Go and say to David, 'This is what the LORD says: I will give you three choices. Choose one of these punishments, and I will inflict it on you.'
Context
David had sinned by taking a census of Israel, and God sent the prophet Gad to offer David a choice of three punishments as a consequence of his sin.
Fulfillment
complete
Fulfilled in
2 Samuel 24:15
David chose to fall into the hands of the LORD, resulting in a plague that struck Israel, killing 70,000 people.
Theological significance
This event underscores the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience to God. It also highlights God's mercy, as He relented and stopped the plague before it destroyed Jerusalem.
Build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
Context
After the plague, God commanded David through the prophet Gad to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah to stop the plague.
Fulfillment
complete
Fulfilled in
2 Samuel 24:25
David built the altar and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. The LORD answered his prayer, and the plague on Israel was stopped.
Theological significance
This event signifies the importance of sacrifice and repentance in restoring the relationship between God and His people. It also foreshadows the future significance of this site as the location of Solomon's Temple.