1 Chronicles 21:9
And the LORD instructed Gad, David's seer,
And the LORD instructed
This phrase indicates divine communication, emphasizing that the message comes directly from God. In the Old Testament, God often communicated His will through prophets or seers. This divine instruction underscores the seriousness and authority of the message. It reflects the biblical theme of God guiding His people through chosen individuals, as seen with Moses, Samuel, and Elijah.

Gad
Gad is identified as a prophet or seer during King David's reign. He is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 22:5, where he advises David to leave the stronghold and go to the land of Judah. Gad's role as a seer is significant because he serves as a direct link between God and David, providing guidance and revelation. His presence in David's court highlights the importance of prophetic insight in the governance and spiritual life of Israel.

David’s seer
The term "seer" is an older designation for a prophet, one who sees visions or receives revelations from God. David's reliance on Gad as his seer indicates the king's recognition of the need for divine guidance in his leadership. This relationship between David and Gad is reminiscent of other king-prophet relationships in the Bible, such as that of King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah. The role of the seer is crucial in maintaining the spiritual direction and accountability of the king, ensuring that the ruler's actions align with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The sovereign God of Israel, who communicates His will and guidance to His people.

2. Gad
A prophet, also referred to as David's seer, who serves as a messenger of God's word to King David.

3. David
The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is in a period of repentance and seeking God's guidance after sinning by conducting a census of Israel.

4. Seer
A term used for prophets in ancient Israel, indicating one who receives divine visions or messages.

5. Israel
The nation chosen by God, experiencing the consequences of David's actions and awaiting divine instruction.
Teaching Points
The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Gad serve as vital conduits for God's communication, reminding us of the importance of seeking and heeding God's word in our lives.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
Even in judgment, God provides a way for repentance and restoration, demonstrating His mercy and sovereignty over all situations.

The Consequences of Sin
David's census was an act of pride and disobedience, leading to severe consequences for Israel, teaching us the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience.

Repentance and Restoration
David's response to God's message through Gad shows the power of genuine repentance and the possibility of restoration when we turn back to God.

The Importance of Godly Counsel
David's reliance on Gad highlights the value of seeking godly counsel and wisdom in times of decision-making and crisis.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Gad as a seer inform our understanding of how God communicates with His people today?

2. In what ways does David's response to God's message through Gad demonstrate the principles of repentance and humility?

3. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty and mercy in our own lives when facing the consequences of our actions?

4. What are some modern-day equivalents of seeking godly counsel, and how can we ensure we are listening to the right voices?

5. How does understanding the consequences of David's sin help us in making decisions that align with God's will?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 24
This chapter provides a parallel account of the same event, offering additional insights into David's sin and the resulting consequences.

1 Samuel 9:9
This verse explains the role of a seer, equating it with that of a prophet, which helps us understand Gad's position and function.

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, which reflects his heart and attitude when confronted with his sin, similar to his response in 1 Chronicles 21.
Census ReflectionsW. Bramley Moore, M. A.1 Chronicles 21:1-30
David Numbering IsraelHomilist1 Chronicles 21:1-30
David's Self-ConfidenceR. D. B. Rawnsley.1 Chronicles 21:1-30
David's Sin and RepentanceClergyman's Magazine1 Chronicles 21:1-30
Man, Through God, Arresting the Great EvilsHomilist1 Chronicles 21:1-30
Sinful CountingJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 21:1-30
The Impotence of NumbersHarry Jones.1 Chronicles 21:1-30
Under a SpellW. Birch.1 Chronicles 21:1-30
Effects of David's SinF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 21:7-18, 29, 30
The Human and the Divine in the Hour of PenitenceW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 21:8-13
An Appalling Offer and a Wise ChoiceR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 21:9-13
People
Araunah, Benjamin, Dan, David, Gad, Gibeon, Israelites, Joab, Levi, Ornan
Places
Beersheba, Dan, Gath, Gibeon, Jerusalem
Topics
David, David's, Gad, Saying, Seer, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 21:9

     7781   seer

1 Chronicles 21:1-15

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

1 Chronicles 21:1-16

     5544   soldiers

1 Chronicles 21:9-26

     4843   plague

Library
"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the Flesh, God Sending his Own Son in the Likeness of Sinful Flesh,
Rom. viii. 3.--"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh." For what purpose do we meet thus together? I would we knew it,--then it might be to some better purpose. In all other things we are rational, and do nothing of moment without some end and purpose. But, alas! in this matter of greatest moment, our going about divine ordinances, we have scarce any distinct or deliberate
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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