David’s Military Census 1Then Satana rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 2So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.” 3But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” 4Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and traveled throughout Israel, and then he returned to Jerusalem. 5And Joab reported to David the total number of the troops. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah. 6But Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the count, because the king’s command was detestable to him. Judgment for David’s Sin 7This command was also evil in the sight of God; so He struck Israel. 8Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly because I have done this thing. Now I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.” 9And the LORD instructed Gad, David’s seer, 10“Go and tell David that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am offering you three options. Choose one of them, and I will carry it out against you.’” 11So Gad went and said to David, “This is what the LORD says: ‘You must choose 12between three years of famine, three months of being swept awayb before your enemies and overtaken by their swords, or three days of the sword of the LORD—days of plague upon the land, with the angel of the LORD ravaging every part of Israel.’ Now then, decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.” 13David answered Gad, “I am deeply distressed. Please, let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.” A Plague on Israel 14So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead. 15Then God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem, but as the angel was doing so, the LORD saw it and relented from the calamity, and He said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornanc the Jebusite. 16When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown. 17And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave the order to count the people? Id am the one who has sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? O LORD my God, please let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house, but do not let this plague remain upon Your people.” David Builds an Altar 18Then the angel of the LORD ordered Gad to tell David to go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 19So David went up at the word that Gad had spoken in the name of the LORD. 20Now Ornan was threshing wheat when he turned and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. 21David came to Ornan, and when Ornan looked out and saw David, he left the threshing floor and bowed facedown before David. 22Then David said to Ornan, “Grant me the site of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar to the LORD. Sell it to me for the full price, so that the plague upon the people may be halted.” 23Ornan said to David, “Take it! May my lord the king do whatever seems good to him. Look, I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for the wood, and the wheat for the grain offering—I will give it all.” 24“No,” replied King David, “I insist on paying the full price, for I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you, nor will I offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 25So David paid Ornan six hundred shekels of golde for the site. 26And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. He called upon the LORD, who answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering. 27Then the LORD spoke to the angel, who put his sword back into its sheath. 28At that time, when David saw that the LORD had answered him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he offered sacrifices there. 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. Footnotes: 1 a That is, the Accuser or the Adversary 12 b Hebrew; LXX and Vulgate of fleeing; see 2 Samuel 24:13. 15 c Ornan is a variant of Araunah; also in verses 18–28; see 2 Samuel 24:16. 17 d Or I, the shepherd, see 2 Samuel 24:17 DSS and LXX. 25 e 600 shekels is approximately 15.1 pounds or 6.8 kilograms of gold. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  1 Chronicles 21 Summary David's Military CensusVerses 1–6 – The Census Begins Verses 7–13 – Conviction and Choice Verses 14–17 – The Plague and Plea Verses 18–27 – Altar on the Threshing Floor Verses 28–30 – A Sacred Site Identified 1 Chronicles 21 tells the dramatic account of King David's decision to take a census of Israel, an act considered sinful in the eyes of God. This chapter narrates the punishment that followed David's disobedience, his profound repentance, and the subsequent divine forgiveness he received. It demonstrates the severe consequences of defying God's laws, but also His mercy upon genuine repentance. Setting and Background • Parallel Passage: 2 Samuel 24 recounts the same event with slight differences (e.g., “the anger of the LORD burned against Israel” vs. “Satan rose up against Israel”). Chronicles highlights spiritual warfare, while Samuel stresses God’s permissive sovereignty. • Timing: Late in David’s reign, after many military victories. The census would bolster national pride and potential conscription, contrary to reliance on God. • Culture: Counting fighting men was common in Near Eastern kingdoms to gauge strength, but Israel’s kings were to depend on the LORD (Deuteronomy 17:16). The Sin of Counting Exodus 30:12 commands that any census be accompanied by a ransom offering “so that no plague will come upon them.” David omits the atonement money, treating the people as his possession. The sin is not arithmetic but attitude—trust in numbers over God. Joab’s uneasy obedience shows even