1 Chronicles 21:18

KJV

¶ Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} commanded {H559} Gad {H1410} to say {H559} to David {H1732}, that David {H1732} should go up {H5927}, and set up {H6965} an altar {H4196} unto the LORD {H3068} in the threshingfloor {H1637} of Ornan {H771} the Jebusite {H2983}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the angel of ADONAI ordered Gad to tell David to go and set up an altar to ADONAI on the threshing-floor of Ornan the Y'vusi.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the angel of the LORD ordered Gad to tell David to go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

American Standard Version

Then the angel of Jehovah commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and rear an altar unto Jehovah in the threshing-floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 21:18 marks a pivotal moment in King David's reign, where divine judgment gives way to a path for reconciliation. Following David's sinful census and the ensuing plague, this verse records a direct command from the angel of the LORD, delivered through the prophet Gad, instructing David to construct an altar to the LORD on the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. This specific act of obedience, involving sacrifice and atonement, was the divinely appointed means to halt the plague, establishing a sacred site that would later become the very location of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of a severe narrative of divine judgment in [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Sinful Census and the Plague"). Immediately preceding it, King David, having sinned by taking a census, witnesses the devastating plague sent by God upon Israel, which has claimed seventy thousand lives ([1 Chronicles 21:14](/1_chronicles/21-14 "1 Chronicles 21:14 - The Plague on Israel")). David then sees the terrifying [angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven](/1_chronicles/21-16 "1 Chronicles 21:16 - David Sees the Angel"), poised to destroy Jerusalem. In deep repentance, David cries out to God, taking responsibility for the sin and pleading for mercy upon his people ([1 Chronicles 21:17](/1_chronicles/21-17 "1 Chronicles 21:17 - David's Repentance")). Verse 18 then presents God's merciful response and specific instruction for halting the judgment, shifting the narrative from divine wrath to a path of restoration and the establishment of a crucial worship site. The Chronicler emphasizes David's obedience and the immediate cessation of the plague upon the altar's construction ([1 Chronicles 21:26-27](/1_chronicles/21-26 "1 Chronicles 21:26-27 - Fire from Heaven and the Plague Ceases")), setting the stage for the building of the Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of taking a census, while seemingly innocuous, was considered a sin when motivated by pride in military strength or distrust in God's provision, rather than a divinely commanded purpose (cf. [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census")). In ancient Israel, plagues were often understood as divine judgment for corporate or individual sin ([Leviticus 26:21-26](/leviticus/26-21 "Leviticus 26:21-26 - Consequences of Disobedience")). The concept of atonement through sacrifice on an altar was central to Israelite worship, providing a means for sins to be covered and divine wrath appeased ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement")). Threshingfloors were common agricultural sites, typically open, elevated areas where grain was threshed and winnowed. Their elevation made them suitable for altars, as they were often considered liminal spaces, open to the heavens. The fact that the site belonged to "Ornan the Jebusite" highlights God's sovereignty over all peoples and places, even those not originally Israelite, transforming a common, foreign-owned space into a sacred site for the LORD. This also subtly underscores David's just acquisition of the land, as detailed in the subsequent verses ([1 Chronicles 21:22-25](/1_chronicles/21-22 "1 Chronicles 21:22-25 - David Buys the Threshingfloor")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Command and Obedience**, demonstrating God's direct communication through His prophet and the necessity of David's immediate and precise obedience as the path to reconciliation. Secondly, the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation** is central; the command to build an altar for sacrifice signifies God's provision of a means to appease His righteous wrath and restore fellowship with His people after grievous sin. This act of worship was the prescribed remedy for the plague. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Significance of Sacred Space**. What was once a mundane agricultural "threshingfloor" is divinely designated as holy ground, a place where God's judgment is stayed and His presence is manifested. This specific location is profoundly significant as it later becomes the site where King Solomon would build the First Temple ([2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Solomon Builds the Temple on Mount Moriah")), establishing it as the perpetual center of Israel's worship. Finally, the narrative reveals **God's Mercy Amidst Judgment**, showcasing that even in the midst of severe divine discipline, God graciously provides a clear path for repentance, forgiveness, and restoration, demonstrating His ultimate desire for reconciliation rather than destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel of the LORD (Hebrew, מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה, _mal'akh Yahweh_):** This phrase is highly significant in the Old Testament, often referring to a divine messenger who carries God's authority and, in many instances, appears to be God Himself. Scholars frequently interpret such appearances as Christophanies—pre-incarnate manifestations of Jesus Christ. In this context, the "angel of the LORD" is the visible manifestation of divine judgment, wielding a drawn sword, and simultaneously the bearer of God's command for restoration and the means to halt the plague, emphasizing God's direct and powerful involvement in human affairs.
* **Threshingfloor (Hebrew, גֹּרֶן, _goren_):** A threshingfloor was typically a flat, open, elevated area, often on a hilltop, used for threshing grain by oxen or flails and then winnowing it by tossing it into the wind. Its common, agricultural nature contrasts sharply with its sudden designation as a holy site. Its elevation made it a natural place for an altar, symbolizing a place of access to God and a visible point for a public act of worship and atonement. Its transformation from an ordinary workspace to the future site of the Temple underscores God's ability to consecrate and elevate the mundane for His divine purposes.
* **Altar (Hebrew, מִזְבֵּחַ, _mizbeach_):** Derived from a root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice," an altar was a sacred structure upon which sacrifices were offered to God. In Israelite worship, altars were central to atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with God. The command to build an altar here signifies the necessity of sacrifice to appease divine wrath and restore a right relationship with God after sin. This specific altar, built under divine command, served as a temporary, yet critically important, place of atonement that brought an end to the plague.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David":** This clause highlights the chain of divine communication. The "angel of the LORD" (a divine manifestation) gives the instruction, which is then mediated through the prophet Gad to King David. This emphasizes the directness and authority of the divine word, ensuring that David's subsequent actions are not merely his own initiative but a direct response to God's specific will. It underscores God's active involvement in providing a solution to the crisis.
* **"that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD":** This is the core divine instruction. David is commanded to "go up," implying movement to a higher, designated place, and to "set up an altar." The purpose of the altar is explicitly stated: "unto the LORD," indicating that it is for worship, sacrifice, and ultimately, atonement to God alone. This act is the prescribed means by which the plague will be lifted, demonstrating God's sovereign right to dictate the terms of reconciliation.
* **"in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite":** This specifies the precise location for the altar. The detail that it is the threshingfloor of "Ornan the Jebusite" is significant. It identifies a specific, known, and accessible site, which David subsequently purchases. This seemingly ordinary agricultural land is divinely chosen to become holy ground, not only serving as the immediate site for the plague's cessation but also foreshadowing its future role as the location for the First Temple, thus becoming the most sacred site in Israel for centuries to come.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 21:18 is rich in **Divine Command**, serving as the explicit directive from God that initiates the resolution of the crisis. This command, delivered through the prophet Gad, underscores God's sovereignty and His active intervention in human affairs. The verse also employs powerful **Symbolism**. The "threshingfloor," a place of agricultural labor and separation of grain from chaff, becomes a symbol of divine judgment and purification, where the "chaff" of sin is addressed through sacrifice. It is transformed into a sacred space, foreshadowing its ultimate role as the site of the Temple, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. The "altar" itself is a potent symbol of **Atonement** and reconciliation, representing the means by which communion with God is restored. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Narrative Turning Point**, shifting the story from the terrifying manifestation of divine judgment (the angel with the sword) to the hopeful path of repentance and restoration. This turning point is also a clear instance of **Foreshadowing**, as the divinely chosen location for this emergency altar becomes the permanent site for the Temple, linking this moment of crisis and atonement to the enduring worship life of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 21:18 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that while sin brings judgment, God, in His mercy, always provides a path for repentance and reconciliation. David's sin of pride led to devastating consequences, yet God did not abandon His people. Instead, He initiated the means for atonement, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant despite human failure. The command to build an altar signifies that true reconciliation with a holy God requires a divinely appointed sacrifice, acknowledging the gravity of sin and the necessity of shedding blood for forgiveness. This act of building an altar on a specific, chosen site also prefigures the establishment of a permanent place of worship, emphasizing God's desire to dwell among His people and provide a consistent means for them to approach Him. It highlights God's sovereignty over all places and His ability to transform the ordinary into the sacred for His redemptive purposes.

