This verse shows how David’s obedience led to divine acceptance and highlights the sacred significance of the place where God’s presence and forgiveness meet.
David, who reigned over Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC, was instructed to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, a location just north of the ancient city of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 21:18-19). In this narrative, we read how “Then David built an altar to the LORD there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and he called to the LORD and He answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering” (v.26). This dramatic response by fire underscores the LORD’s acceptance of David’s sacrifice, especially given that David’s choice to establish an altar on this site would later foreshadow the building of the temple during the reign of his son, Solomon. It reveals how God graciously reconciles with those who sincerely repent, pointing forward to the ultimate reconciliation described in the New Testament (John 1:29).
Burnt offerings and peace offerings were common forms of sacrifice under the Mosaic Law. By offering both, David submitted himself fully to the LORD, desiring atonement and fellowship with Him. When God answered “…with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering” (v.26), it signified His approval and forgiveness. This miraculous act resonates with other biblical events where God demonstrates His power through fire, such as when Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). In each instance, the divine acceptance of the offering displayed God’s justice and mercy, reminding Israel that trust in and obedience to the LORD brought restoration and blessing.
The location of Ornan’s threshing floor, on Mount Moriah, became a pivotal spot in Jewish history, as it is identified as the future site of Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). David’s faithfulness in preparing this holy ground reminds us that God’s plans often span multiple generations, culminating in events that have profound impact on biblical and world history. Ultimately, this altar scene foreshadows the final sacrifice of Jesus, who offered Himself once and for all so that humanity might be reconciled with God (Hebrews 10:10).
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1 Chronicles 21:26 meaning
David, who reigned over Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC, was instructed to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, a location just north of the ancient city of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 21:18-19). In this narrative, we read how “Then David built an altar to the LORD there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and he called to the LORD and He answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering” (v.26). This dramatic response by fire underscores the LORD’s acceptance of David’s sacrifice, especially given that David’s choice to establish an altar on this site would later foreshadow the building of the temple during the reign of his son, Solomon. It reveals how God graciously reconciles with those who sincerely repent, pointing forward to the ultimate reconciliation described in the New Testament (John 1:29).
Burnt offerings and peace offerings were common forms of sacrifice under the Mosaic Law. By offering both, David submitted himself fully to the LORD, desiring atonement and fellowship with Him. When God answered “…with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering” (v.26), it signified His approval and forgiveness. This miraculous act resonates with other biblical events where God demonstrates His power through fire, such as when Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). In each instance, the divine acceptance of the offering displayed God’s justice and mercy, reminding Israel that trust in and obedience to the LORD brought restoration and blessing.
The location of Ornan’s threshing floor, on Mount Moriah, became a pivotal spot in Jewish history, as it is identified as the future site of Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). David’s faithfulness in preparing this holy ground reminds us that God’s plans often span multiple generations, culminating in events that have profound impact on biblical and world history. Ultimately, this altar scene foreshadows the final sacrifice of Jesus, who offered Himself once and for all so that humanity might be reconciled with God (Hebrews 10:10).