The Penalty For Stealing

I'd rather pay back what I stole and add 1/5 to the total amount.

I'd rather fall into God's hands then man's.

Me: give me the full bible story on david and his choices and, actually, just give me the verses concerning him saying 'id rather fall into god's hands then mans'

Google Gemini:

To address your request fully, I will first provide the specific verses where David expresses his preference to fall into God's hands rather than man's. Then, as you requested, I will provide the full Bible story of David, detailing his life, significant choices, and their consequences.

David's Choice: Falling into God's Hands

The specific verses you're looking for come from the story of David's census, where he is given a choice of punishments for his sin.

2 Samuel 24:14 (NIV):

David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.”

1 Chronicles 21:13 (NIV):

David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into human hands.”

These verses capture David's profound trust in God's compassion and justice, even in the face of divine punishment, contrasting it with the perceived harshness and unpredictability of human judgment.

The Full Bible Story of David and His Choices

The story of David is one of the most extensive and significant narratives in the Old Testament, primarily found in the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. It details his journey from a humble shepherd to a mighty king, highlighting his faith, courage, sins, and their consequences.

I. The Anointing and Early Life (1 Samuel 16-17)

God's Choice (1 Samuel 16): The prophet Samuel is sent by God to anoint a new king from the house of Jesse in Bethlehem, as King Saul has disobeyed God. Jesse presents his older, more imposing sons, but God tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7). David, the youngest, a ruddy, handsome shepherd, is called from the fields and anointed by Samuel, and the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon him.

Musician to Saul (1 Samuel 16): David is brought to King Saul's court to soothe him with music when an evil spirit troubles him. David serves as Saul's armor-bearer and musician, gaining favor.

David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17): The Philistines challenge Israel with their champion, Goliath, a giant warrior. No Israelite dares to fight him. David, visiting his brothers on the battlefield, is outraged by Goliath's defiance of God. He bravely volunteers, telling Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth... The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:34-37). He refuses Saul's armor, taking only five smooth stones and his sling. He defeats Goliath with a single stone to the forehead, then cuts off Goliath's head with his own sword, leading to a decisive Israelite victory.

II. Rise to Prominence and Saul's Jealousy (1 Samuel 18-20)

Friendship with Jonathan (1 Samuel 18): David forms a deep and lasting friendship with Saul's son, Jonathan, who recognizes David's divine favor.

Saul's Jealousy and Attempts on David's Life (1 Samuel 18-19): David's popularity skyrockets, with the women singing, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands." Saul becomes intensely jealous and increasingly paranoid. He tries to kill David with a spear multiple times. He also offers David his daughter Michal in marriage, hoping David will be killed in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 18:25), but David succeeds.

Flight from Saul (1 Samuel 19-20): David is forced to flee Saul's court. Jonathan repeatedly warns David of Saul's intentions and makes a covenant with him. David becomes a fugitive, living in caves and wilderness areas.

III. Years as a Fugitive (1 Samuel 21-31)

Seeking Refuge (1 Samuel 21-22): David goes to Ahimelech the priest at Nob, receiving consecrated bread and Goliath's sword. Saul later orders the massacre of the priests of Nob for helping David. David gathers a band of followers (about 400 men), including his family, in the cave of Adullam.

Spares Saul's Life (1 Samuel 24 & 26): Twice David has the opportunity to kill Saul while Saul is vulnerable (once in a cave at En Gedi, cutting off a corner of his robe, and once while Saul is sleeping in his camp, taking his spear and water jug). Both times, David refuses to harm "the Lord's anointed," trusting God to deal with Saul. This demonstrates David's respect for divine authority and his refusal to take matters into his own hands against God's chosen king.

Serving the Philistines (1 Samuel 27): David eventually seeks refuge with Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, pretending to raid Israeli towns while actually attacking other enemies.

Saul's Death (1 Samuel 31): Saul and his sons (including Jonathan) are killed in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. David deeply mourns Saul and Jonathan.

IV. King Over Judah and Then All Israel (2 Samuel 1-5)

King in Hebron (2 Samuel 2): After Saul's death, David is anointed king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron. Civil war ensues between David's forces and those loyal to Saul's surviving son, Ish-Bosheth.

King Over All Israel (2 Samuel 5): After seven years, Ish-Bosheth is assassinated. All the tribes of Israel come to David in Hebron and anoint him king over all Israel. He reigns for 40 years (7 in Hebron, 33 in Jerusalem).

Conquest of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5): David conquers Jerusalem from the Jebusites, making it his capital city, "the City of David," and a neutral ground for all tribes.

Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6): David makes a joyous attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Initially, Uzzah dies for touching the Ark incorrectly. David learns from this, and later, the Ark is brought with proper reverence and celebration, establishing Jerusalem as the religious center.

V. God's Covenant with David (2 Samuel 7)

David's Desire to Build a Temple: David desires to build a permanent temple for the Lord.

Nathan's Prophecy: God, through the prophet Nathan, tells David that he will not build the temple (his son will), but God will build David a "house" – an enduring dynasty. "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever." (2 Samuel 7:16). This Messianic promise is foundational to Jewish and Christian theology, pointing to the eternal kingship of the Messiah, Jesus, who is a descendant of David.

VI. David's Sins and Consequences (2 Samuel 11-12)

Adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11): While his army is at war, David sees Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite (one of his loyal soldiers), bathing. He sends for her and commits adultery with her, resulting in a pregnancy.

Murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11): To cover up his sin, David orders Uriah to be placed on the front lines of battle, where he is killed.

Nathan's Confrontation (2 Samuel 12): The prophet Nathan confronts David with a parable, leading David to condemn himself. Nathan then reveals, "You are the man!" (2 Samuel 12:7). David repents, saying, "I have sinned against the Lord." (2 Samuel 12:13).

Consequences: Despite David's repentance and God's forgiveness for the ultimate sin of death, Nathan pronounces severe consequences: the child born to Bathsheba will die (which happens), "the sword will never depart from your house" (referring to ongoing family strife and violence), and David's wives will be publicly disgraced. This period marks a turning point, showing that even a man after God's own heart faces consequences for his sin.

VII. Family Troubles and Rebellions (2 Samuel 13-18)

Amnon and Tamar (2 Samuel 13): David's son Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar. David is angry but takes no action.

Absalom's Revenge and Rebellion (2 Samuel 13-18): Tamar's full brother, Absalom, murders Amnon in revenge. Absalom later engineers a massive rebellion against David, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. The rebellion gains significant support, highlighting David's fractured family and kingdom.

Absalom's Death (2 Samuel 18): Absalom is killed by Joab, David's commander, against David's explicit orders to spare him. David deeply mourns his son's death.

VIII. Restoration and Later Reign (2 Samuel 19-24, 1 Kings 1-2)

Return to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19): David is restored to the throne, but further rebellions and tribal divisions plague his reign.

The Census and Plague (2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21): David, perhaps out of pride or a desire to rely on military strength rather than God, orders a census of Israel and Judah. God is displeased and offers David three choices of punishment: seven years of famine, three months of being pursued by enemies, or three days of plague.

David's Choice: This is where David utters the words you quoted: "I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands." (2 Samuel 24:14). He chooses the plague.

Consequence: A plague strikes Israel, killing 70,000 people. David intercedes, and the plague stops at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, where David builds an altar and offers sacrifices. This site later becomes the location for Solomon's Temple.

Arrangements for Succession (1 Kings 1): In his old age, David's son Adonijah attempts to seize the throne. David, alerted by Bathsheba and Nathan, swiftly ensures that Solomon, Bathsheba's son, is proclaimed king according to God's earlier promise.

David's Final Instructions and Death (1 Kings 2): David gives Solomon instructions to walk in God's ways, deal with certain individuals, and build the Temple. David dies, "old and full of years."

Key Themes and Choices in David's Life:

Faith and Courage: His willingness to face Goliath, his trust in God during his flight from Saul, and his consistent reliance on God in battle.

Humility and Repentance: His profound remorse and immediate repentance when confronted by Nathan after the Bathsheba and Uriah incident. This is why, despite his great sins, he is still called a "man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) – not because he was sinless, but because his heart genuinely sought God and readily repented.

Leadership and Kingship: His skill as a military leader, his administrative abilities in uniting the tribes, and his establishment of Jerusalem as a capital.

Consequences of Sin: Even for a repentant king, David's sins with Bathsheba and Uriah led to significant and lasting turmoil within his family and kingdom, illustrating that even forgiveness does not always erase earthly consequences.

Trust in God's Mercy: His choice of the plague over human judgment perfectly encapsulates his understanding of God's character as merciful, even in punishment.

Messianic Hope: The everlasting covenant made with David about his enduring dynasty points forward to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who is often referred to as the "Son of David" and whose kingdom is eternal.