Let me fall into the hand of the Lord, and not fall into the hand of man (2 Sam 24: 14)

Pope Shenouda III

1- David and three options for punishment: King David sinned by numbering the people, so God the prophet came to him to tell him of the punishment of his act. God said, “Thus says the Lord: I offer you three things; choose one of them for yourself: shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or shall you flee three months before your enemies, while they pursue you? Or shall you there be three days plague