1 Chronicles 21:26

KJV

And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} built {H1129} there an altar {H4196} unto the LORD {H3068}, and offered {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} and peace offerings {H8002}, and called {H7121} upon the LORD {H3068}; and he answered {H6030} him from heaven {H8064} by fire {H784} upon the altar {H4196} of burnt offering {H5930}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David built an altar to ADONAI there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. He called on ADONAI, who answered him from heaven by fire on the altar for burnt offerings.

Berean Standard Bible

And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. He called upon the LORD, who answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering.

American Standard Version

And David built there an altar unto Jehovah, and offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, and called upon Jehovah; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 21:26 records a pivotal moment in Israel's history where King David, in an act of profound repentance and obedience, built an altar and offered sacrifices to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. This act was met with immediate and dramatic divine approval, as fire descended from heaven to consume the burnt offering, signifying God's acceptance and the cessation of a devastating plague that had afflicted the nation due to David's sin of numbering the people. This event not only marked the restoration of fellowship between God and His people but also consecrated the very ground that would later become the permanent site for the Temple in Jerusalem, establishing it as a preeminent place of divine encounter and atonement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic resolution to the narrative of David's sin in numbering Israel, as recounted in [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Census and the Plague"). The chapter begins with Satan inciting David to take a census, an act of pride and reliance on human strength rather than divine provision, which incurs God's wrath (1 Chronicles 21:1-8). Following David's confession, the prophet Gad presents him with a choice of divine judgment, and David chooses to fall into the hand of the LORD (1 Chronicles 21:9-13). A devastating plague ensues, claiming 70,000 lives (1 Chronicles 21:14). The turning point comes when the angel of the LORD, poised to destroy Jerusalem, is commanded to stop (1 Chronicles 21:15). Gad then instructs David to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite (1 Chronicles 21:18). David's obedient purchase of the site at full price, refusing to offer to the LORD what cost him nothing (1 Chronicles 21:22-25), sets the stage for the offerings described in this verse, which immediately follow and bring about the divine response and the cessation of the plague (1 Chronicles 21:27).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of offering sacrifices was central to Israelite worship, serving as the prescribed means for atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with God under the Mosaic Covenant. Burnt offerings (`'olah`) symbolized complete dedication and expiation, while peace offerings (`shelamim`) signified fellowship and thanksgiving. The descent of fire from heaven upon an altar was a powerful, undeniable sign of divine acceptance and approval, validating the sacrifice and confirming God's presence, as seen in the consecration of the Tabernacle (Leviticus 9:24) and Elijah's challenge on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38). Threshing floors, typically elevated and open, were common agricultural sites, but this particular location, the threshing floor of Ornan, held deep historical and theological significance, traditionally identified with Mount Moriah, where Abraham was commanded to sacrifice Isaac ([Genesis 22:2](/genesis/22-2 "Genesis 22:2 - Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah")) and which would later become the permanent site for the First Temple built by Solomon ([2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Solomon Begins Building the Temple")).
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several core themes. **Divine Justice and Mercy** are evident in God's judgment for David's sin, followed by His readiness to forgive and relent when true repentance and obedience are demonstrated. The theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation** is central, as the sacrifices offered by David effectively turn away God's wrath and restore the relationship between God and His people. **Obedience and Costly Worship** are highlighted by David's refusal to accept the threshing floor for free, emphasizing that genuine worship involves personal cost and intentionality. Furthermore, the **Sanctification of Sacred Space** is a significant theme, as God's acceptance by fire designates Ornan's threshing floor as a holy site, foreshadowing its future role as the location of the Temple, God's dwelling place among His people, as later established in [2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Solomon Builds the Temple"). This event underscores God's sovereignty and His chosen method for dealing with sin and establishing His presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Built (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to build" literally and figuratively. In this context, David's act of building an altar signifies his immediate and obedient response to God's command, establishing a physical structure as a designated place for worship and atonement. It speaks to the intentionality and effort involved in creating a sacred space for divine encounter.
* **Burnt Offerings (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** This term literally means "that which ascends" or "goes up," referring to a holocaust where the entire animal (except the hide) was consumed by fire on the altar. It symbolized complete dedication, surrender, and expiation for sin. The smoke ascending to heaven was considered a "pleasing aroma" to God, signifying His acceptance of the offering and the worshiper's complete devotion.
* **Answered (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to heed" or "pay attention," and by implication, "to respond." In this verse, it describes God's direct and immediate response to David's call and offerings. The divine answer, manifested as fire from heaven, was a visible and undeniable sign of God's acceptance of the sacrifice and His willingness to intervene and cease the plague.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David built there an altar unto the LORD":** This opening clause emphasizes David's immediate and obedient response to the prophet Gad's instruction (1 Chronicles 21:18). The "there" refers specifically to the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, a site David had just purchased at full price, demonstrating his commitment to offering a costly sacrifice. The act of building an altar signifies the establishment of a consecrated space for worship and a direct appeal to God, indicating a return to proper worship protocol after a period of divine judgment.
* **"and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings":** David's offerings were specific and purposeful. The burnt offerings were primarily for atonement and complete dedication, acknowledging the gravity of the sin and seeking God's forgiveness. The peace offerings, offered alongside, indicated a desire for restored fellowship, thanksgiving, and a renewed state of _shalom_ (peace) with God, reflecting the hope for the plague's cessation and divine favor. This combination expressed both expiation for sin and the restoration of harmonious relationship.
* **"and called upon the LORD":** This phrase highlights the element of prayer and supplication accompanying the sacrifices. David's actions were not merely ritualistic; they were an outward expression of an inward cry for mercy and divine intervention. It underscores the personal and relational aspect of worship, where the worshiper actively engages with God through both deed and word, seeking His direct intervention and favor.
* **"and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering":** This is the dramatic and definitive climax of the verse. God's response is immediate, visible, and undeniable. The descent of fire from heaven to consume the offering was the ultimate sign of divine acceptance, signifying that the sacrifices were pleasing, the atonement effective, and the plague would cease. This divine fire consecrated the altar and the site, marking it as a place where God's presence was manifest and His will was accomplished, confirming the efficacy of David's repentance and obedience.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 1 Chronicles 21:26 employs several powerful literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is the most prominent, as God directly responds to David's actions with a miraculous display of fire from heaven, demonstrating His sovereignty and active involvement in human affairs. This act serves as a **Climax** to the preceding narrative of sin, judgment, and repentance, providing a definitive resolution to the plague and a turning point in Israel's history. The use of **Symbolism** is rich, with the fire representing divine acceptance, purification, and the consuming power of God's presence. The altar itself symbolizes mediation and a point of encounter between the human and the divine. Furthermore, the passage contains strong **Foreshadowing**, as the consecration of Ornan's threshing floor by divine fire unmistakably points to its future significance as the site of Solomon's Temple, God's permanent dwelling place among His people, thus linking this immediate crisis with the broader redemptive history of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 21:26 profoundly illustrates God's character as both just and merciful, willing to judge sin but also quick to forgive when genuine repentance is expressed through obedient action. The descent of fire from heaven is a powerful theological statement: it signifies divine acceptance, confirming that the sacrifices were efficacious in atoning for David's sin and turning away God's wrath. This act of God consecrates the very ground, marking it as a holy site chosen for His dwelling, where His presence would be manifested and His people could draw near. It underscores the principle that true reconciliation with God requires costly obedience and a recognition of His holiness. The narrative demonstrates that God honors sincere repentance and provides a way for His people to be restored to fellowship with Him, even in the face of severe judgment, establishing a precedent for divine response to proper worship.

