1 Chronicles 22:1

KJV

¶ Then David said, This [is] the house of the LORD God, and this [is] the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then David {H1732} said {H559}, This is the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} God {H430}, and this is the altar {H4196} of the burnt offering {H5930} for Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David said, "This is the house of ADONAI, God; and this is the altar Isra'el is to use for burnt offerings."

Berean Standard Bible

Then David said, “Here shall be the house of the LORD God, as well as the altar of burnt offering for Israel.”

American Standard Version

Then David said, This is the house of Jehovah God, and this is the altar of burnt-offering for Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:1 records a pivotal declaration by King David, identifying the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite as the divinely appointed and consecrated site for the future Temple of the LORD God and its central altar for burnt offerings. This momentous pronouncement immediately follows a devastating plague halted by divine intervention, signifying the sacredness of the location and initiating David's extensive, Spirit-led preparations for the construction of God's permanent dwelling place in Jerusalem, a task he would delegate to his son Solomon.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point, immediately following the dramatic and somber events of [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Census and the Plague"). In the preceding chapter, David's unauthorized census provoked divine wrath, leading to a severe plague that decimated Israel. The plague was mercifully halted when David, under the direct instruction of the prophet Gad, purchased the threshing floor of Ornan (also known as Araunah in [2 Samuel 24](/2-samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census and the Altar")) and built an altar there. Upon David's offering of burnt offerings and peace offerings, fire miraculously descended from heaven, consuming the sacrifice and signifying God's acceptance and the cessation of the plague. David's declaration in [1 Chronicles 22:1](/1_chronicles/22-1 "1 Chronicles 22:1 - David Designates the Temple Site") thus transforms a site of judgment, repentance, and atonement into the permanent, divinely sanctioned location for the central place of worship for all Israel. It marks a shift from crisis and divine judgment to a renewed focus on God's presence and the establishment of His dwelling among His people, setting the stage for the detailed preparations described in the remainder of [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a central sanctuary was deeply embedded in Israelite worship, evolving from the portable Tabernacle in the wilderness to the vision of a more permanent structure. Jerusalem, recently captured and established as David's capital, held immense strategic and symbolic significance as the city of David. The threshing floor, typically an open, elevated space for winnowing grain, was a common feature outside ancient cities, often serving as a public gathering place. Ornan, a Jebusite, represented a remnant of the pre-Israelite inhabitants of Jerusalem, and David's honorable purchase of the land, refusing to take it for free, underscored his integrity and the sacredness of the transaction. The miraculous act of God sending fire to consume the sacrifice was a powerful and unmistakable sign of divine approval, reminiscent of the dedication of the Tabernacle ([Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from Heaven at the Tabernacle's Dedication")) and Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel ([1 Kings 18:38](/1-kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Fire from Heaven at Carmel")). This divine endorsement solidified the location's status as holy ground, preparing the nation for a new era of centralized worship under God's chosen king, a pivotal moment in the history of Israelite religion.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 22:1](/1_chronicles/22-1 "1 Chronicles 22:1 - David Designates the Temple Site") powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Books of Chronicles. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance** is profoundly evident; the designation of the Temple site was not a human decision but a direct divine appointment, confirmed by a miraculous sign. This emphasizes that the Temple's foundation was rooted in God's will, not human ambition. Secondly, **David's Piety and Obedience** are highlighted. Despite being personally forbidden to build the Temple due to his involvement in warfare ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David's Hands of War")), David immediately recognizes and acts upon God's clear sign, dedicating himself to the extensive preparations detailed in the remainder of [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple") and [1 Chronicles 29](/1_chronicles/29 "1 Chronicles 29 - David's Prayer and Solomon's Reign"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Centrality of Worship and Atonement** for Israel. By identifying the location for both the "house of the LORD God" and the "altar of the burnt offering," David emphasizes that the Temple's primary function would be to facilitate the sacrificial system, which was foundational for maintaining the covenant relationship and achieving atonement for sin, as meticulously prescribed in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Law of Burnt Offerings") through [Leviticus 7](/leviticus/7 "Leviticus 7 - Laws of Offerings"). This established the enduring spiritual purpose of the future Temple.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_ H1004):** While literally referring to a physical dwelling, in this context, "house of the LORD God" signifies much more than a mere building. It denotes a sacred space, a sanctuary, where God's presence would symbolically reside among His people. It implies a place of intimate communion, worship, and the administration of God's covenant. The use of "house" for God's dwelling is deeply rooted in Israelite theology, echoing the Tabernacle as God's temporary "tent" or "house" among them, and foreshadowing the permanent structure that would be the epicenter of Israel's spiritual life.