hardened soldiers sensed the spiritual risk. The Three Judgments All three choices strike at national security: food (famine), military stability (enemy pursuit), and life itself (plague). David chooses plague, preferring to fall into “the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great” (v. 13). His decision places outcome directly under divine control rather than human hostility. The Plague and Divine Mercy • “Then the LORD relented from the calamity” (v. 15). The same verb describes God’s compassion in Jonah 3:10. • David sees the angel with drawn sword—an image last recorded in Numbers 22:23 (Balaam). This visible manifestation underscores the seriousness of sin and the reality of unseen warfare. The Threshing Floor of Ornan Threshing floors were high, exposed, wind-swept spaces—ideal for winnowing grain and also symbolically fit for separating judgment from mercy. Ornan is a Jebusite, signifying God’s grace embracing former enemies. The purchase price (600 shekels of gold) is substantial, ensuring clear title and preventing future claims. Foreshadowing the Temple 2 Chronicles 3:1 explicitly states, “Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David… at the threshing floor of Ornan.” Mount Moriah recalls Genesis 22, where Abraham offered Isaac. Both scenes feature a father ready to surrender what is most precious, and both end with divine provision and substituted sacrifice. Messiah Connections • David stands as intercessor, offering himself for the people—an imperfect picture fulfilled perfectly in Jesus, “the Good Shepherd [who] lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). • Fire from heaven accepting the sacrifice prefigures God’s acceptance of Christ’s once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:12-14). Archaeological Notes • The traditional Temple Mount aligns with an elevated area north of ancient Jerusalem’s City of David, fitting threshing-floor conditions. • Finds such as large Iron Age retaining walls, monumental ashlar blocks, and bullae bearing priestly names (e.g., “Immer,” cf. Jeremiah 20:1) support continuous sacred use from Solomon’s era onward. • No direct artifact labeled “Ornan,” yet land-purchase tablets from the region illustrate formal transfer wording similar to David’s insistence on payment. Practical Applications • Pride can follow success; continual dependence on God is vital regardless of past victories. • Leadership accountability: David’s personal sin impacts an entire nation—reminding all leaders of their far-reaching influence. • Costly worship: authentic devotion gives God what is valuable, not leftovers. • Mercy triumphs over judgment: even amid discipline, God provides a path to restored fellowship. Links to Other Scriptures • Pride and Census: Proverbs 16:18; Psalm 20:7. • Intercession: Exodus 32:30-32 (Moses); Romans 9:3 (Paul). • God’s Fire of Approval: Leviticus 9:24; 1 Kings 18:38. • Purchased Sacred Places: Genesis 23 (Abraham buys Machpelah); Joshua 24:32 (Joseph’s bones in purchased ground). • Angel with Sword: Joshua 5:13-15 (Commander of the LORD’s Army). Key Takeaway Verse “I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer a burnt offering that costs me nothing.” (1 Chronicles 21:24) David’s words still call believers to wholehearted, sacrificial worship, trusting God’s mercy rather than human strength. Connections to Additional Scriptures Temptation and Spiritual Warfare Ephesians 6:11-12: Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. The Consequences of Sin Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Repentance and Forgiveness 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Worship and Sacrifice Romans 12:1: Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Teaching Points The Temptation and Sin of DavidThen Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel (1 Chronicles 21:1). This verse reveals the spiritual battle behind David's decision, reminding us of the enemy's influence. Despite Joab's warning, David insists on numbering the people, demonstrating a lapse in trust in God's provision and protection (1 Chronicles 21:3-4). The Consequences of Disobedience David's decision displeases God, leading to a severe plague upon Israel (1 Chronicles 21:7, 14). This underscores the seriousness of sin and its far-reaching effects. David's acknowledgment of his sin and plea for mercy (1 Chronicles 21:8, 17) highlight the importance of repentance. God's Mercy and Provision God offers David a choice of three punishments, illustrating His justice and mercy (1 Chronicles 21:11-12). The plague is halted at the threshing floor of Araunah, where David builds an altar and offers sacrifices (1 Chronicles 21:18-27). This act of worship and obedience restores the relationship between God and His people. Practical Applications Guard Against TemptationBe vigilant in recognizing the enemy's attempts to lead us astray and rely on God's strength to resist. Trust in God's Sovereignty Avoid placing confidence in human resources or numbers; instead, trust in God's ability to provide and protect. Repentance and Restoration When we sin, promptly confess and seek God's forgiveness, knowing that He is faithful to restore us. Worship as a Response to Mercy Let our gratitude for God's mercy lead us to worship and obedience, acknowledging His lordship in our lives. People 1. DavidThe central figure in this chapter, David is the King of Israel who orders a census of the people, which is seen as an act of pride and lack of trust in God. His decision leads to divine judgment upon Israel. 2. Satan Described as the adversary who incites David to take the census. The Hebrew term used here is "שָׂטָן" (satan), meaning "adversary" or "accuser." 3. Joab The commander of David's army, Joab is tasked with carrying out the census. He initially protests against the king's command, recognizing it as a potential sin against God. 4. Gad A prophet and David's seer, Gad delivers God's message to David, offering him three choices of punishment for his sin. The Hebrew term for "seer" is "חֹזֶה" (chozeh), indicating one who has visions. 5. Ornan (Araunah) A Jebusite who owns the threshing floor where David is instructed to build an altar to the Lord. David purchases this site to offer sacrifices and stop the plague. Places 1. IsraelThe nation of Israel is the primary setting for the events of 1 Chronicles 21. It is the land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it serves as the backdrop for King David's reign. The Hebrew root for Israel is "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el), meaning "God prevails." 2. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the city where the angel of the LORD stands with a drawn sword over it, as described in 1 Chronicles 21:15. It is the central city of worship and the future site of the Temple. The Hebrew name "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim) is often understood to mean "foundation of peace." 3. Mount Moriah Although not explicitly named in 1 Chronicles 21, Mount Moriah is traditionally identified as the location of the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, where David builds an altar to the LORD (1 Chronicles 21:18-26). This site is significant as it later becomes the location of Solomon's Temple. The Hebrew "מֹרִיָּה" (Moriah) is associated with the idea of "seen by Yahweh." 4. Threshing Floor of Ornan the Jebusite This is the specific location where David is instructed to build an altar to stop the plague on Israel (1 Chronicles 21:18-28). The threshing floor is a place of separation and purification, symbolically significant in the narrative. The name "Ornan" (אָרְנָן) is of Jebusite origin, reflecting the Canaanite inhabitants of the land before Israel's conquest. Events 1. Satan Incites David"Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel." (1 Chronicles 21:1). The Hebrew term for "Satan" here is "שָׂטָן" (satan), meaning adversary or accuser, indicating a spiritual opposition against Israel. 2. David Commands the Census "So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, 'Go, count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.'" (1 Chronicles 21:2). David's decision to conduct a census was against God's will, reflecting a reliance on military strength rather than divine support. 3. Joab's Reluctance "But Joab replied, 'May the LORD multiply His troops a hundredfold. My lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?'" (1 Chronicles 21:3). Joab, David's military commander, questions the king's decision, highlighting the potential for divine displeasure. 4. Completion of the Census "Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and traveled throughout Israel, and then he returned to Jerusalem." (1 Chronicles 21:4). Despite Joab's objections, the census is completed, indicating David's insistence on his own judgment. 5. God's Displeasure and David's Realization "This command was also evil in the sight of God; so He struck Israel." (1 Chronicles 21:7). The Hebrew word for "evil" is "רַע" (ra), signifying moral wickedness, and God's response is a direct consequence of David's actions. 6. David's Confession "Then David said to God, 'I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now I implore You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.'" (1 Chronicles 21:8). David acknowledges his sin, using the Hebrew word "חָטָא" (chata), meaning to miss the mark or sin. 7. God's Three Options "The LORD said to Gad, David’s seer, 'Go and tell David that this is what the LORD says: I am offering you three options. Choose one of them for Me to carry out against you.'" (1 Chronicles 21:10). God presents David with three punitive choices, emphasizing divine justice and mercy. 8. David Chooses Pestilence "David said to Gad, 'I am deeply distressed. Please, let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hands of men.'" (1 Chronicles 21:13). David opts for a plague, trusting in God's mercy rather than human retribution. 9. The Plague Strikes Israel "So the LORD sent a plague on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead." (1 Chronicles 21:14). The severity of the plague reflects the seriousness of David's sin and the collective consequence for Israel. 10. The Angel of the LORD at Jerusalem "And God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem. But as the angel was doing so, the LORD saw it and relented from the calamity. He said to the angel who was destroying the people, 'Enough! Withdraw your hand now!'" (1 Chronicles 21:15). The Hebrew term for "relented" is "נָחַם" (nacham), indicating a change of mind or compassion from God. 11. David Builds an Altar "Then David built an altar to the LORD there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. And he called on the LORD, who answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering." (1 Chronicles 21:26). David's altar and offerings signify repentance and restoration of fellowship with God. 12. The Plague is Halted "Then the LORD spoke to the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath." (1 Chronicles 21:27). The cessation of the plague demonstrates God's mercy and the effectiveness of David's intercession and sacrifice. Topics 1. Satan Incites David to Number IsraelIn 1 Chronicles 21:1, the chapter begins with Satan inciting David to take a census of Israel. The Hebrew term used here for "Satan" is "שָׂטָן" (satan), meaning adversary or accuser, indicating a spiritual opposition to God's will. 2. David Commands Joab to Conduct the Census Verses 2-4 describe David instructing Joab and the commanders to number Israel from Beersheba to Dan. Joab questions the king's decision, highlighting the potential for sin against God, but David insists. 