* [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire Consumes Offerings")
* [1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Elijah's Sacrifice Accepted by Fire")
* [2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Solomon Builds the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine fire descending upon David's altar in 1 Chronicles 21:26 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It powerfully reminds us of the efficacy of genuine repentance and the boundless grace of God. Just as David’s costly obedience and heartfelt cry for mercy were met with immediate divine acceptance, so too does God respond to those who turn to Him with sincere hearts, confessing their sins and seeking His forgiveness. This passage encourages us to not only acknowledge our failings but to actively pursue reconciliation with God through acts of faith and obedience, understanding that true worship often involves personal cost and intentionality. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle remains: our "spiritual sacrifices"—our prayers, praise, acts of service, and lives lived in surrender—are pleasing to God when offered in faith through Christ. This narrative invites us to consider the "altars" we build in our lives, ensuring they are places where we genuinely encounter God and offer Him our very best, trusting in His readiness to forgive and restore, knowing that He is a God who hears and responds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's immediate and costly obedience challenge my own approach to repentance and seeking God's favor?**
* **In what ways can I offer "spiritual sacrifices" that are truly pleasing to God in my daily life?**
* **What "plagues" or areas of judgment in my life might be calling for a deeper act of repentance and a renewed commitment to God?**
* **How does the idea of God's visible acceptance by fire shape my understanding of His presence and responsiveness to prayer?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important that fire came down from heaven to consume the offerings?**

