1 Chronicles 21:12

Judgment for David’s Sin · 1 Chronicles 21:7–13
Read 1 Chronicles 21

Translations

Modern
…between three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies and overtaken by their swords, or three days of the sword of the LORD—days of plague upon the land, with the angel of the LORD ravaging every part of Israel.’ Now then, decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.”
Traditional
Either three years’ famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
Literal
…either three years of famine, or three months of being swept away before the faces of your foes—and the sword of your enemies overtaking you, or three days of the sword of YHWH and the plague upon the land and the angel of YHWH destroying in all the territory of Israel.’ And consider what word I should take back to Him who sent me.”
Latin
…aut tribus annis famem; aut tribus mensibus te fugere hostes tuos, et gladium eorum non posse evadere; aut tribus diebus gladium Domini, et pestilentiam versari in terra, et angelum Domini interficere in universis finibus Israël: nunc igitur vide quid respondeam ei qui misit me.

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
…between three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies and overtaken by their swords, or three days of the sword of the LORD—days of plague upon the land, with the angel of the LORD ravaging every part of Israel.’ Now then, decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.”

Notes

This account of the census is similar to 2 Samuel 24:1–25 but focuses on different aspects. The Chronicler’s version sets the stage for dedicating the altar and preparing to build the temple (1 Chronicles 22).

Theme notes and profiles

David God or Satan?

Parallels

2 Samuel 24:10–14

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Chronicles, Books of First and Second David Gad (Person) Genealogy Moriah

Topics

Choice: Between Judgments, by David Famine: Sent As a Judgment Gad: Bears the Divine Message to David Judgments are Sent, As Punishment For: Sins of Rulers Nation: Involved in Sins of Rulers War: God Uses, As a Judgment