Gad was a prophet in ancient Israel during the reign of King David. His role as a seer and advisor to the king is documented in several passages of the Old Testament, where he is depicted as a messenger of God's will and a counselor in times of crisis.

Biblical References:

1. Introduction to Gad:
Gad first appears in the biblical narrative in 1 Samuel 22:5, where he is described as a prophet who advises David during his time of refuge in the stronghold. The Berean Standard Bible states: "But the prophet Gad said to David, 'Do not stay in the stronghold. Depart, and go into the land of Judah.' So David left and went into the forest of Hereth."

2. Role in David's Census:
One of the most significant episodes involving Gad is his involvement in the aftermath of David's census of Israel, which displeased God. In 2 Samuel 24:11-13 , Gad is sent by the Lord to present David with three options for punishment: "When David got up in the morning, the word of the LORD had come to Gad the prophet, David’s seer: 'Go and tell David that this is what the LORD says: I am offering you three options. Choose one of them, and I will carry it out against you.' So Gad went and said to David, 'Shall three years of famine come upon your land? Or three months of fleeing from your enemies while they pursue you? Or three days of plague in your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.'"

3. The Altar on the Threshing Floor:
Following the plague that struck Israel as a result of the census, Gad instructed David to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 24:18-19 : "And that day Gad came to David and said to him, 'Go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.' So David went up at the word of Gad, just as the LORD had commanded."

4. Gad's Role in David's Reign:
Gad is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 21:9-19, which parallels the account in 2 Samuel, and in 1 Chronicles 29:29, where he is noted as one of the chroniclers of King David's reign: "As for the events of King David’s reign, from beginning to end, they are written in the records of Samuel the seer, the records of Nathan the prophet, and the records of Gad the seer."

Significance:

Gad's role as a prophet was crucial during a formative period in Israel's history. His guidance helped shape the decisions of King David, ensuring that the king's actions aligned with divine will. Gad's interventions, particularly during the census incident, highlight the importance of obedience to God and the consequences of straying from His commands. As a seer, Gad's contributions to the historical records of David's reign underscore the value placed on prophetic insight and divine revelation in the governance of Israel.

Legacy:

Gad's legacy as a prophet is preserved in the biblical narrative as a testament to the enduring relationship between God and His chosen leaders. His life and ministry exemplify the role of prophets as intermediaries between God and His people, tasked with delivering messages of guidance, warning, and hope.