Old Testament
1 Chronicles 21:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
David told Gad, "This is an impossible choice. But let me fall into the LORD's hands, because his mercy is overwhelming. Don't let me fall into the hands of men."
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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.
What 1 Chronicles 21:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, King David faces a tough decision, feeling trapped by his circumstances. He turns to the prophet Gad for guidance, expressing his desire to trust in God rather than in people. David recognizes that falling into God's hands means experiencing His mercy, which he believes is vast and compassionate. He fears the consequences of relying on human judgment, which can be harsh and unforgiving. By choosing to place himself in God's care, David shows a deep understanding of divine grace. This choice reflects his faith that God will be more merciful than any human could be. David's plea highlights the importance of trusting in God's goodness, especially during difficult times. His words remind us that while life can present us with challenging choices, leaning on God's mercy can provide comfort and hope. Ultimately, David's decision illustrates the power of faith in navigating life's uncertainties, encouraging us to seek divine support over human opinions or judgments.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 21:13 to your life
When faced with tough decisions, remember to trust in God's mercy rather than relying solely on human judgment. Reflect on past experiences where God's grace has guided you. Embrace the comfort that comes from knowing you are in His hands, especially during challenging times. Seek His guidance through prayer and reflection, allowing His wisdom to lead you forward. Trusting God can transform your perspective on difficult situations.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
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Illustrated scene from David's story: The Census and the Threshing Floor (1 Chronicles 21:1–22:1)
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David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying 1 Chronicles 21:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 21:13 mean?
In this verse, King David expresses his struggle with a difficult decision and chooses to trust in God's mercy over human judgment. He acknowledges that God's compassion is vast and prefers to rely on divine grace rather than the harshness of people.
What is the meaning of mercy in 1 Chronicles 21:13?
Mercy in this verse refers to God's overwhelming compassion and forgiveness. David believes that falling into God's hands means receiving kindness and understanding, contrasting it with the unforgiving nature of human judgment.
How does 1 Chronicles 21:13 apply to decision-making?
This verse encourages individuals to trust in God's mercy when faced with tough choices. It highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance and relying on God's compassion rather than solely depending on human opinions.
What can we learn from David's choice in 1 Chronicles 21:13?
David's choice teaches us to prioritize faith in God's goodness during difficult times. It reminds us that trusting in God's mercy can provide comfort and hope when navigating life's uncertainties.
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