1 Chronicles 21 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of 1 Chronicles 21

The Book of 1 Chronicles was written by the prophet Ezra, who lived during the time of the Babylonian exile. Ezra was a scribe and priest, tasked with recording the history of the Israelite people and their relationship with God. King David makes a fateful decision that will have far-reaching consequences for his kingdom in this chapter. The chapter foreshadows the impending judgment that will come upon Israel, as well as the eventual restoration and redemption that will follow.

Throughout the passage, we see the interplay between human free will and divine sovereignty, as David’s actions are contrasted with God’s response. This theme is echoed in other biblical accounts, such as the story of Saul’s disobedience in 1 Samuel 15. As we delve into the chapter, we will confront the sobering reality of sin’s consequences and the hope of God’s mercy and grace.

1 Chronicles 21:1-7

Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel in 1 Chronicles 21:1-7.” This is a significant moment as it reveals the spiritual battle that is at play in this historical account. Satan, the adversary, seeks to bring destruction upon God’s people by tempting David to act in disobedience to the Lord. It’s important to note that Satan’s influence can penetrate even the hearts of righteous individuals like David, emphasizing the ongoing spiritual warfare present in the world.

David’s decision to take a census was not merely an administrative task but an act of pride and self-reliance. David was counting the number of his troops to assess his own military might rather than trusting in God’s protection and provision. This act displeased God, as it demonstrated a lack of faith and a reliance on human strength over divine guidance. It serves as a cautionary tale for believers to remain humble and dependent on God in all circumstances.

When Joab, David’s army commander, questioned the necessity of the census, he recognized the potential dangers of such an action. Joab understood that their true strength lay in the Lord, and the census was an affront to God’s sovereignty over their nation. However, despite Joab’s wise counsel, David’s determination to proceed with the census prevailed, leading to God’s subsequent judgment upon Israel.

The consequences of David’s sin were severe, resulting in the loss of 70,000 men in a devastating plague sent by God. This tragic outcome underscores the principle that disobedience and pride have dire repercussions, not only for the individual but for the entire community. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of God’s people and the impact of one person’s actions on the broader society.

This passage in 1 Chronicles 21 echoes similar themes found in other parts of the Bible, such as the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Just as Adam and Eve’s disobedience led to the fall of humanity, David’s sin in taking the census brought about calamity upon Israel. It highlights the universal truth that sin not only separates individuals from God but also disrupts the harmony of the community and invites judgment upon the collective. 1 Chronicles 21:1-7 presents a sobering account of the consequences of pride, disobedience, and reliance on human strength. It underscores the importance of humility, faith, and obedience in the life of a believer. Through David’s story, we are reminded of the enduring battle between good and evil, the subtlety of temptation, and the critical need to submit to God’s will in all circumstances.

1 Chronicles 21:8-13

1. The sections in 1 Chronicles 21:8-13 can be broken down as follows:

2. “Then David said to God, ‘I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt, Lord, for doing this foolish thing.’” (1 Chronicles 21:8)

3. “The next morning the word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, who was David’s seer. This was the message: ‘Go and say to David, “This is what the Lord says: I will give you three choices. Choose one of these punishments, and I will inflict it on you.”‘” (1 Chronicles 21:9-10)
4. “So Gad came to David and said, ‘This is what the Lord says: Choose your punishment: three years of famine, three months of destruction by the sword of your enemies, or three days of severe plague as the angel of the Lord brings devastation throughout the land of Israel. Decide what answer I should give the Lord who sent me.’” (1 Chronicles 21:11-12)

5. “I’m in a desperate situation!’ David replied to Gad. ‘But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.’” (1 Chronicles 21:13)

6. King David recognizes his sin in conducting a census in the first section. David sets an example of humility and repentance by acknowledging his wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness from God for his foolishness. This demonstrates the importance of taking responsibility for our mistakes and seeking reconciliation with God. David’s confession also highlights the consequences of pride and disobedience, as his action of counting the people without God’s approval led to severe repercussions for the nation.

Moving on to the second section, we witness God’s response through the prophet Gad. God presents David with three choices of punishment as a consequence of his sin. This serves as a reminder of the principle of sowing and reaping, where our actions have consequences. Despite David’s repentance, there are still repercussions to face. This shows that even though God forgives, there are often earthly consequences for our sins. God reveals His mercy and justice by giving David options, allowing David to participate in choosing his punishment, reflecting the free will given to humanity.

