1 Chronicles 21:26

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.

Study Bible

And David built an altar
The act of building an altar is deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition as a means of worship and communication with God. The Hebrew word for altar, "mizbeach," signifies a place of sacrifice. David's construction of an altar is a physical manifestation of repentance and dedication to God. Historically, altars were central to worship in ancient Israel, serving as a focal point for offerings and divine encounters. David's action here is a return to the foundational practices of his forefathers, such as Abraham and Jacob, who also built altars to honor God.

to the LORD
The use of "LORD" in all capital letters in the BSB indicates the translation of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, the sacred and personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. This name signifies God's eternal presence and covenantal faithfulness. David's altar is not just to any deity but to the covenant-keeping God of Israel, emphasizing a personal and national relationship with the divine.

there
The location is significant, as it is the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, which later becomes the site of Solomon's Temple. This place, chosen by God, becomes a pivotal location for Israel's worship. The choice of this site underscores God's sovereignty in directing the places of worship and His plans for the future temple.

and offered burnt offerings
Burnt offerings, or "olah" in Hebrew, were offerings that were completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total surrender and dedication to God. This act of offering signifies David's complete submission and repentance before God. It is a gesture of atonement and reconciliation, seeking to restore the broken relationship due to his earlier sin of conducting a census.

and peace offerings
Peace offerings, or "shelamim," were offerings that symbolized fellowship and thanksgiving. Unlike burnt offerings, only a portion was burned, and the rest was shared in a communal meal. This offering represents restored fellowship with God and the community, highlighting the peace and gratitude that follows reconciliation.

And he called on the LORD
David's calling on the LORD is an act of prayer and supplication. It reflects a heart seeking divine intervention and guidance. In the Hebrew context, calling on the name of the LORD is an invocation of His presence and power, demonstrating reliance on God's mercy and grace.

who answered him with fire from heaven
The divine response of fire from heaven is a powerful affirmation of God's acceptance of David's offerings. In the Old Testament, fire often symbolizes God's presence and approval, as seen in the accounts of Elijah and the dedication of Solomon's Temple. This miraculous event confirms God's forgiveness and the restoration of His favor upon David and Israel.

on the altar of burnt offering
The altar of burnt offering is central to the sacrificial system, representing the place where atonement and worship meet. It is a sacred space where humanity encounters the divine. The fire on this altar signifies God's holiness and the purification of sin, reinforcing the importance of sacrifice in maintaining a covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who sinned by conducting a census of the people, leading to God's judgment. In repentance, he builds an altar to the LORD.

2. The LORD
The God of Israel who responds to David's offerings with fire from heaven, signifying acceptance and forgiveness.

3. The Altar
Constructed by David on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, it becomes a place of sacrifice and divine encounter.

4. Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings
Sacrifices made by David as acts of atonement and thanksgiving, symbolizing reconciliation with God.

5. Fire from Heaven
A divine sign of God's acceptance of David's repentance and offerings, reminiscent of other biblical instances where God responds with fire.

Teaching Points

Repentance and Restoration
David's actions demonstrate the importance of genuine repentance and seeking God's forgiveness. When we sin, we must turn back to God with sincere hearts.

God's Mercy and Forgiveness
The fire from heaven signifies God's readiness to forgive and restore those who come to Him in humility and faith.

The Significance of Sacrifice
The offerings represent a heart willing to give to God what is costly, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins.

Divine Response to Faith
God's answer with fire shows that He responds to the faith and obedience of His people. Our faith should be active and expectant of God's intervention.

Worship as a Priority
Building an altar and offering sacrifices were acts of worship. We must prioritize worship in our lives, making space for encounters with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does David's building of the altar teach us about the importance of repentance and making amends with God?

2. How does the concept of sacrifice in the Old Testament connect to the sacrifice of Jesus in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we experience God's "fire from heaven" in our own spiritual lives today?

4. How does the account of David's altar challenge us to prioritize worship and obedience in our daily lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy and forgiveness. How did it change your relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 9:24
Similar divine response with fire, indicating God's acceptance of offerings.

1 Kings 18:38
Elijah's offering on Mount Carmel is consumed by fire from heaven, demonstrating God's power and approval.

2 Samuel 24:25
Parallel account of David's altar and offerings, emphasizing God's mercy.

Hebrews 12:29
Describes God as a consuming fire, highlighting His holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him in worship.