Answer: The descent of fire from heaven was a crucial and unmistakable sign of God's divine acceptance and approval of David's sacrifices. In the Old Testament, fire from the LORD consuming an offering was the ultimate authentication of a sacrifice, indicating that it was pleasing to God and effective in achieving its purpose—in this case, atonement for sin and the cessation of the plague. It demonstrated God's active presence, His holiness, and His willingness to restore fellowship with His people when they approached Him in the prescribed way with genuine repentance. This dramatic display confirmed that the judgment had been lifted and God's wrath appeased, validating David's actions and the sacredness of the chosen site.

**What is the significance of the location where David built the altar?**

Answer: The location, the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, holds immense significance. Not only was it the place where the angel of the LORD's destructive hand was stayed ([1 Chronicles 21:15](/1_chronicles/21-15 "1 Chronicles 21:15 - The Angel of the Lord Stops the Plague")), but it was also consecrated by God's fire, marking it as holy ground. The Chronicler explicitly states that this very spot later became the site for Solomon's magnificent Temple ([2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Solomon Builds the Temple")), God's permanent dwelling place among His people. Traditionally, this site is also identified with Mount Moriah, where Abraham was commanded to sacrifice Isaac ([Genesis 22:2](/genesis/22-2 "Genesis 22:2 - Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah")), linking David's act of atonement to a foundational narrative of faith and sacrifice in Israel's history. Thus, the location became a nexus of divine encounter, judgment, mercy, and worship for generations.

**How does this event relate to Christian worship and the New Covenant?**

Answer: While animal sacrifices are no longer offered under the New Covenant, this event provides profound theological parallels for Christian worship. The fire from heaven symbolized God's acceptance of an atoning sacrifice, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through Christ's perfect and complete offering on the cross, the "fire" of God's judgment for sin was fully satisfied. We no longer need to build physical altars or offer animal blood; instead, we approach God through the one true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Our worship is now spiritual, offered in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), as we present our bodies as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). The principle of costly obedience, sincere repentance, and God's readiness to forgive and restore remains central to our relationship with Him, all made possible through the finished work of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 21:26, with its dramatic display of divine fire consuming the sacrifice, provides a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. David's offerings, though effective for their time, were temporary and had to be repeated, pointing to a greater, once-for-all atonement. The fire that descended from heaven upon David's altar symbolized God's acceptance and the turning away of His wrath; similarly, on the cross, the "fire" of divine judgment against sin was poured out upon Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who bore the full penalty for humanity's transgressions. He became the perfect [burnt offering](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All"), completely dedicated to God's will, and through His sacrifice, He established true and lasting peace, becoming our [peace offering](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") with God. The holy ground consecrated by fire on Ornan's threshing floor finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is our true sanctuary and the means by which we draw near to God. Through His blood, believers are now able to approach God with confidence, having been made righteous and reconciled, not by animal sacrifices, but by the perfect and eternal sacrifice of the [Son of God](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"), who entered the true heavenly tabernacle once for all, securing eternal redemption for all who believe.

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

Leviticus 9:24

And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: [which] when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

Judges 6:21

Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that [was] in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.

1 Kings 18:38

Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that [was] in the trench.

Proverbs 15:8

¶ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.

Psalms 51:15

O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

Judges 13:20

For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on [it], and fell on their faces to the ground.

Psalms 91:15

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.