1 Chronicles 21:13 (KJV) - "And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the Lord; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man."

This verse is a part of the story of David's sinful census, and his resulting interaction with the prophet Gad. The verse reveals David's deep sense of remorse and recognition of God's mercy, as well as his desire to place his fate in the hands of the Lord rather than in the hands of man.

To understand the context and significance of this verse, it is important to consider the events leading up to it. In 1 Chronicles 21, we read that David's pride led him to take a census of the Israelites, which was contrary to God's command. This act of pride and disobedience angered God, who then gave David a choice of three punishments: seven years of famine, three months of fleeing from his enemies, or three days of plague. David chose the latter, knowing that God's mercy was greater than that of man, and that God, being the ultimate authority, would be the best judge of his fate.

The verse begins with David's confession to Gad, the prophet. He acknowledges that he is "in a great strait," or a difficult situation, and expresses his desire to fall into the hand of the Lord, recognizing the greatness of God's mercies. This admission reveals David's deep sense of remorse for his sinful actions, and his understanding of the unfathomable mercies of God. It also reflects his humility and willingness to accept whatever punishment God sees fit to administer, rather than seeking refuge in the mercy of man.

David's plea to fall into the hand of the Lord rather than into the hand of man is a powerful testament to his faith and trust in God's sovereignty. Despite the severity of the punishment he faces, David demonstrates his unwavering belief that God's mercies are boundless, and that God's judgment is just and righteous. This act of submission and trust in God's will serves as a powerful example of the proper response to sin and an affirmation of God's ultimate authority over man.

The themes present in this verse are profound and timeless. It speaks to the nature of sin, repentance, and God's mercy, as well as the sovereignty of God over the decisions and actions of mankind. It also underscores the importance of humility, submission to God's will, and trust in His judgment. The verse serves as a reminder that even in the face of our own sin and the consequences that result from it, God's mercy and grace are inexhaustible, and His judgment is ultimately just.

Symbolically, this verse represents the human experience of confronting one's own sin and the accompanying remorse and repentance. It also symbolizes the choice between placing one's trust in the mercy of God or seeking refuge in the mercy of man. The act of falling into the hand of the Lord signifies the surrender of one's will to the divine authority and the acceptance of whatever judgment or punishment may come, while avoiding falling into the hand of man suggests a recognition of the limitations and fallibility of human mercy and justice.

In conclusion, 1 Chronicles 21:13 is a poignant and powerful expression of David's repentance, humility, and trust in God's mercy in the face of his sinful actions. It serves as a profound reminder of the consequences of sin, the boundlessness of God's mercies, and the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of man. The verse's themes of sin, repentance, God's mercy, and the sovereignty of God make it an enduring and timeless expression of the human experience and the divine nature of God.