1 Chronicles 21:18

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.

Study Bible

Then the angel of the LORD
The phrase "angel of the LORD" is significant in the Old Testament, often representing a divine messenger with authority and power. In Hebrew, "mal'ak YHWH" can imply a theophany, a visible manifestation of God. This angel acts as an intermediary between God and man, emphasizing the seriousness of the message being delivered. The presence of the angel underscores the divine origin of the command and the importance of obedience to God's will.

ordered Gad
Gad was a prophet during King David's reign, serving as a seer or divine spokesperson. The Hebrew root for "ordered" (צוה, tsavah) implies a command with authority. Gad's role as a prophet is crucial, as he conveys God's instructions to David, highlighting the importance of prophetic guidance in Israel's history. This reflects the biblical principle that God communicates His will through chosen individuals.

to tell David
David, the king of Israel, is the recipient of this divine message. His role as a leader is pivotal, and his actions have significant spiritual and national implications. The instruction to "tell David" indicates the personal nature of God's communication with him, emphasizing David's responsibility to respond in faith and obedience. This interaction illustrates the intimate relationship between God and His chosen leaders.

to go up
The phrase "to go up" (עלה, alah) often signifies an ascent, both physically and spiritually. In biblical terms, going up can imply approaching God, as altars and places of worship were often situated on elevated ground. This ascent is not just a physical movement but a call to spiritual elevation and obedience, inviting David to draw nearer to God through worship and sacrifice.

and build an altar
Building an altar (מזבח, mizbeach) is a significant act of worship and atonement in the Old Testament. Altars were places of sacrifice, symbolizing reconciliation with God and dedication to Him. The command to build an altar indicates the need for repentance and restoration of fellowship with God. It underscores the importance of worship and sacrifice in maintaining a covenant relationship with the Lord.

to the LORD
The use of "the LORD" (יהוה, YHWH) refers to the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This name signifies God's faithfulness and His relationship with Israel. The altar is to be built specifically for YHWH, highlighting the exclusivity of worship and the importance of directing devotion to the one true God.

on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite
The threshing floor of Araunah, a Jebusite, is a significant location. Threshing floors were open spaces used for separating grain, symbolizing purification and judgment. The choice of this site for the altar is profound, as it later becomes the location for Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). Araunah's identity as a Jebusite, a non-Israelite, highlights God's sovereignty and the inclusion of all nations in His redemptive plan. This setting underscores the theme of transformation, where a place of judgment becomes a site of worship and divine presence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who, after sinning by conducting a census, is instructed to build an altar to the LORD as a means of atonement.

2. Gad
A prophet and seer in David's court who conveys God's messages to David, including the instruction to build the altar.

3. The Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger who plays a crucial role in delivering God's commands and executing judgment.

4. Ornan the Jebusite
The owner of the threshing floor where David is instructed to build the altar. His willingness to give the land to David is significant.

5. Threshing Floor of Ornan
The specific location where David is to build the altar, which later becomes the site of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Teaching Points

Obedience to Divine Instruction
David's response to God's command through Gad demonstrates the importance of obedience, even after sinning. We are called to respond to God's guidance with humility and action.

Repentance and Atonement
The building of the altar signifies repentance and the need for atonement. In our lives, we must recognize our sins and seek reconciliation with God.

Significance of Sacrifice
The altar represents a place of sacrifice, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We are reminded of the cost of sin and the grace provided through Christ.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
The account shows God's control over events and His willingness to show mercy when His people repent. We can trust in God's sovereign plan and His readiness to forgive.

The Role of Prophets
Gad's role as a prophet underscores the importance of listening to God's messengers. We should be attentive to those who speak God's truth into our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's response to God's command through Gad reflect his heart for God, and how can we apply this attitude in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the account of Ornan's threshing floor connect to the broader biblical theme of sacrifice, and how does this foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus?

3. What can we learn from the role of the angel of the LORD in this passage about God's interaction with humanity?

4. How does the concept of building an altar relate to our personal acts of worship and devotion today?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to obey God. How did that experience shape your faith and understanding of God's will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 24
This parallel account provides additional context to the events in 1 Chronicles 21, including David's repentance and the purchase of the threshing floor.

Genesis 22
The account of Abraham's altar on Mount Moriah, which is traditionally associated with the same location as Ornan's threshing floor, highlighting themes of sacrifice and obedience.

Hebrews 13:10
Discusses the concept of an altar in the New Testament, drawing a spiritual parallel to the altar David was instructed to build.