Biblical Context:
The account of David choosing the plague as a form of divine judgment is found in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. This event occurs during the latter part of King David's reign over Israel. The narrative highlights themes of sin, repentance, and God's mercy.

Background:
David, the second king of Israel, is known for his deep relationship with God, yet he was not without fault. The incident leading to the choice of the plague begins with David's decision to conduct a census of Israel and Judah. This act, seemingly administrative, was considered sinful because it demonstrated a reliance on military strength and human resources rather than trust in God's providence.

The Sin of the Census:
In 2 Samuel 24:1, it is stated, "Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He incited David against them, saying, 'Go, take a census of Israel and Judah.'" The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 21:1 attributes the incitement to Satan, indicating a complex interplay of divine sovereignty and human agency. The census was completed despite Joab's protest, and David's conscience was struck afterward, realizing his transgression.

Divine Judgment and Choice:
God, through the prophet Gad, offers David three options for punishment: three years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of plague. David's response, recorded in 2 Samuel 24:14, reflects his trust in God's mercy: "I am deeply distressed. Please, let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man."

The Plague:
The Lord sent a plague upon Israel, resulting in the death of 70,000 men. As the angel of the Lord was about to destroy Jerusalem, God relented from the calamity, demonstrating His mercy. David, seeing the angel striking the people, pleaded with God, acknowledging his sin and asking that the punishment fall upon him and his family instead of the people.

The Altar on the Threshing Floor:
In response to David's plea, Gad instructed him to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David purchased the site, refusing to offer to God that which cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). He built the altar and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. The Lord answered by sending fire from heaven upon the altar, and the plague was halted.

Theological Significance:
This narrative underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance. It also highlights God's justice tempered by mercy. David's choice to fall into the hands of God rather than man reflects a profound trust in divine compassion. The incident foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who bore the penalty of sin on behalf of humanity.

Lessons and Applications:
Believers are reminded of the importance of relying on God rather than human strength. The account encourages repentance and humility before God, recognizing His sovereignty and mercy. It also illustrates the principle of sacrificial giving, as David insisted on offering to God something of personal cost.

Cross-References:
· 2 Samuel 24:1-25
· 1 Chronicles 21:1-30
· Psalm 51 (David's psalm of repentance)
· Hebrews 12:6 (God's discipline as an act of love)

Key Figures:
· David: King of Israel, known for his heart after God, yet flawed and repentant.
· Gad: Prophet who conveyed God's message to David.
· Araunah: Jebusite who owned the threshing floor where David built the altar.

Key Locations:
· Jerusalem: The city spared from destruction by the plague.
· Threshing Floor of Araunah: The site where David built the altar, later the location of Solomon's Temple.