Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But David could not go before it to inquire of God, because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD. New Living Translation But David was not able to go there to inquire of God, because he was terrified by the drawn sword of the angel of the LORD. English Standard Version but David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD. Berean Standard Bible but David could not go before it to inquire of God, because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD. King James Bible But David could not go before it to inquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD. New King James Version But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD. New American Standard Bible But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was terrified by the sword of the angel of the LORD. NASB 1995 But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was terrified by the sword of the angel of the LORD. NASB 1977 But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was terrified by the sword of the angel of the LORD. Legacy Standard Bible But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was terrified by the sword of the angel of Yahweh. Amplified Bible But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was terrified by the sword of the angel of the LORD. Christian Standard Bible but David could not go before it to inquire of God, because he was terrified of the sword of the LORD’s angel. Holman Christian Standard Bible but David could not go before it to inquire of God, because he was terrified of the sword of the LORD’s angel. American Standard Version But David could not go before it to inquire of God; for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of Jehovah. English Revised Version But David could not go before it to inquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD. GOD'S WORD® Translation However, David couldn't go there to consult God because he was frightened by the sword of the LORD's Messenger. Good News Translation but David was not able to go there to worship God, because he was afraid of the sword of the LORD's angel. International Standard Version but David was not going before it to inquire of God, because he was afraid of the sword carried by the angel of the LORD. NET Bible But David could not go before it to seek God's will, for he was afraid of the sword of the LORD's messenger. New Heart English Bible But David couldn't go before it to inquire of God; for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD. Webster's Bible Translation But David could not go before it to inquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblebut David could not go before it to inquire of God, because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD. World English Bible But David couldn’t go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid because of the sword of Yahweh’s angel. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand David is not able to go before it to seek God, for he has been afraid because of the sword of the messenger of YHWH. Young's Literal Translation and David is not able to go before it to seek God, for he hath been afraid because of the sword of the messenger of Jehovah. Smith's Literal Translation And David could not go before it to seek God, for he was afraid from the face of the sword of the messenger of Jehovah, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David could not go to the altar there to pray to God: for he was seized with an exceeding great fear, seeing the sword of the angel of the Lord. Catholic Public Domain Version And David was unable to go to the altar, so that he might pray to God there. For he had been struck with an exceedingly great fear, seeing the sword of the Angel of the Lord. New American Bible But David could not go into his presence to inquire of God, for he was fearful of the sword of the angel of the LORD. New Revised Standard Version but David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAt that time David was exceedingly afraid, and could not go to pray before the LORD for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated At that time David was very afraid, and he was unable to go to pray before LORD JEHOVAH, because he was afraid before the sword of the Angel of LORD JEHOVAH. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But David could not go before it to inquire of God; for he was terrified because of the sword of the angel of the LORD. Brenton Septuagint Translation And David could not go before it to enquire of God; for he hasted not because of the sword of the angel of the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Builds an Altar…29For the tabernacle of the LORD that Moses had made in the wilderness and the altar of burnt offering were presently at the high place in Gibeon, 30but David could not go before it to inquire of God, because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD. Cross References 2 Samuel 24:25 And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then the LORD answered the prayers on behalf of the land, and the plague upon Israel was halted. 1 Kings 3:4 Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar there. 1 Kings 8:64 On that same day the king consecrated the middle of the courtyard in front of the house of the LORD, and there he offered the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, since the bronze altar before the LORD was too small to contain all these offerings. 