Definition: And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies [are] great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 24:14. It’s a really important and slightly poetic passage about David’s perspective on his situation. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: David is feeling overwhelmed and anxious. He’s in a difficult spot, like being trapped in a tight space. He’s asking God to help him, but he’s worried about falling into man’s control – meaning, falling into the bad decisions or actions of others. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And David said unto Gad…” : This is David speaking directly to his son, Gad. It’s a personal message. “…I am in a great strait…” : “Strait” means a narrow path or a difficult situation. David feels like he's trapped. “…let us fall now into the hand of the LORD…” : He’s suggesting they turn away from this difficult path and find refuge with God. "Fall" here is metaphorical – it means to surrender to something that isn’t good or right. “for his mercies [are] great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.” : This is the core of the verse. David acknowledges that God's mercy (compassion, kindness, forgiveness) is immense. He’s asking for God to protect him from making mistakes or falling into the wrong choices – from being controlled by others. “Let me not fall” is a plea - he wants to stay on the righteous path. What does it mean in bigger picture? This verse speaks to the idea that we are all vulnerable to temptation and influence. It’s a reminder that: God's Mercies Are Powerful: God doesn't just want to help us; He has immense power to protect us from harm and guide us toward good. We Need Guidance: We often need someone – or something – to steer us away from making poor choices. Trust in God is Key: It encourages us to rely on God's wisdom and protection, rather than trying to fix things ourselves. In essence, David is expressing a recognition of his own vulnerability and seeking reassurance that God will protect him from falling into the wrong path. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of the word "mercy"? Connect it to a specific story or event in biblical history?