* **LORD God (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh ʼĕlôhîym'_ H3068, H430):** The combination of these two divine names is profoundly significant. "Yᵉhôvâh" (often rendered "LORD" in English translations) is the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing His faithfulness, self-existence, and intimate relationship with Israel. "ʼĕlôhîym" is the more general term for God, emphasizing His power, sovereignty, and role as Creator and supreme ruler. Together, "Yᵉhôvâh ʼĕlôhîym" underscores the comprehensive nature of the God who is both transcendent and immanent, all-powerful yet personally committed to His covenant people, and who is now establishing His permanent dwelling place among them.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_ H5930):** This specific term refers to a sacrifice that was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, ascending to God as a "soothing aroma" (cf. [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - A Sweet Aroma to the LORD")). Unlike other sacrifices where portions were returned to the offerer or priests, the _ʻôlâh_ symbolized complete dedication, consecration, and atonement for general, unintentional sin. Its prominence here highlights the foundational role of complete surrender, expiation, and reconciliation in the worship life centered at this future Temple, emphasizing the necessity of a divinely provided means for humanity to approach a holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then David said,"**: This opening phrase establishes David's authority and intentionality. It is not a casual observation but a deliberate, kingly declaration, following a profound divine encounter and revelation (the cessation of the plague by fire on the altar). It marks a decisive moment of recognition and commitment on David's part to act in accordance with God's revealed will, setting in motion the grand project of the Temple.
* **"This [is] the house of the LORD God,"**: David identifies the specific location—the threshing floor of Ornan—as the divinely designated site for the Temple. The phrase "house of the LORD God" signifies that this physical structure will serve as the central sanctuary where God's presence is uniquely manifested among His people. It will be the focal point for national worship, covenant interaction, and divine revelation, implying a permanent and established dwelling place, unlike the portable Tabernacle that had served for centuries.
* **"and this [is] the altar of the burnt offering for Israel."**: This clause further specifies the primary function of the designated site. The "altar of the burnt offering" was the central piece of furniture in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where the _ʻôlâh_ (whole burnt offering) was offered daily and on special occasions. Its specific mention emphasizes the sacrificial system as foundational to Israel's relationship with God, providing a means for atonement, consecration, and communal worship for the entire nation ("for Israel"). The location of this altar, where the plague was stopped by God's fire, underscores its divine validation and sacred purpose as the place of reconciliation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Declaration**, as David makes a definitive, authoritative statement about the sacred purpose of the site. This declaration serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the Temple's construction, which will be carried out by his son Solomon, but is initiated here by David's vision and extensive preparations. There is also a strong element of **Symbolism**: the threshing floor, once a place of agricultural labor and then divine judgment, is transformed into a potent symbol of divine grace, atonement, and the future center of Israel's spiritual life. The "house of the LORD God" and the "altar of the burnt offering" are themselves profound **Symbols** of God's presence, the centrality of worship, and the necessity of atonement for sin. The concise and direct nature of David's statement lends it an air of **Authority** and **Divine Mandate**, reflecting the gravity of the moment and the clear divine sign that preceded it, establishing the site's enduring sanctity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 22:1 is profoundly theological, marking the transition from a mobile, temporary sanctuary (the Tabernacle) to a fixed, permanent dwelling place for God's presence in Israel. This shift underscores God's desire for a stable, central location for His people to gather, worship, and seek atonement, reflecting His enduring covenant faithfulness and His commitment to dwelling among them. The divine designation of the site, confirmed by fire from heaven, emphasizes that true worship is not based on human preference or architectural ingenuity but on divine revelation and acceptance. It highlights the crucial principle that access to God and the means of atonement are divinely provided, not humanly contrived. The verse also sets the stage for the fulfillment of God's promise to David concerning his dynasty and the building of a "house" for God, even though David himself would not build the physical structure, demonstrating God's sovereign plan unfolding through His chosen servants.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [Psalm 132:13-14](/psalm/132-13-14 "God's Chosen Dwelling Place in Zion")
* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2-3 "The Mountain of the LORD's House Established")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's immediate and decisive declaration in [1 Chronicles 22:1](/1_chronicles/22-1 "1 Chronicles 22:1 - David Designates the Temple Site"), following God's dramatic intervention, serves as a powerful reminder of how we, as believers, should respond when God makes His will clear. It is not enough to merely acknowledge divine revelation; true faith compels us to act, to consecrate places, resources, and ourselves for God's purposes. While we no longer build physical temples for God to dwell in—for believers are now the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1-corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit") and the Church is the [temple of the living God](/2-corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - The Church as God's Temple")—the principle of designated sacred space remains. This can manifest as our personal prayer closet, a dedicated time for devotion, or the corporate gathering of believers for worship and fellowship. The emphasis on the "altar of the burnt offering" also points us to the necessity of complete surrender and atonement. For us, this means embracing the finished work of Christ on the cross and living lives of complete dedication to Him, offering ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). Our worship, like David's response, should be marked by intentionality, reverence, and a deep understanding of God's holiness and His gracious provision for our reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's immediate and decisive response to God's revelation challenge my own responsiveness to God's leading in my life and my willingness to act on His revealed will?**
* **In what ways do I, as a believer, embody the "house of the LORD God" today, and how does this profound truth impact my daily living, my choices, and my interactions with others?**
* **What does the "altar of the burnt offering" symbolize for me in light of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice, and how does that understanding inform my personal worship, my dedication, and my pursuit of holiness?**