The third section reveals David’s choice to fall into the hands of the Lord rather than into the hands of men. This decision showcases David’s trust in God’s mercy over human judgment. It displays a deep faith in God’s character and serves as a reminder for us to rely on God’s compassion and forgiveness in times of trouble. David’s plea to be subject to God’s mercy rather than human punishment underscores his understanding of the infinite grace and compassion of God. This can be a lesson for us to always seek refuge and deliverance in God’s loving hands instead of relying on our own understanding or seeking the approval of others. This passage from 1 Chronicles 21 provides insights into themes of repentance, consequences of sin, God’s mercy and justice, and the importance of placing our trust in God alone. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of humility, confession, and reliance on God’s grace in our lives. The narrative of David’s interaction with God through the prophet Gad illustrates a profound lesson for believers about the nature of sin, forgiveness, and the sovereignty of God.

1 Chronicles 21:14-17

1. Section Breakdown:
2. Verse 14: So the Lord sent a plague on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead.
3. Verse 15: And God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem. But as the angel was doing so, the Lord saw it and relented concerning the disaster and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand.” The angel of the Lord was then standing at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
4. Verse 16: David looked up and saw the angel of the Lord standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand extended over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown.

5. Verse 17: David said to God, “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Lord my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.”

6. David’s sinful pride in conducting a census of Israel results in the consequences we see in these verses. Despite the warnings from his commander Joab, David proceeded, and as a result, Israel faced severe punishment. The loss of seventy thousand men due to the plague is a harrowing reminder of the cost of disobedience to God.

7. The imagery in verse 15 is powerful as God sends an angel to destroy Jerusalem. However, at the last moment, God’s compassion and mercy intervene, showcasing His ability to relent from calamity. This moment highlights the tension between God’s justice and His mercy, a theme that is prevalent throughout the Bible.
8. David’s reaction in verse 16 reflects true repentance as he, along with the elders, humbles himself before God upon seeing the angel. The sight of the drawn sword above Jerusalem is a vivid portrayal of the imminent danger the nation faced due to sin.

9. David’s response in verse 17 is pivotal. He acknowledges his wrongdoing, takes full responsibility, and pleads for God’s punishment to fall on him and his family instead of the people. This selfless act of intercession on behalf of his people displays David’s growth in humility and his understanding of the gravity of his actions.

10. Relevance and Cross-reference:

11. David’s repentance and willingness to bear the consequences on behalf of his people echo the sacrificial nature that anticipates the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity’s sins. Jesus willingly took on the punishment of sin in the New Testament, just as David offered himself in this passage.
12. This narrative also underscores the importance of humility, repentance, and intercession in the face of God’s judgment. Throughout the Bible, individuals like Moses, Daniel, and Esther interceded for their people, showing the power of prayer and humility in seeking God’s mercy in times of crisis.
13. Furthermore, the concept of collective responsibility and accountability is emphasized here. David’s actions impacted the entire nation, illustrating the interconnectedness of individuals within a community. This serves as a reminder for us today that our choices and actions can have far-reaching consequences beyond ourselves.

1 Chronicles 21:18-22

David confronts the consequences of his sinful actions in a poignant and significant moment in his life as seen in 1 Chronicles 21:18-22. Let’s break down this verse into important sections for a detailed commentary.

1. “Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to tell David to go up and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.”
   This section sets the stage for the events that follow. The angel of the Lord instructs Gad, David’s seer and prophet, to deliver the message to David. The choice of Araunah’s threshing floor as the location for the altar is significant. Araunah was a Jebusite, the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before David conquered the city and made it his capital. This highlights David’s connection to the land and the need to make amends for his transgression by seeking forgiveness and offering sacrifices to the Lord.

2. “So David went up at Gad’s word, which he had spoken in the name of the Lord. Now Araunah was threshing wheat.”
   David, obedient to the command from the Lord through Gad, goes to Araunah’s threshing floor. The fact that Araunah was actively engaged in threshing wheat when David arrived adds a sense of normalcy to the scene. Despite the impending seriousness of the situation, life goes on as usual for Araunah. This contrast between the gravity of David’s sin and the everyday activities of Araunah serves to emphasize the need for atonement and restoration in the aftermath of disobedience.

3. “And when Araunah looked and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him, Araunah went out and paid homage to the king with his face to the ground.”
   Araunah’s reaction to seeing David and his servants approaching is one of deference and respect. Araunah, a Jebusite, acknowledges David’s authority and position as king by paying homage with his face to the ground. This gesture highlights the cultural norms of the time and the recognition of David’s status as the anointed king of Israel. David’s encounter with Araunah is not merely a business transaction but a moment infused with symbolism and significance.

