1 Chronicles 21:15

Then God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem, but as the angel was doing so, the LORD saw it and relented from the calamity, and He said to the angel who was destroying the people, "Enough! Withdraw your hand now!" At that time the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Study Bible

Then God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem
This phrase highlights God's direct intervention in the affairs of Jerusalem. The sending of an angel signifies divine judgment, a theme consistent throughout the Old Testament, where angels often act as agents of God's will (e.g., Genesis 19:1, 2 Kings 19:35). The context here is David's sin of conducting a census, which was seen as an act of pride and lack of trust in God. Jerusalem, the city chosen by God for His temple, becomes the focal point of this judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of sin even in the most sacred places.

but as the angel was doing so, the LORD saw it and relented from the calamity
This demonstrates God's mercy and compassion, even in the midst of judgment. The concept of God relenting is seen in other scriptures, such as Jonah 3:10, where God spares Nineveh. It reflects the tension between God's justice and mercy, a recurring theme in the Bible. The Hebrew word for "relented" can also mean "to be moved to pity," showing God's deep compassion for His people.

and He said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!”
God's command to the angel to stop the destruction underscores His sovereign control over all events. It also illustrates the power of divine intervention to halt judgment, a theme echoed in the story of Abraham interceding for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33). This moment of divine mercy is pivotal, showing that God's ultimate desire is not to destroy but to restore.

At that time the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite
The location is significant both geographically and theologically. The threshing floor of Ornan (also known as Araunah) is on Mount Moriah, the future site of Solomon's temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). This site is rich in biblical history, being the place where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:2). Theologically, it represents a place of sacrifice and atonement, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The presence of the angel at this specific location highlights the transition from judgment to mercy, as David later purchases the site to build an altar to the LORD, averting further disaster (1 Chronicles 21:18-26).

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign Lord who commands the angel and shows mercy by relenting from the destruction.

2. Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger sent to execute judgment on Jerusalem but stopped by God's command.

3. Jerusalem
The city under threat of destruction due to David's sin of conducting a census.

4. David
The king of Israel who sinned by ordering a census, leading to God's judgment.

5. Araunah the Jebusite
The owner of the threshing floor where the angel of the LORD was seen, which later becomes the site for David's altar.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
God is in control of all events, including judgment, but His mercy triumphs over judgment. We should trust in His sovereign will and seek His mercy in times of trouble.

The Role of Intercession
Just as God relented from destroying Jerusalem, intercessory prayer can lead to divine intervention. We are encouraged to pray fervently for others and for our communities.

Repentance and Restoration
David's sin led to severe consequences, but his repentance paved the way for restoration. We must acknowledge our sins and seek God's forgiveness to restore our relationship with Him.

The Significance of Sacred Spaces
The threshing floor of Araunah becomes a place of worship and sacrifice. We should recognize and honor the sacred spaces in our lives where we encounter God.

The Angel of the LORD
The presence of the angel signifies God's active involvement in human affairs. We should be aware of God's presence and guidance in our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of God relenting from destroying Jerusalem in 1 Chronicles 21:15 demonstrate His character?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of intercessory prayer in our own lives, as seen in this passage?

3. How does David's response to his sin in this chapter inform our understanding of repentance and its importance?

4. What can we learn from the significance of the threshing floor of Araunah in the context of worship and sacrifice?

5. How does the role of the angel of the LORD in this passage connect to other instances of divine intervention in the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 24
This parallel account provides additional context to the events in 1 Chronicles 21, highlighting David's repentance and the subsequent building of an altar.

Exodus 32:14
Demonstrates another instance where God relents from bringing disaster after intercession, showing His mercy.

Genesis 22:11-12
The angel of the LORD intervenes to stop Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, illustrating divine intervention and mercy.

Psalm 103:8-10
Reflects on God's merciful nature, slow to anger and abounding in love, which is evident in His relenting from the destruction of Jerusalem.