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 Araunah the Jebusite.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, the angel of the Lord gives instructions to the prophet Gad, directing him to tell David to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah (also called Ornan) the Jebusite. This command follows David’s act of repentance after the deadly plague had ravaged Israel due to his sin of conducting a census. The building of the altar was an essential act of worship, signifying David’s desire to seek atonement and bring an end to the plague that had struck the nation.

By building an altar, David was obediently responding to God’s directive, acknowledging that only God’s mercy could restore the people and remove the consequences of the judgment. The threshing floor of Araunah, where the altar was to be built, would later become a significant site—eventually becoming the location where Solomon’s temple would stand. This altar marks a turning point from judgment to mercy and foreshadows greater acts of worship and sacrifice that would take place there in the future.

Historical Context

This event occurred during King David’s reign, after he had ordered a census of Israel’s fighting men. In Israel, conducting a census without God’s command was considered an act of pride and self-reliance, as it suggested that David was placing his trust in military strength rather than in God’s protection. As a result, God sent a deadly plague upon Israel. When David realized his sin and repented, God, through the prophet Gad, gave him instructions to build an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor.

Threshing floors in ancient times were open, elevated places where grain was separated from chaff. Araunah’s threshing floor was located in Jerusalem, the future site of the temple. This altar, built in response to divine instruction, was a place where sacrifices would be offered, leading to the cessation of the plague.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several theological truths. First, it shows that genuine repentance must be accompanied by action. David had already confessed his sin and pleaded with God for mercy, but the instruction to build an altar represents a tangible expression of repentance and worship. It reminds us that faith and repentance should result in obedient action, as demonstrated by David’s response to build the altar.

Second, the verse highlights the idea that God provides a way for restoration and healing. Even though the plague was a consequence of David’s sin, God, in His mercy, offered a path to forgiveness and renewal through the altar and sacrifice. This is a powerful reminder of God’s grace, even in times of judgment.

Finally, the location of the altar on the threshing floor of Araunah foreshadows the future significance of this site as the location of the temple in Jerusalem, the center of Israel’s worship and sacrificial system. This points to the importance of worship and sacrifice in maintaining a relationship with God.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, this verse serves as a crucial turning point in the narrative. Up until this point, the focus has been on the consequences of David’s sin and the devastating plague that followed. But now, the story shifts toward restoration as God provides a way for the plague to end. The angel’s command to build an altar introduces hope and the possibility of healing.

The threshing floor is a symbolic location. In biblical imagery, threshing floors are often associated with judgment and separation, as grain is separated from chaff. Here, however, the threshing floor becomes a place of reconciliation and worship. The altar David is instructed to build represents a way to restore peace between God and His people.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 22:9: “When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it.” Like David, Abraham was instructed to build an altar in obedience to God. Both acts represent faith and the desire to please God through sacrifice.
• 2 Samuel 24:25: “David built an altar to the Lord there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the Lord answered his prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.” This verse, which parallels 1 Chronicles 21:18, shows that the altar was effective in stopping the plague, demonstrating God’s response to David’s obedient worship.
• Hebrews 13:15: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” This New Testament passage reminds us that, through Christ, we are called to continually offer sacrifices of praise, just as David’s altar was a place of offering and worship.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, 1 Chronicles 21:18 reminds us of the importance of obedience and worship in our relationship with God. David’s willingness to follow God’s instruction to build an altar is an example of how we, too, should respond to God’s leading with faith and action. When we sin or fall short, we are called to repentance, but that repentance should also lead to a changed heart and obedient behavior.

The altar that David built also points to the need for reconciliation with God. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle remains that we must approach God with humility and a desire to be restored in our relationship with Him. For Christians, this comes through Christ, who is the ultimate sacrifice and the means by which we are made right with God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s love through His willingness to provide a path to restoration. Although David’s sin brought severe consequences, God, in His mercy, did not abandon him or the people of Israel. Instead, He provided a way for the plague to end, offering forgiveness through the act of building the altar and offering sacrifices.

God’s instruction to build the altar shows that He desires reconciliation with His people. He doesn’t leave us in our brokenness but provides ways for us to return to Him. This reflects God’s heart of love and His desire for His people to be restored and healed.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus Christ in a powerful way. The altar that David was commanded to build on the threshing floor points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Just as David’s altar was built to bring an end to the plague, Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate act of sacrifice that brings an end to the plague of sin and death for all who believe.

• Hebrews 10:10: “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Jesus’ sacrifice was the final, once-for-all offering that brings forgiveness and reconciliation between God and humanity.
• John 1:29: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Jesus is the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away our sins, just as David’s sacrifice brought an end to the plague in Israel.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does David’s obedience in building the altar challenge you to act on your own repentance and faith?
2. In what ways can you demonstrate your worship and devotion to God, as David did when he built the altar?
3. How does this verse remind you of God’s mercy, even when you face the consequences of your own actions?
4. How does the image of the altar on the threshing floor point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and how does that change the way you approach worship?
5. In what areas of your life do you need to build “altars”—places of obedience and dedication to God—to restore and strengthen your relationship with Him?

1 Chronicles 21:18 teaches us about obedience, repentance, and worship, and it points forward to the ultimate reconciliation that we have through Jesus Christ. Just as David built an altar to bring an end to the plague, Jesus is our perfect sacrifice, bringing an end to the plague of sin and offering us new life in Him.