1 Chronicles 21:29 – “The tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering were at that time on the high place at Gibeon.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse provides important context for understanding the events surrounding David’s offering on the threshing floor of Araunah. At the time, the tabernacle that Moses had built in the wilderness and the altar of burnt offering were located in Gibeon, a nearby city. However, because God had instructed David to offer sacrifices on the threshing floor in Jerusalem, David did not go to Gibeon to make the offerings.

This verse highlights the transitional nature of Israel’s worship during David’s time. While the tabernacle and the altar were still at Gibeon, God had chosen the threshing floor of Araunah in Jerusalem as the new, temporary place for David’s offerings, which would eventually become the site of the permanent temple. David’s obedience in offering sacrifices where God directed, even though it wasn’t the traditional location, demonstrates his trust in God’s specific commands.

Historical Context

At this point in Israel’s history, the tabernacle, which was constructed during the time of Moses, and the bronze altar for burnt offerings were still functioning as the central places of worship for the Israelites. These sacred objects were at Gibeon, a high place located outside of Jerusalem. Gibeon had been a key religious site for Israel for many years, but it was not the permanent place of worship that God had in mind for the nation.

David’s experience at the threshing floor of Araunah came during a pivotal time in Israel’s religious development. God was shifting the focus of worship from Gibeon to Jerusalem, where Solomon would later build the temple. David’s obedience in offering sacrifices on the threshing floor marked an important step in this transition, as it foreshadowed the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual heart of Israel.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important theological principles. First, it reminds us that God determines the place and manner of worship. Although the tabernacle and altar were still at Gibeon, God commanded David to offer sacrifices at the threshing floor in Jerusalem. This demonstrates that worship is not about following traditional practices alone, but about obeying God’s specific directions. It shows that God is always moving His people toward His greater purposes.

Second, the verse highlights the temporary nature of the tabernacle and the altar at Gibeon. While these elements had been central to Israel’s worship since the time of Moses, they were part of a larger plan that would culminate in the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. This reflects the way God’s plans unfold over time, with each stage of worship serving a purpose in preparation for something greater.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, this verse serves as a brief historical and theological note that explains why David did not offer sacrifices at the usual location in Gibeon. It helps the reader understand the significance of the threshing floor of Araunah as a new, divinely appointed place of worship. The mention of the tabernacle and altar at Gibeon contrasts with David’s actions at the threshing floor, emphasizing that God’s presence and instructions were now focused on Jerusalem.

The verse is simple and factual, but it adds depth to the story by showing how David’s actions fit into the broader narrative of Israel’s worship and the eventual establishment of the temple.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• 2 Chronicles 1:3: “And Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon, for God’s tent of meeting was there, which Moses the Lord’s servant had made in the wilderness.” This passage refers to the tabernacle being at Gibeon during Solomon’s early reign, reinforcing the idea that Gibeon was still a key place of worship before the temple was built in Jerusalem.
• Deuteronomy 12:5: “But you are to seek the place the Lord your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling.” This verse points to the eventual establishment of Jerusalem as the central place of worship, foreshadowing the transition from the tabernacle to the temple.
• 1 Kings 3:4: “The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.” Even Solomon initially offered sacrifices at Gibeon, showing that this was the accepted place of worship until the temple was built in Jerusalem.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse highlights the importance of following God’s specific instructions for worship, even when they challenge tradition. David could have gone to Gibeon to offer sacrifices because that was the traditional place of worship. Instead, he obeyed God’s command to offer sacrifices in Jerusalem, showing his willingness to follow God’s leading even when it meant moving away from established practices.

This verse also encourages us to recognize that God’s plans unfold over time. Just as the tabernacle and altar at Gibeon were temporary, serving a purpose until the temple could be built, we can trust that God is working in our lives in stages, moving us toward His greater purposes. This teaches us patience and trust in God’s timing.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows God’s love in His desire to dwell among His people and guide them in worship. God did not leave Israel to continue worshiping in old ways that no longer aligned with His purposes. Instead, He provided clear instructions for where and how David should offer sacrifices, guiding the nation toward the future establishment of the temple. This reflects God’s loving care in leading His people through each step of His plan for their spiritual growth and relationship with Him.

God’s love is also seen in the way He continually makes Himself accessible to His people. Even though the traditional place of worship was in Gibeon, God was willing to meet David on the threshing floor of Araunah, showing that He responds to genuine worship wherever it takes place, as long as it is done in obedience to Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the role of both the tabernacle and the temple. Just as the tabernacle was a temporary dwelling place for God’s presence, Jesus became the ultimate, permanent dwelling of God among His people.

• John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus, by coming to earth, became the true dwelling place of God, fulfilling what the tabernacle and temple symbolized.
• Matthew 12:6: “I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.” Jesus declared Himself to be greater than the temple, indicating that He was the ultimate place of worship, sacrifice, and communion with God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does David’s obedience to offer sacrifices at the threshing floor rather than the traditional site at Gibeon challenge you to follow God’s leading, even when it goes against tradition or expectations?
2. In what ways can you trust God’s unfolding plans for your life, knowing that each stage serves a purpose in His greater plan?
3. How does this verse encourage you to worship God in the way He has instructed, rather than relying on familiar or comfortable patterns?
4. What does it mean for you today that Jesus is the ultimate dwelling place of God, fulfilling what the tabernacle and temple symbolized?
5. How can you reflect God’s love and presence in your life by being obedient to His guidance, even when it requires change?

1 Chronicles 21:29 reminds us that worship is about following God’s direction, even when it challenges tradition. The temporary nature of the tabernacle and altar at Gibeon points us to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s presence in Jesus Christ, who is the true temple and dwelling place of God among His people. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s unfolding plans and to respond with faithful obedience in worship, knowing that He is always leading us toward His greater purposes.