### FAQ

**Why was this specific location chosen for the Temple?**

Answer: The location was chosen not by human design or preference but by divine designation, confirmed through a miraculous sign. In [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Census and the Plague"), David's sinful census led to a devastating plague upon Israel. When David, at the prophet Gad's instruction, built an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite and offered sacrifices, fire miraculously came down from heaven to consume them, and the plague immediately ceased. This divine intervention confirmed the site as divinely chosen and sacred, marking it as the precise place where God's judgment was appeased and His presence was revealed in acceptance. David's declaration in [1 Chronicles 22:1](/1_chronicles/22-1 "1 Chronicles 22:1 - David Designates the Temple Site") formally recognized and affirmed this divine selection, establishing it as the permanent site for the future Temple.

**What is the significance of "the altar of the burnt offering"?**

Answer: The "altar of the burnt offering" (Hebrew: _mizbeach ha'olah_) was the primary altar in the Tabernacle and later the Temple where the _ʻôlâh_ or whole burnt offering was made. This specific sacrifice was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication, consecration, and atonement for general, unintentional sins. Its prominent mention in David's declaration underscores the foundational role of sacrifice and atonement in Israel's worship and their covenant relationship with God. It signifies that the Temple's central purpose would be to facilitate the divinely ordained means by which Israel could approach a holy God, receive forgiveness for their sins, and maintain fellowship with Him, as meticulously detailed in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Law of Burnt Offerings"). It was the place of reconciliation and purification for the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Chronicles 22:1](/1_chronicles/22-1 "1 Chronicles 22:1 - David Designates the Temple Site"), with its designation of a permanent "house of the LORD God" and "altar of the burnt offering," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David's declaration pointed to a physical structure where God's presence would symbolically dwell and atonement would be made through animal sacrifices, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Himself is the true and ultimate Temple, the very dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). He is the embodiment of God's presence, the place where heaven and earth meet. Furthermore, Jesus is the perfect and final "burnt offering," whose single, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross completely atoned for the sins of the world, rendering all animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). The fire from heaven that consumed David's sacrifice on Ornan's threshing floor powerfully foreshadows the divine acceptance of Christ's perfect offering, which opened the way for direct and confident access to God for all who believe ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Thus, the sacred space and sacrificial system envisioned by David are not merely historical relics but profound types pointing to Jesus, through whom God fully dwells with His people and provides eternal, complete atonement.

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.

1 Chronicles 21:18

¶ 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.

1 Chronicles 21:28

At that time when David saw that the LORD had answered him in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.

Genesis 28:17

And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful [is] this place! this [is] none other but the house of God, and this [is] the gate of heaven.

2 Chronicles 6:5

Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel:

2 Chronicles 6:6

But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

2 Kings 18:22

But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: [is] not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?