1 Chronicles 21:16

KJV

And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders [of Israel, who were] clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} lifted up {H5375} his eyes {H5869}, and saw {H7200} the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} stand {H5975} between the earth {H776} and the heaven {H8064}, having a drawn {H8025} sword {H2719} in his hand {H3027} stretched out {H5186} over Jerusalem {H3389}. Then David {H1732} and the elders {H2205} of Israel, who were clothed {H3680} in sackcloth {H8242}, fell {H5307} upon their faces {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David raised his eyes and saw the angel of ADONAI standing between the earth and the sky, and in his hand was a drawn sword stretched out over Yerushalayim. Then David and the leaders, wearing sackcloth, fell on their faces.

Berean Standard Bible

When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown.

American Standard Version

And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of Jehovah standing between earth and heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 21:16 presents a terrifying and pivotal moment in David's reign, as he and the elders of Israel witness the Angel of the LORD standing poised with a drawn sword over Jerusalem, a clear manifestation of divine judgment for David's unauthorized census. This vivid imagery underscores the immediate and severe consequences of sin, prompting an immediate, profound act of repentance and humility from David and the nation's leaders, setting the stage for God's merciful intervention and the establishment of the temple site.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the terrifying climax of the narrative in [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Census and the Plague"). The chapter begins with Satan inciting David to number Israel, an act of pride and distrust in God's provision. Despite Joab's warnings, David proceeds, leading to God's severe displeasure and the subsequent plague that devastates the nation. Verses 14-15 describe the plague's widespread death and God's command to the Angel of the LORD to stop the destruction. Verse 16 then details the horrifying vision that prompts David's desperate plea for mercy in [1 Chronicles 21:17](/1_chronicles/21-17 "1 Chronicles 21:17 - David's Plea for Mercy"), leading to the construction of an altar and the cessation of the plague. The immediate literary context highlights the progression from sin to judgment to repentance and ultimately, to God's mercy and the establishment of a sacred space.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's census, while seemingly administrative, was likely seen as an act of self-reliance, trusting in military might rather than God's covenant faithfulness, especially during a time of peace and prosperity. In ancient Israel, numbering the people was often associated with conscription or taxation, and without divine command, it could imply a king's desire to boast in his own strength. The concept of divine judgment through plague was a common understanding in the ancient Near East, often attributed to the gods' displeasure. The act of wearing "sackcloth" and "falling upon their faces" was a deeply ingrained cultural practice signifying profound mourning, humiliation, and earnest supplication before God, a public display of repentance intended to avert divine wrath. Jerusalem, as the newly established capital and spiritual center, was particularly significant, making the threat over it even more potent.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles "The Book of 1 Chronicles") include the importance of the Davidic covenant, the proper worship of God, and the establishment of the temple. Within [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Census"), this verse powerfully illustrates the **seriousness of sin** and its far-reaching consequences, impacting not just the individual but the entire nation. It also highlights the **nature of divine judgment**, which is swift and severe when provoked, yet always tempered by **divine mercy** when met with genuine **repentance and humility**. The appearance of the Angel of the LORD underscores God's direct involvement in human affairs, acting as both an instrument of wrath and a precursor to reconciliation. Finally, the scene sets the stage for the **redemptive act of intercession** and the **establishment of the temple site** on the threshing floor of Ornan, linking judgment to the provision of atonement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel of the LORD (Hebrew, _mal’akh Yahweh_):** This significant Hebrew phrase refers to a specific divine messenger, often understood as a theophany or Christophany (a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ). Unlike a mere angelic being, the "Angel of the LORD" frequently speaks and acts with divine authority, accepting worship and embodying God's presence. Here, the Angel is the direct executor of God's judgment, symbolizing God's active and personal involvement in the punishment of David's sin.
* **Drawn sword (Hebrew, _ḥerev shlufah_):** A universal and potent symbol of war, judgment, and divine wrath. The sword being "drawn" signifies readiness for action, and its being "stretched out over Jerusalem" emphasizes the immediate, imminent, and grave danger facing the holy city. It represents the instrument of God's destructive power, poised to strike, making the threat palpable and terrifying.
* **Sackcloth (Hebrew, _saq_):** A coarse, dark fabric, typically made of goat hair, worn as a traditional sign of mourning, repentance, humiliation, and deep distress. The act of David and the elders clothing themselves in sackcloth immediately conveys the gravity of the situation and their profound contrition, signaling a public and communal act of humility and an earnest appeal for divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven,"**: This opening clause vividly portrays David's direct confrontation with the divine judgment. His "lifting up his eyes" suggests an intentional gaze, perhaps in response to an inner conviction or a sudden, terrifying revelation. The Angel of the LORD's position "between the earth and the heaven" emphasizes his celestial origin and divine authority, bridging the gap between the divine and human realms, making the threat universal and inescapable. This is not a mere vision but a terrifying reality.
* **"having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem."**: This phrase concretizes the threat. The "drawn sword" is an unmistakable symbol of impending judgment and wrath. Its being "stretched out over Jerusalem" signifies that the holy city itself, the heart of the nation and the dwelling place of God's presence, is the direct target of God's anger. This detail intensifies the horror, as it implies the destruction is poised to strike at the very core of Israel's identity and hope.
* **"Then David and the elders [of Israel, who were] clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces."**: This final clause describes the immediate and profound response to the terrifying sight. The collective action of David and the elders, representing the entire nation, signifies corporate repentance. "Clothed in sackcloth" denotes deep mourning and humility, while "fell upon their faces" is the ultimate posture of submission, desperation, and worship before a holy God. This act demonstrates their recognition of God's sovereignty, their guilt, and their desperate plea for mercy in the face of overwhelming divine wrath.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. **Imagery** is central, with the vivid depiction of the Angel of the LORD suspended between heaven and earth, holding a gleaming, **Symbolic** "drawn sword" stretched over Jerusalem. This visual creates an immediate sense of dread and impending doom, making the abstract concept of divine judgment tangible. The "drawn sword" itself is a potent **Symbol** of divine wrath and execution, while the "sackcloth" is a **Symbol** of repentance, humility, and desperate supplication. The scene is imbued with **Dramatic Irony** as David, who initiated the sin, is now confronted with its terrifying consequences. The collective response of David and the elders falling on their faces is a powerful act of **Pathos**, evoking sympathy and highlighting the overwhelming nature of God's power and the appropriate human response to divine holiness and wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 21:16 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God, the consequences of sin, and the path to reconciliation. It reveals God as both perfectly just, requiring accountability for sin, and immensely merciful, willing to relent when met with genuine repentance. The terrifying vision of the Angel of the LORD with a drawn sword underscores the severity of divine wrath, demonstrating that God's holiness demands a response to human transgression. Yet, David and the elders' immediate, humble response of falling on their faces in sackcloth highlights the efficacy of sincere repentance and intercession in averting judgment. This moment is a crucial turning point, moving from the manifestation of God's anger to the opportunity for atonement and the establishment of a sacred space, ultimately pointing to God's ultimate desire for restoration rather than destruction.

