When David got up in the morning, a revelation from the LORD had come to Gad the prophet, David's seer: When David got up in the morningThis phrase marks the beginning of a new day, symbolizing a fresh start or a moment of revelation. In the Hebrew context, mornings often represent new mercies and opportunities for repentance and obedience ( Lamentations 3:22-23). David, having previously sinned by ordering a census, is now at a pivotal moment where God’s message will bring clarity and direction. The morning signifies a time when God’s mercies are renewed, and David is about to receive divine guidance. the word of the LORD
This phrase underscores the authority and divine origin of the message that is about to be delivered. In Hebrew, "word" (דָּבָר, davar) often implies not just spoken words but also actions and events that God brings to pass. The "word of the LORD" is a powerful concept throughout Scripture, indicating God’s will and purpose being communicated to His people. It is a reminder of the living and active nature of God’s communication with humanity, as seen in Hebrews 4:12. had come to Gad the prophet
Gad is identified as a prophet, a role of significant importance in Israel. Prophets were God’s mouthpieces, chosen to deliver His messages to kings and the people. The Hebrew term for prophet, "נָבִיא" (navi), suggests one who is called or appointed to speak on behalf of God. Gad’s role as a prophet highlights the divine order and structure within the kingdom, where God communicates His will through chosen individuals. Historically, prophets like Gad were integral in guiding Israel’s leaders, ensuring they remained aligned with God’s covenant. David’s seer
The term "seer" (רֹאֶה, ro'eh) is an older designation for a prophet, emphasizing the visionary aspect of their role. Seers were those who had the ability to perceive divine visions and insights. This term indicates a close, personal relationship between David and Gad, suggesting that Gad was not only a national prophet but also a personal advisor to the king. The use of "seer" here highlights the intimate and direct communication between God and His chosen leaders, facilitated through trusted prophetic voices. This relationship underscores the importance of spiritual guidance and accountability for those in positions of authority. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, known for his heart after God, but also for his human failings. In this chapter, David has sinned by conducting a census of Israel, which was against God's will. 2. GadA prophet and seer during King David's reign. He serves as a messenger of God's word to David, providing divine guidance and correction. 3. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and judgment through prophets like Gad. 4. The CensusAn event where David orders a count of the fighting men in Israel and Judah, which displeases God and leads to divine judgment. 5. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where David reigns and where significant events in the account unfold. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceDavid's decision to conduct a census without God's approval serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. Disobedience can lead to severe consequences. The Role of ProphetsGad's role as a seer highlights the importance of listening to God's messengers. God often uses others to speak truth into our lives. Repentance and RestorationDavid's response to God's judgment shows the power of repentance. When we acknowledge our sins and turn back to God, He is faithful to restore us. Divine GuidanceThe passage underscores the necessity of seeking God's guidance in all decisions. We should prioritize His will over our own plans. The Consequences of PrideDavid's census was rooted in pride and self-reliance. This serves as a warning against allowing pride to dictate our actions. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from David's mistake in conducting the census, and how can we apply this lesson to our own decision-making processes? 2. How does Gad's role as a prophet in this passage inform our understanding of how God communicates with His people today? 3. In what ways does David's response to God's judgment demonstrate the principles of repentance and restoration? 4. How can we ensure that we are seeking and following God's guidance in our daily lives, especially when making significant decisions? 5. Reflect on a time when pride influenced your actions. How did you address it, and what steps can you take to prevent pride from affecting your decisions in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 21This parallel account provides additional details about the census and the resulting judgment, offering a fuller picture of the event. Exodus 30:12This verse outlines the proper way to conduct a census, highlighting the importance of following God's commands to avoid a plague. Proverbs 3:5-6These verses emphasize trusting in the Lord rather than relying on one's own understanding, a principle David neglected in ordering the census. People Araunah, Canaanites, Dan, David, Gad, Gadites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Joab, ZidonPlaces Aroer, Beersheba, Dan, Gilead, Jazer, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kadesh, Negeb, Sidon, TyreTopics David, David's, Gad, Got, Morning, Prophet, Risen, Riseth, Rose, Saying, SeerDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 24:11 1690 word of God
7781 seer 2 Samuel 24:1-16 7236 Israel, united kingdom 2 Samuel 24:1-17 5087 David, reign of 2 Samuel 24:10-25 7435 sacrifice, in OT 2 Samuel 24:11-12 7773 prophets, role 2 Samuel 24:11-25 4843 plague Library The Exile --Continued.
We have one psalm which the title connects with the beginning of David's stay at Adullam,--the thirty-fourth. The supposition that it dates from that period throws great force into many parts of it, and gives a unity to what is else apparently fragmentary and disconnected. Unlike those already considered, which were pure soliloquies, this is full of exhortation and counsel, as would naturally be the case if it were written when friends and followers began to gather to his standard. It reads like …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of DavidThe Universal Chorus
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that stteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. M en have generally agreed to dignify their presumptuous and arrogant ^* disquisitions on the works and ways of God, with the name of wisdom ; though the principles upon which they proceed, and the conclusions which they draw from …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Consolations against Impatience in Sickness.
If in thy sickness by extremity of pain thou be driven to impatience, meditate-- 1. That thy sins have deserved the pains of hell; therefore thou mayest with greater patience endure these fatherly corrections. 2. That these are the scourges of thy heavenly Father, and the rod is in his hand. If thou didst suffer with reverence, being a child, the corrections of thy earthly parents, how much rather shouldst thou now subject thyself, being the child of God, to the chastisement of thy heavenly Father, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
As the cooled earth no longer permits us to understand the phenomena of primitive creation, because the fire which penetrated it is extinct, so deliberate explanations have always appeared somewhat insufficient when applying our timid methods of induction to the revolutions of the creative epochs which have decided the fate of humanity. Jesus lived at one of those times when the game of public life is freely played, and when the stake of human activity is increased a hundredfold. Every great part, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus Of Love to God
I proceed to the second general branch of the text. The persons interested in this privilege. They are lovers of God. "All things work together for good, to them that love God." Despisers and haters of God have no lot or part in this privilege. It is children's bread, it belongs only to them that love God. Because love is the very heart and spirit of religion, I shall the more fully treat upon this; and for the further discussion of it, let us notice these five things concerning love to God. 1. The …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 24:11 NIV2 Samuel 24:11 NLT2 Samuel 24:11 ESV2 Samuel 24:11 NASB2 Samuel 24:11 KJV
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