2 Chronicles 1:6 Solomon offered sacrifices there before the LORD on the bronze altar at the Tent of Meeting, where he offered a thousand burnt offerings. 2 Chronicles 7:7 Then Solomon consecrated the middle of the courtyard in front of the house of the LORD, and there he offered the burnt offerings and the fat of the peace offerings, since the bronze altar he had made could not hold all these offerings. Genesis 28:17 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven!” Exodus 3:5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 20:19 “Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said to Moses. “But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.” Leviticus 9:24 Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown. Numbers 16:46-50 Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, and add incense. Go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun.” / So Aaron took the censer as Moses had ordered and ran into the midst of the assembly. And seeing that the plague had begun among the people, he offered the incense and made atonement for the people. / He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted. ... Judges 6:21 Then the angel of the LORD extended the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread. And fire flared from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the LORD vanished from his sight. 1 Samuel 7:9-10 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him. / As the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel, Samuel was offering up the burnt offering. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel. 1 Samuel 13:12 I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will descend upon me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” 1 Kings 18:38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. Isaiah 6:5 Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” Treasury of Scripture But David could not go before it to inquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD. he was afraid 1 Chronicles 21:16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. 1 Chronicles 13:12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me? Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, Jump to Previous Able Afraid Angel Couldn't David Directions Enquire Fear Great Inquire Messenger Seek Sword TerrifiedJump to Next Able Afraid Angel Couldn't David Directions Enquire Fear Great Inquire Messenger Seek Sword Terrified1 Chronicles 21 1. David, tempted by Satan, forces Joab to number the people5. The number of the people being brought, David repents of it 9. David having three plagues proposed by God, chooses the pestilence 14. After the death of 70,000, David by repentance prevents the destruction of Jerusalem 18. David, by Gad's direction, purchases Ornan's threshing floor; 26. where having built an altar, God gives a sign of his favor by fire. 28. David sacrifices there, being restrained from Gibeon by fear of the angel but David could not go before it to inquire of God David's inability to approach the altar signifies a moment of spiritual and emotional turmoil. This reflects the gravity of his sin in ordering the census, which was against God's will. The altar, located at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, was a place where David intended to offer sacrifices to atone for his actions. The inability to inquire of God here highlights the separation sin creates between humanity and God, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. This separation is reminiscent of Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden and Israel's frequent estrangement from God due to disobedience. The need for a mediator, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, is underscored by David's predicament. because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel who is central to this account. He is known for his deep relationship with God but also for his human failings. 2. The Angel of the LORD A divine messenger who executes God's judgment, often seen as a representation of God's presence and power. 3. The Sword of the Angel Symbolizes God's judgment and the fear it instills, representing divine authority and the consequences of sin. 4. The Altar of the LORD The place where sacrifices are made, representing a point of communication and reconciliation with God. 5. The Threshing Floor of Araunah the Jebusite The location where David eventually builds an altar to the LORD, which later becomes the site of the Temple. Teaching Points The Fear of the LORDDavid's fear of the angel's sword reminds us of the importance of revering God's holiness and justice. It is a call to live with a healthy fear of the LORD, recognizing His power and authority over our lives. Repentance and Restoration David's inability to approach the altar due to fear highlights the barrier sin creates between us and God. However, it also points to the necessity of repentance and the hope of restoration through God's mercy. The Significance of Sacrifice The eventual building of an altar on the threshing floor signifies the importance of sacrifice in restoring fellowship with God. It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who reconciles us to God. God's Sovereignty in Judgment The presence of the angel with a drawn sword underscores God's sovereignty in executing judgment. It serves as a reminder that God is just and His judgments are righteous. The Role of Fear in Faith While fear can be paralyzing, it can also lead us to deeper faith and reliance on God. David's fear ultimately leads him to seek God's mercy and guidance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 21:30?2. Why was David unable to go before the altar in 1 Chronicles 21:30? 3. How does David's fear of God in 1 Chronicles 21:30 guide our worship? 4. What does 1 Chronicles 21:30 teach about God's holiness and human response? 5. How can we overcome fear to approach God, as seen in 1 Chronicles 21:30? 6. How does 1 Chronicles 21:30 connect with Hebrews 12:28 about reverence and awe? 7. Why was David afraid to go before God in 1 Chronicles 21:30? 8. How does 1 Chronicles 21:30 reflect on the nature of divine fear? 9. What historical context explains David's fear in 1 Chronicles 21:30? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 21? 11. Did David or Elhanan kill Goliath? 12. What historical or archaeological evidence supports a massive plague and angelic destruction in 1 Chronicles 21:14-16? 13. Who incited David to take a census? (2 Samuel 24:1 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:1) 14. Why is there a discrepancy between the numbers given in 2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicles 21 for the same census? What Does 1 Chronicles 21:30 Mean But David could not goDavid had already seen the angel of the LORD poised “between earth and sky, with his drawn sword in his hand” (1 Chronicles 21:16). • Even a man described as “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22) felt the weight of his sin and its consequences after numbering Israel (1 Chronicles 21:1–8). • His inability to go underscores that no earthly rank can overstep God’s holiness (Psalm 24:3–4). • The statement comes after David built an altar on Ornan’s threshing floor, where “the LORD answered him with fire from heaven” (1 Chronicles 21:26). Though God accepted the sacrifice, David still sensed a boundary he dared not cross, illustrating Proverbs 9:10—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” before it to inquire of God The word “it” points to the tabernacle at Gibeon, where the bronze altar of Moses still stood (1 Chronicles 21:29; 2 Chronicles 1:3–6). • Normally, this was the designated place for seeking the LORD (Exodus 29:42). • Yet, at this moment, God’s manifest presence had shifted to the new altar on the threshing floor. David discerned that God was meeting him where the sacrifice had just been made—foreshadowing the site of Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). • The episode illustrates that true worship hinges on God’s initiative, not human convenience (John 4:23–24). because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD David’s fear was righteous, not paralyzing. He had watched 70,000 Israelites fall (1 Chronicles 21:14). • The “sword” symbolizes God’s active judgment (Numbers 22:23; Revelation 19:15). • David’s fear kept him from presumption—he would not treat holy things lightly (Isaiah 66:2). • That same fear leads to obedience: he remained near the new altar until God, through the prophet Gad, told him to build a permanent house for the LORD (1 Chronicles 22:1). • The scene reminds believers that mercy does not cancel reverence; rather, grace deepens it (Hebrews 12:28–29). summary 1 Chronicles 21:30 reveals a humbled king who, though forgiven, still trembles before God’s holiness. David refrains from approaching the traditional worship site because he recognizes that the living God, whose angel’s sword has just swept through the land, is now meeting him at a new altar. The verse teaches that genuine fear of the LORD guards us from presumption, guides us to worship where God has revealed Himself, and prepares us for the next steps in His redemptive plan. (30) But (and) David could not go before it--i.e., the Tabernacle at Gibeon and the altar of burnt offering (1Chronicles 16:4; 1Chronicles 16:37; 1Chronicles 16:39).To enquire of God.--To seek Him, that is, to seek His favour by sacrifice and prayer. (But comp. 1Chronicles 13:3; 1Chronicles 15:13.) . . . Hebrew but Davidדָּוִ֛יד (dā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse could יָכֹ֥ל (yā·ḵōl) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3201: To be able, have power not וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no go לָלֶ֥כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk before it לְפָנָ֖יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face to inquire לִדְרֹ֣שׁ (liḏ·rōš) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship of God, אֱלֹהִ֑ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative because כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction he was afraid נִבְעַ֔ת (niḇ·‘aṯ) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1204: To fall upon, startle, terrify of מִפְּנֵ֕י (mip·pə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the sword חֶ֖רֶב (ḥe·reḇ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword of the angel מַלְאַ֥ךְ (mal·’aḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel of the LORD. יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Links 1 Chronicles 21:30 NIV1 Chronicles 21:30 NLT 1 Chronicles 21:30 ESV 1 Chronicles 21:30 NASB 1 Chronicles 21:30 KJV 1 Chronicles 21:30 BibleApps.com 1 Chronicles 21:30 Biblia Paralela 1 Chronicles 21:30 Chinese Bible 1 Chronicles 21:30 French Bible 1 Chronicles 21:30 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Chronicles 21:30 But David couldn't go before it (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |
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