* [Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "Exodus 12:23 - The Destroyer in the Passover")
* [Psalm 103:8-10](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8-10 - God's Mercy and Justice")
* [Joel 2:12-14](/joel/2-12 "Joel 2:12-14 - Call to Repentance and God's Compassion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 1 Chronicles 21:16 is a stark reminder of the profound seriousness of sin and its far-reaching consequences. David's act of pride, though seemingly small, brought a devastating plague upon his people, illustrating that our actions, especially those of leaders, can have ripple effects beyond ourselves. This passage compels us to consider our own pride and self-reliance, asking whether we truly trust in God's provision or if we subtly rely on our own strength and resources. The immediate and humble response of David and the elders—donning sackcloth and falling on their faces—provides a powerful model for genuine repentance. It teaches us that when confronted with the reality of our sin and God's holiness, the appropriate response is not defiance or despair, but profound humility, sorrow, and an earnest turning to God for mercy. This act of corporate repentance underscores the importance of communal confession and the power of intercession, reminding us that God is always ready to show compassion to those who humble themselves before Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to rely on my own strength or resources rather than trusting fully in God's provision?**
* **How does the image of the Angel with the drawn sword challenge my understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **What does "falling on my face" in repentance look like in my daily life, both personally and communally?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of humility and a quicker response of repentance when I recognize my sin?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "Angel of the LORD" in this passage?**

Answer: The "Angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: _mal’akh Yahweh_) is a crucial figure in the Old Testament, often understood as a special divine messenger, distinct from ordinary angels. In many instances, this figure is interpreted by scholars as a theophany—a visible manifestation of God Himself—or even a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. Here in [1 Chronicles 21:16](/1_chronicles/21-16 "1 Chronicles 21:16 - The Angel of the LORD with a Drawn Sword"), the Angel is not merely delivering a message but is actively executing God's judgment. His presence underscores the direct, personal, and terrifying nature of God's wrath against David's sin. The Angel's role as the instrument of judgment highlights God's sovereign control over life and death, and His immediate involvement in human affairs, demonstrating that the plague was a direct divine consequence, not a random event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The terrifying vision of the Angel of the LORD with a drawn sword poised over Jerusalem, a symbol of divine judgment for sin, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Angel of the LORD" himself, often considered a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ, foreshadows the one who would ultimately stand between God's wrath and humanity. While the sword of judgment was stretched over Jerusalem in [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Census and the Plague"), Christ, as the true Lamb of God, willingly stepped into the path of that sword. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that turned away the divine wrath that humanity deserved. He is the one who, through His atoning death, disarmed the spiritual forces of evil and made peace through His blood ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Sin")). Thus, the judgment averted by David's repentance and sacrifice on the threshing floor of Ornan, which became the site of the temple, ultimately points to Christ's once-for-all sacrifice, which permanently removes the sword of God's wrath from those who believe, offering eternal reconciliation and access to God's presence ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8-10 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He is the true intercessor, whose perfect plea and sacrifice far surpass David's, securing not just temporary reprieve but eternal salvation for all who trust in Him ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 14:5

¶ Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.

1 Kings 21:27

And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.

Jonah 3:6

For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered [him] with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

Jonah 3:8

But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that [is] in their hands.

2 Kings 6:17

And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Numbers 16:22

And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

2 Kings 19:1

¶ And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard [it], that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.