1 Chronicles 21:28 – “At that time, when David saw that the Lord had answered him on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, he offered sacrifices there.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, David recognizes that God has answered his prayers and accepted his sacrifices on the threshing floor of Araunah. After David’s sin of conducting a census, which led to a devastating plague in Israel, he repented and followed God’s instructions to build an altar and offer sacrifices. When David saw that God responded to his offering by ending the plague and accepting his worship, he continued to offer sacrifices at that place as an act of gratitude and reverence.

This verse shows David’s realization that the place where God answered him—the threshing floor of Araunah—was significant, not just as a site of repentance but as a place of ongoing worship. The sacrifices offered there demonstrated David’s continued desire to honor God for His mercy in stopping the plague.

Historical Context

This event took place after David had sinned by ordering a census of Israel’s fighting men, which was seen as an act of pride and reliance on human strength rather than trust in God. As a result, God sent a plague upon Israel. Through the prophet Gad, God instructed David to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite and offer sacrifices there to stop the plague.

Threshing floors were areas used for separating grain, but they often became significant in biblical events as places of judgment or worship. In this case, the threshing floor of Araunah would later become the location of the temple built by Solomon, making it one of the most important sites in Israel’s history.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key theological themes. First, it emphasizes the power of repentance and the mercy of God. David’s sin brought severe consequences, but when he repented and obeyed God’s command to offer sacrifices, God responded by stopping the plague. This teaches us that while sin has real consequences, God’s mercy is always available to those who turn to Him in repentance.

Second, the verse underscores the importance of worship in response to God’s actions. David didn’t just offer sacrifices as a one-time act to stop the plague; he continued to worship and honor God when he saw that God had answered him. This shows that gratitude and reverence should follow God’s acts of mercy and deliverance.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, this verse serves as the resolution to the crisis caused by David’s census. The narrative shifts from a focus on judgment and plague to restoration and worship. David’s recognition that God had answered him on the threshing floor leads to ongoing worship, transforming a place of judgment into a place of reconciliation and communion with God.

The verse also emphasizes the personal nature of David’s relationship with God. David saw that “the Lord had answered him,” indicating that his prayers and sacrifices were not just ritualistic but were part of a genuine exchange between him and God. This reflects the personal and responsive nature of God’s relationship with His people.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 22:13-14: “Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide.” Like David, Abraham experienced God’s provision and responded with sacrifice and worship.
• 2 Chronicles 7:1-2: “When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.” This passage describes another moment where God responded to sacrifices with His presence, showing His acceptance and approval.
• Psalm 107:28-29: “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.” This psalm reflects the theme of God responding to the prayers of His people in times of distress.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, 1 Chronicles 21:28 reminds us of the importance of repentance and worship. When we recognize that God has answered our prayers or shown us mercy, our response should be one of continued gratitude and worship. Just as David continued to offer sacrifices when he saw that God had accepted his offering, we should be mindful to thank and praise God for His goodness in our lives.

This verse also encourages us to take our sins seriously. While David’s sin had devastating consequences, his repentance and obedience brought about restoration. This teaches us that when we have sinned, it’s essential to turn back to God, follow His guidance, and offer Him sincere worship in response to His mercy.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse demonstrates God’s love in His willingness to forgive and restore. Even though David’s sin brought great suffering upon Israel, God responded to David’s repentance by stopping the plague and accepting his offerings. God’s love is shown in the way He provides a clear path to restoration for those who seek Him in humility and faith.

God’s acceptance of David’s sacrifices on the threshing floor shows that He is not only a God of justice but also a God of mercy. He desires reconciliation with His people and is always ready to respond when they turn to Him with sincere hearts.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse points forward to the ultimate act of atonement made by Jesus Christ. Just as David’s sacrifices brought an end to the plague and restored peace with God, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross brings an end to the ultimate plague of sin and death. Jesus is the perfect and final offering that makes reconciliation with God possible for all who believe.

• Hebrews 10:12: “But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.” Jesus’ sacrifice is the final, once-for-all offering that brings complete restoration and peace with God.
• Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Through Jesus, we experience the same kind of restoration and peace that David sought through his sacrifices.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does David’s recognition that God had answered him challenge you to acknowledge God’s actions in your own life?
2. What does this verse teach you about the importance of repentance and worship in your relationship with God?
3. How can you respond to God’s mercy and forgiveness with a heart of gratitude and ongoing worship, as David did?
4. In what ways does this verse remind you of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on your behalf, and how can you live in response to that gift?
5. How does God’s response to David’s sacrifice encourage you to trust in His willingness to forgive and restore when you come to Him in repentance?

1 Chronicles 21:28 reminds us that God responds to sincere repentance and worship. David’s recognition that God had answered him led to ongoing acts of sacrifice and gratitude. This verse also points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself to bring about full restoration and peace between God and humanity. As Christians, we are called to respond to God’s mercy with thankful hearts and a commitment to worship Him in all areas of our lives.