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We shall look at David's exclamation here in three aspects.

I. AS INDICATING WHAT IS A. NATURAL TENDENCY IN ALL SOULS. There is a strong propensity in all men to "fall into the hand" of others, giving up their judgment, freedom, individuality to others. This shows itself in the exercise of unbounded trust. Man is essentially dependent. Hence his existence is one of trust in others. This trust is the very base and bond of social life. Trusting others within certain limits is right and necessary, but when the principle carries us to the entire subjection of ourselves to our fellow-men, we have gone wrongly and ruinously.

II. AS REVEALING THE TRUE SPIRIT OF LIFE. David's tendency to trust took the right direction.

1. His preference was right.

(1) God is our Owner.

(2) God is all-powerful in His character. There is everything in His character to command our unbounded trust, our entire surrender.

2. This preference is expedient. It is far better to fall into the hand of God than man.

(1) Unbounded trust in man must destroy your freedom. Such trust in God secures it.

(2) Unbounded trust in man pollutes and degrades the character. Such trust in God purifies and elevates it. He whom we most trust exerts the most influence on our characters.

(3) Unbounded trust in man must issue in the utmost disappointment and misery. Such trust in God leads to the highest blessedness.

III. AS FORESHADOWING THE INEVITABLE DOOM OF ALL. In one of two ways every man must fall into the hand of God.

1. Voluntarily, by the influence of His grace.

2. Compulsorily, by the force of justice.

(Homilist.)

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KJV: So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee

WEB: So Gad came to David, and said to him, "Thus says Yahweh, 'Take your choice: