Understanding 1 Chronicles 21:28

Verse: 1 Chronicles 21:28 - "At that time, when David saw that the LORD had answered him in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there."

Summary of Meaning

This verse captures a pivotal moment in King David's life, emphasizing themes of divine response, worship, and sacrifice. It illustrates how David, upon realizing God's favor and acceptance of his offerings, took decisive action to worship the Lord in the very location where he received a direct answer to his prayer.

Thematic Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry: Henry highlights the importance of the location—Ornan's threshing floor—as a sacred space where God’s presence was felt. The response from God signifies His mercy and grace in the face of David's earlier actions that led to a census that displeased the Lord.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes points out that this act of sacrifice signifies a turning point for David and the nation. The altar built on this site would later become the location for the temple, symbolizing a lasting relationship between God and His people.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke discusses the historical significance of this event, linking it to the future building of the temple. He emphasizes the necessity of obedience and repentance, showing how David’s act reflects a heart turned towards God.

Connections to Other Bible Verses

This verse can be properly understood through various cross-references that provide a broader biblical context:

1. 2 Samuel 24:25: This verse provides the account of David building an altar and offering sacrifices, reinforcing the connection between David's actions and God's response.
2. 1 Chronicles 22:1: Here, David prepares for the building of the temple where sacrifices would be regularly made, thus associating Ornan's site with future worship.
3. Psalm 51:17: This verse reflects the spirit of sacrifice that God desires, noting that a broken spirit and contrite heart are more precious than offerings.
4. Hebrews 11:4: Mention of Abel's sacrifice as a means through which he was accepted by God parallels the importance of heart posture in worship, similar to David's sacrifice.
5. Exodus 20:24: This verse emphasizes the principles of worship and sacrifice, setting the foundation for how sacrifices should be made unto God.
6. 1 Kings 3:5: This verse references God's communication through dreams, showing that God desires to connect with His people and respond to their faith.
7. Romans 12:1: In the New Testament, Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, relating to the transformative nature of worship described in 1 Chronicles 21:28.
8. 2 Chronicles 3:1: Here is the establishment of the temple on Mount Moriah, connecting it to David’s sacrifices and God's promises.
9. Luke 22:19: The act of breaking bread as a form of remembrance presents a connection to the personal sacrifice of Jesus, echoing themes of atonement.
10. Matthew 26:28: This verse reveals the sacrifice of Jesus, which is the ultimate fulfillment of all prior sacrifices, uniting various thematics of sacrifice and divine acceptance.

Applications and Reflections

1 Chronicles 21:28 is rich with lessons applicable to believers today:

• The importance of worship: Like David, recognizing moments of divine intervention calls us to a place of gratitude and worship.
• Repentance and obedience: Understanding that true sacrifice comes not merely from offerings but from a heart aligned with God's will.
• Anticipation of God’s presence: The location of worship and sacrifice holds significance, reminding us to seek out spaces where we can encounter God's presence.

Conclusion

1 Chronicles 21:28 serves as a powerful reminder of God's grace and the seriousness of worship. It echoes throughout the scriptures, forming connections that reveal God’s redemptive plan through sacrifice.

Exploring Further

For those interested in digging deeper into Bible verse cross-references, there are numerous tools and resources available, such as:

• Bible concordance
• Bible cross-reference guide
• Cross-reference Bible study
• Comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials