2 Sam. xxiv. 11.II. GAD, a Prophet, David’s friend, who followed him during his misfortunes, while he was persecuted by Saul, and was at all times very much attached to him. The Scripture styles him a Prophet, and David’s Seer; probably, because God had appointed him to assist this Prince, and foretell what should happen to him. The first time we find him with this Prince, is, when he fled into the land of Moab, there to secure his father 1 Sam. xxii. 5.and mother, in the first year of the World 2944, before J. C. 1056, before the Vulgar Æra 1060. a In the year of the World 2987, before J. C. 1013, before the Vulgar Æra 1017. b 2 Sam. xxiv. 12, 13. & 1 Chr. xxi. 11.year of his flight, and Saul’s persecution. As David therefore was in the land of Moab, the prophet Gad warned him to leave it, and return into the land of Judah.
After that David had taken a resolution to number his people a, the Lord sent the prophet Gad to him, who told him b, that God gave him the choice of three scourges, which he was preparing for him; either he might chuse seven years famine, or to fly three months before his enemies, or three days pestilence. David preferred the latter; and God, in consideration of his humiliation, was pleased to shorten the time which he had appointed for the plague to rage in; commanding the destroying Angel to sheath his sword, and to cease making any further slaughter. After which, Gad came to David, and advised him to erect an Altar to the Lord in the threshing-floor of Ornan, or Araunah, the Jebusite. Gad wrote a volume of David’s life, which is cited in the first book of Chronicles xxix. 29. This is all that we know of this Prophet.