1st Chronicles 21:11 So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Choose thee. 12 Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtake thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
Starvation and death would result, if David were to choose the first option, because many persons would lose their jobs, and as a result, would not be able to pay their mortgages, and for this reason, they could lose their homes as a direct result of David’s ill-advised decision. Whenever resources become scarce, conflict is never far away, as we can currently see in the desperation and violence taking place in Gaza.
When the citizens of any nation become financially desperate, all kinds of dangers can unfold, because wherever resources are scarce, conflict becomes the natural byproduct, as famished persons will, in most cases, do whatsoever it takes in order to survive. All of this potential turmoil could have been averted if Joab had stood his ground and refused to drink the Kool aid David gave him.
Then the recovery period might even be longer and the blame, and hand wringing that would dominate every news cycle could trigger a national revolt, and uprising to the point where some desperate persons in the military might plot a coup. So, David scratches this first option off, for he trembles at the thought of the ramifications that could ensue.
Deuteronomy 28:53 And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the Lord thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee: 54 So that the man that is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!