* [Exodus 20:24](/exodus/20-24 "Exodus 20:24 - An Altar of Earth")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 21:18 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that sin, particularly that rooted in pride and self-reliance, carries serious consequences, even for those who are otherwise faithful. However, God's character is not solely defined by judgment but also by profound mercy and a desire for reconciliation. Just as David was given a specific, divinely ordained path to address his sin and halt the plague, so too does God provide a clear way for us to find forgiveness and restoration when we repent. Our part is to listen for His commands, whether through His Word, His Spirit, or the counsel of godly leaders, and to respond with immediate and humble obedience. This passage also encourages us to see how God can take ordinary places or circumstances in our lives—our "threshingfloors"—and transform them into sites of profound encounter, worship, and spiritual significance when we dedicate them to Him. It's a powerful reminder that God is always at work to redeem, reconcile, and restore, inviting us to participate in His redemptive plan through acts of faith and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's immediate repentance and obedience in this passage challenge or affirm your understanding of responding to personal sin?**
* **In what "threshingfloors" of your life—ordinary or even difficult circumstances—might God be calling you to establish an "altar" of worship or obedience?**
* **How does God's provision of a specific solution (the altar) amidst judgment demonstrate His character to you?**
* **What does the transformation of a common threshingfloor into a holy site teach us about God's ability to consecrate and use any part of our lives for His purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why was David's census considered a sin, and how does 1 Chronicles' account differ from 2 Samuel's?**

