many

Read 2 Samuel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Census and Plague, emphasizing pride, judgment, provision. David's census represents prideful self-reliance rather than dependence on God. The plague's devastation demonstrates sin's consequences extending beyond the sinner. David's purchase of Araunah's threshing floor and sacrifice there establishes the future temple location. Theological themes include the danger of pride, corporate consequences of leaders' sins, the necessity of proper sacrifice, God's mercy in limiting judgment, and divine purpose even in disciplinary actions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 24 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding pride, judgment, provision provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of pride, judgment, provision?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הָל֞וֹךְ1 of 17

“Go”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְדִבַּרְתָּ֣2 of 17

“Thus saith”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֗ד4 of 17

“unto David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

כֹּ֚ה5 of 17
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר6 of 17

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה7 of 17

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שָׁלֹ֕שׁ8 of 17

“thee three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

אָֽנֹכִ֖י9 of 17
H595

i

נוֹטֵ֣ל10 of 17

“I offer”

H5190

to lift; by implication, to impose

עָלֶ֑יךָ11 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּחַר12 of 17

“things choose”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

לְךָ֥13 of 17
H0
אַֽחַת14 of 17

“thee one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵהֶ֖ם15 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה16 of 17

“of them that I may do it unto thee”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָּֽךְ׃17 of 17
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 24:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 24:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 3:12Hebrews 12:6-10Revelation 3:192 Samuel 12:9-101 Chronicles 21:10-11Job 5:17-18

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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