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 "angel of the LORD" is often seen as a divine messenger, sometimes interpreted as a theophany or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. This figure appears at critical moments in Israel's history, such as in Genesis 22:11-18 with Abraham and in Exodus 3:2 with Moses. The presence of the angel signifies divine intervention and authority.

ordered Gad
Gad was a prophet during King David's reign, known as "David's seer" (1 Chronicles 21:9). Prophets served as intermediaries between God and the people, delivering divine messages and guidance. Gad's role here emphasizes the importance of prophetic authority in Israel's spiritual and political life.

to tell David
David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Old Testament. Known for his heart for God, he is also a type of Christ, prefiguring the Messiah as a shepherd-king. This command to David highlights his responsibility to lead the nation in repentance and worship.

to go up and build an altar to the LORD
Building an altar signifies an act of worship and atonement. Altars were places of sacrifice and communion with God, as seen in Genesis 8:20 with Noah and Genesis 12:7 with Abraham. This command underscores the need for repentance and reconciliation with God after David's sin of conducting a census.

on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite
Threshing floors were open spaces used for separating grain, often located on elevated ground. Ornan, a Jebusite, was a member of the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before David's conquest. The choice of this location is significant, as it later becomes the site of Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1), symbolizing God's presence and the central place of worship for Israel. The transformation of a common threshing floor into a sacred site illustrates God's ability to sanctify and redeem.

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.