4. “And Araunah said, ‘Why has my lord the king come to his servant?’ David said, ‘To buy the threshing floor from you, in order to build an altar to the Lord, that the plague may be averted from the people.’”
   David’s response to Araunah’s question reveals the true purpose of his visit. He seeks to buy the threshing floor from Araunah to build an altar to the Lord. This decision is crucial as David acknowledges the need for repentance and seeks to intercede on behalf of the people to avert the plague that had befallen them due to his sinful census. David exemplifies humility and genuine repentance before God by taking responsibility for his actions and seeking to make amends through sacrifice and worship. The passage in 1 Chronicles 21:18-22 underscores the themes of repentance, atonement, and seeking forgiveness in the face of sin. Through David’s actions, we are reminded of the importance of humility, obedience to God’s commands, and the need for reconciliation with Him and others when we stray from His will. David’s story arc throughout the Bible serves as a potent example of a flawed but repentant individual who ultimately seeks restoration and forgiveness from God, demonstrating that no one is beyond redemption in the eyes of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 21:23-27

King David is instructed to purchase the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite to build an altar to the Lord and stop a plague that was devastating the Israelites in 1 Chronicles 21:23-27. This is a pivotal moment in David’s reign as king, showcasing his humility and obedience to God. Araunah offers to give David the threshing floor for free, along with the oxen for the burnt offering and the threshing sledges for wood as they delve into this passage. This display of generosity from Araunah reflects the spirit of charity and altruism, which is highly valued in the Bible. However, David’s response is particularly noteworthy as he insists on paying full price for the site, stating that he will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord that cost him nothing. This act by David emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and the true cost of worshipping God in our lives.

The significance of David’s refusal to offer sacrifices that cost him nothing can be linked to other passages in the Bible. David says in 2 Samuel 24:24, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”” This statement by David emphasizes the notion that true worship involves sacrifice and commitment. It is not simply about going through the motions, but about offering something of real value to God. The location where this event takes place, the threshing floor of Araunah, is later identified as the site where Solomon would build the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. This connection highlights the continuity of God’s plan and the significance of certain locations and events throughout biblical history. The building of the temple by Solomon fulfills the promise made by God to David in 2 Samuel 7:13 about having his descendant build a house for the Lord. 1 Chronicles 21:23-27 encapsulates important themes of sacrifice, worship, and obedience to God. The humility and reverence displayed by David in this passage serve as a powerful example for believers to emulate in their own lives. It reinforces the idea that worship is not just about rituals, but about the condition of the heart and the sincerity of one’s devotion to God. The story of David purchasing the threshing floor of Araunah is a reminder that true worship requires sacrifice and a genuine commitment to honoring God in all aspects of our lives.

1 Chronicles 21:28-30

King David experiences a significant moment in his life in 1 Chronicles 21:28-30. The verse states, “At that time, when David saw that the Lord had answered him on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he offered sacrifices there. For the tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering were at that time on the high place at Gibeon. But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the Lord.”

Firstly, this passage highlights David’s realization and gratitude for God’s response to his repentance. David had sinned by conducting a census of Israel, which displayed his pride and lack of trust in God’s provision. After receiving God’s judgment, David begged for mercy and sought to make amends. This demonstrates the importance of repentance and humility before God. Even in our moments of wrongdoing, when we turn back to God with a contrite heart, He is ready to forgive and restore us.

The mention of the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite is significant as well. This location later became the site where Solomon built the Temple, the permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant. It symbolizes the journey of the Israelites from a wandering nomadic nation with the tabernacle to a settled kingdom with a grand temple. This transition reflects the progression in the relationship between God and His people, from a temporary abode to a permanent sanctuary, foreshadowing the eternal presence of God among His followers.

The fact that David could not approach the tabernacle in Gibeon due to fear of the angel of the Lord’s sword indicates the consequences of disobedience and the importance of reverence before God. Despite being God’s chosen king, David understood the severity of sin and the need for atonement. This fear highlights the holiness of God and the reverence we should have in His presence. It serves as a reminder for us to approach God with humility and respect, acknowledging His sovereignty and righteousness. We can see a parallel with the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3 when connecting this verse to other passages in the Bible. Just as David encountered God’s presence at the threshing floor, Moses encountered God in the burning bush. Both instances display the holiness of God and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and obedience. The continuity of God’s character throughout the Bible emphasizes His unchanging nature and expectations for His followers.

After 1 Chronicles 21

The people had sinned against God, and the Lord brought judgment upon them. David’s pride had led him to take a census of the people, disregarding God’s command. A plague swept through the land, resulting in the loss of many lives.

The reverend paused, his brow furrowed with concern. “Yet, even in the midst of this calamity, we see the hand of a merciful God at work. For as the plague raged, the Lord stayed the hand of the destroying angel, sparing the people from complete destruction. This is a testament to the grace and compassion of our Heavenly Father, who seeks to redeem and restore His wayward children.”

With a heavy heart, the reverend turned the page, knowing that the next chapter would reveal how God would use this tragedy to bring about a greater purpose. The people must heed the lessons of this chapter, lest they repeat the same mistakes and face the consequences once more.