Gad

Technical Profile

  • Name Meaning: Hebrew Gād (גָּד), “fortune” or “good fortune”
  • Period/Era: United Monarchy
  • Main References: 1 Samuel 22:5; 2 Samuel 24:11–19; 1 Chronicles 21:9–19; 1 Chronicles 29:29; 2 Chronicles 29:25
  • Key Connections: King David; the prophetic tradition alongside Samuel and Nathan; Levitical musicians in temple worship

Who was Gad?

Gad was a prophet who served as an adviser to David during the rise and reign of the Israelite monarchy.
He appears first in David’s wilderness period, delivering guidance that shaped David’s movements.
Later, he communicated divine instruction regarding judgment and repentance after David’s census.
Chronicles associates his prophetic role with the establishment of ordered worship in Israel.

Key Events & Achievements

  • Direction in exile: Told David to leave the stronghold and go into the land of Judah.
  • Oracle after the census: Delivered the word of judgment to David and instructed him to build an altar on Araunah/Ornan’s threshing floor.
  • Worship regulation: Linked to directives for musical worship arrangements attributed to David’s command.

Life Lesson & Legacy

Gad illustrates how prophetic authority functioned within the United Monarchy to convey specific instruction for royal decision-making and national worship.

Key Verse

"But Gad came that day to David and said to him, “Go up, raise an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.”" — 2 Samuel 24:18, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. What instruction did Gad give David during David’s wilderness period?

2. After David’s census, what did Gad instruct David to build, and where?