Answer: David's census was a sin primarily because it was motivated by pride and a reliance on human strength (counting his fighting men) rather than a complete trust in God's power and provision for Israel's security. While censuses were sometimes commanded by God (e.g., [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census")), David's motive here was self-glorification and a desire to boast in his military might. The Chronicler (1 Chronicles 21:1) states that "Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel," emphasizing the spiritual instigation behind the sin. The parallel account in [2 Samuel 24:1](/2_samuel/24-1 "2 Samuel 24:1 - The Lord Incites David") states, "Again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them to say, 'Go, number Israel and Judah.'" This difference is often understood as two perspectives on the same event: God's sovereign permission or use of Satan's temptation to bring about a consequence for Israel (perhaps due to their own unstated sin, as implied by God's anger), and Satan's direct role as the tempter. Both accounts agree on David's culpability and the resulting divine judgment.

**What is the theological 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. In many instances, this figure is more than just a created messenger; he speaks with divine authority, receives worship, and is sometimes identified directly with God Himself. This has led many theologians to interpret such appearances as Christophanies—pre-incarnate manifestations of Jesus Christ. In 1 Chronicles 21, the angel is not merely a messenger but an active agent of divine judgment, seen with a drawn sword, and then the direct conveyor of God's command for reconciliation. This suggests a direct, powerful, and personal involvement of God in the crisis, offering both judgment and the path to redemption. It foreshadows the coming of Christ, who is the ultimate divine messenger and mediator between God and humanity.

**Why was the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite chosen as the site for the altar and later the Temple?**

Answer: The specific choice of Ornan's threshingfloor was a direct divine command, not David's personal preference. Its significance lies in its immediate context as the very spot where the angel of the LORD stood with a drawn sword over Jerusalem, poised to destroy the city ([1 Chronicles 21:15-16](/1_chronicles/21-15 "1 Chronicles 21:15 - The Angel of the LORD Over Jerusalem")). God chose this terrifying site of judgment to become the place of atonement and mercy, transforming it into holy ground. Furthermore, this location, Mount Moriah, was already steeped in sacred history, being traditionally identified with the place where Abraham offered Isaac ([Genesis 22:2](/genesis/22-2 "Genesis 22:2 - Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah")). Its elevation also made it a natural and visible site for a central place of worship. The fact that it belonged to a Jebusite, a non-Israelite, also subtly underscores God's universal sovereignty and His ability to consecrate any place for His purposes. Ultimately, its divine designation as the site for the altar and the subsequent Temple ([2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Solomon Builds the Temple on Mount Moriah")) makes it the most significant and enduring sacred space in Israelite history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 21:18, with its emphasis on sin, judgment, divine command for an altar, and subsequent atonement, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The terrifying vision of the "angel of the LORD" with a drawn sword, poised to execute judgment, foreshadows the righteous wrath of God against sin that would one day be fully poured out. However, instead of destroying humanity, God provided the Lamb. The altar built on Ornan's threshingfloor, where sacrifices were offered to turn away divine wrath, points directly to the cross of Christ, the ultimate "altar" where the perfect and final sacrifice was made. Just as the blood of animals on that altar brought a temporary cessation of judgment, the precious blood of Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), provides eternal atonement and reconciliation for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness")). The "angel of the LORD," often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, here commands the building of an altar that foreshadows His own atoning work. Moreover, the transformation of a common threshingfloor into the sacred site of the Temple anticipates Christ Himself as the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")), through whom we now have direct access to God. The reconciliation achieved at Ornan's threshingfloor was temporary and partial; the reconciliation achieved through Christ's work on the cross is complete and eternal, ushering in a new covenant where God has [reconciled the world to Himself in Christ](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - God reconciling the world to himself").

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

2 Chronicles 3:1

¶ Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where [the LORD] appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

2 Samuel 24:18

¶ And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.

1 Chronicles 21:11

So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee

1 Chronicles 21:15

And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Acts 8:26

¶ And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

Acts 8:40

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.