Understanding 1 Chronicles 21:26

1 Chronicles 21:26 states:

"And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering."

Summary of the Verse

This verse describes a pivotal moment in King David's reign, emphasizing his devotion to God through the act of building an altar, offering sacrifices, and receiving divine confirmation. The context involves David's act of counting the people, which led to God's displeasure, resulting in a plague on Israel. David's response was to seek reconciliation through this significant act of worship.

Interpretation Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry points out that David’s construction of the altar signifies his recognition of God's grace and mercy. It highlights David's role as a repentant leader who seeks to make amends for his actions and intercedes on behalf of Israel.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes emphasizes the importance of the altar as a place of worship where sacrifices were offered. He notes that the fire which came down from heaven demonstrated God's acceptance of David's offerings, symbolizing divine approval and presence.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke elaborates on the theological significance of sacrifices. He interprets the offerings as a means for atonement, indicating that they reflect a heart that seeks reconciliation with God, thus showing the importance of personal and communal repentance.

Connections to Other Bible Verses

1 Chronicles 21:26 connects with various other scripture passages, allowing for a deeper understanding of its themes:

• 1 Kings 18:38: God's fire consuming Elijah's sacrifice reflects divine acceptance similar to David's experience.
• 2 Samuel 24:25: This parallel account reinforces that David offered sacrifices on the threshing floor of Araunah, showing his desire to seek God's favor.
• Leviticus 9:24: God's fire in the establishment of the sacrificial system serves as a model for David's worship, emphasizing the significance of divine authentication of offerings.
• Romans 12:1: Paul speaks of offering our bodies as living sacrifices, connecting New Testament believers to the principles of sacrificial worship established in the Old Testament.
• Hebrews 9:14: The reference to the blood of Christ as a perfect sacrifice echoes the concept of sacrifice presented in 1 Chronicles 21:26.
• Isaiah 56:7: God's promise to accept offerings demonstrates a continuity of worship that spans both Testaments.
• Acts 7:47: Stephen remarks on Solomon building a temple, linking David’s desire to worship and offer sacrifices as foundational to Israel’s worship life.

Thematic Connections

Exploring 1 Chronicles 21:26 reveals several prominent themes:

• Repentance: David’s offerings illustrate a heart seeking reconciliation with God.
• Divine Acceptance: The acceptance of sacrifices serves as a testament to God's grace.
• Worship and Sacrifice: The significance of sacrificial worship as an avenue for engagement with God.

Cross-Referencing Biblical Texts

Understanding 1 Chronicles 21:26 within the larger biblical narrative enhances comprehension through a cross-reference approach. Tools available for this study include:

1. Bible concordance for identifying key themes.
2. Cross-reference Bible study guides for comprehensive study.
3. Chain reference systems for tracking themes.

How to Use Cross-References

Employing cross-references enriches the study experience by:

• Identifying connections between Old and New Testament scriptures.
• Facilitating detailed comparative studies of similar verses.
• Revealing inter-Biblical dialogues that deepen theological understanding.

Conclusion

1 Chronicles 21:26 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of approaching God with a repentant heart. Through the act of sacrifice, David exemplifies the restoration of a relationship with God, which is echoed throughout the entire biblical narrative. The connections and insights gained from public domain commentaries provide a framework for understanding the significance of this verse in both historical and theological contexts.