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 21:13KJV
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1 Chronicles 21:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 21:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 21:13 describes David telling the prophet Gad that he is in a desperate situation and would rather face punishment directly from the LORD, trusting in God's great mercy, than fall into the hands of humans. David believes God's compassion is greater than any human mercy.

David is speaking to Gad, a prophet sent by God, after David has sinned by ordering a census of Israel. God gives David a choice of punishments, and David expresses his distress ("I am in a great strait") and chooses to rely on God's character rather than risk the unpredictability and harshness of human judgment. The verse highlights David's understanding of God's merciful nature, even in the context of discipline.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 21:13

  • "great strait" (צַר, tsarar): This word means to be in distress or a tight spot. David is expressing genuine anguish and pressure, showing the seriousness of the situation.
  • "mercies" (רַחֲמִים, rachamim): This word refers to deep compassion or tender mercy. David's choice is based on his trust in the LORD's (יְהוָה, Yahweh) abundant compassion, suggesting he believes God is more merciful than people.
  • "hand" (יָד, yad): The word for "hand" is used twice, once for the "hand of the LORD" and once for the "hand of man." It symbolizes control or power—David prefers to be under God's control rather than at the mercy of human power.

Why 1 Chronicles 21:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David's trust in God's mercy is so strong that, even when facing punishment, he would rather be judged by God than by people, who may lack compassion.
  • The verse emphasizes the difference between divine and human judgment, highlighting God's character as merciful even in justice.
  • It connects to the wider passage by showing David's humility and repentance after his sin, and it sets the stage for how God responds to David's choice.

Where else these words appear

“mercies” Hebrew H7356 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 43:14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.
  • Psalms 25:6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
  • Isaiah 47:6 I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

“strait” Hebrew H6887 · used in 56 verses

  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
  • Psalms 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

“Gad” Hebrew H1410 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 30:11 And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 1 Samuel 22:5 And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.