3. Joab Reports the Census Results In verses 5-6, Joab reports the number of fighting men to David, but he omits the tribes of Levi and Benjamin, as the king's command was detestable to him. This reflects Joab's reluctance and the incomplete nature of the census. 4. God's Displeasure and David's Repentance Verse 7 reveals God's displeasure with the census, leading to a plague on Israel. David acknowledges his sin in verse 8, using the Hebrew word "חָטָא" (chata), meaning to miss the mark or sin, and he pleads for forgiveness. 5. The Choice of Punishment In verses 9-13, God, through the prophet Gad, offers David three options for punishment: three years of famine, three months of defeat by enemies, or three days of plague. David chooses to fall into the hands of the Lord, trusting in His mercy. 6. The Plague on Israel Verses 14-17 describe the plague that strikes Israel, resulting in the death of 70,000 men. David sees the angel of the Lord with a drawn sword over Jerusalem and pleads for the punishment to fall on him and his family instead. 7. David Builds an Altar In verses 18-27, David is instructed by Gad to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David purchases the site, builds the altar, and offers sacrifices. The Hebrew word for altar, "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), signifies a place of sacrifice and worship. 8. The Plague is Halted The chapter concludes in verses 28-30 with God responding to David's sacrifices by halting the plague. This act of divine mercy underscores the importance of obedience and repentance in restoring the relationship between God and His people. Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human AgencyIn 1 Chronicles 21, the theme of divine sovereignty is evident as God allows Satan to incite David to take a census of Israel. This highlights the tension between God's ultimate control and human responsibility. The Hebrew word for "incited" (וַיָּסֶת, vayyaset) underscores the adversarial role Satan plays, yet within the boundaries of God's sovereign will. 2. The Consequences of Sin David's decision to conduct a census, against God's will, leads to severe consequences for Israel. This theme is emphasized in verses like 1 Chronicles 21:7, "This command was also evil in the sight of God; so He struck Israel." The narrative illustrates the seriousness of sin and its impact on the community. 3. Repentance and Intercession David's response to the plague is one of repentance and intercession. In 1 Chronicles 21:17, David acknowledges his sin and pleads for mercy on behalf of the people: "Was it not I who commanded the fighting men to be numbered? I am the one who has sinned and acted wickedly." This theme highlights the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking God's forgiveness. 4. God’s Mercy and Provision Despite the judgment, God's mercy is evident as He provides a way for the plague to be halted. In 1 Chronicles 21:15, God relents from destroying Jerusalem, showing His compassion. The Hebrew root for "relented" (נָחַם, nacham) conveys a sense of divine compassion and change of action in response to human repentance. 5. The Significance of Sacrifice The chapter concludes with David building an altar and offering sacrifices to God, which results in the cessation of the plague. This theme underscores the importance of sacrifice in restoring the relationship between God and His people. In 1 Chronicles 21:26, "David built an altar to the LORD there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings," highlighting the role of sacrifice in atonement and reconciliation. 6. The Role of Prophetic Guidance The prophet Gad plays a crucial role in guiding David's actions, as seen in 1 Chronicles 21:18, "Then the angel of the LORD ordered Gad to tell David to go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite." This theme emphasizes the importance of prophetic insight and obedience to divine instruction in navigating the consequences of sin. Answering Tough Questions 1. Why does 1 Chronicles 21:1 say Satan incited David, whereas 2 Samuel 24:1 implies God did? 2. How is it fair for 70,000 people to die (1 Chronicles 21:14) because of David’s census? 3. Why are the census figures in 1 Chronicles 21:5 different from those in 2 Samuel 24:9? 5. How do we reconcile the portrayal of God’s anger with His mercy in 1 Chronicles 21? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think the act of taking a census was considered sinful in God's eyes? How does this relate to reliance on God? 2. How did Joab react to David's command to count the people? What does his reaction teach us about obeying authority versus obeying God's laws? 3. Why do you think David chose the plague as his punishment? How does this decision reflect on his faith in God's mercy? 4. What was the consequence of David's sin on the people of Israel? How does this impact your understanding of the effects of our actions on others? 5. How did David respond when confronted with the consequences of his actions? How can this guide us when we realize we've sinned? 6. How does the divine punishment narrative influence your understanding of God's justice? 7. How does God's mercy, as illustrated in this chapter, resonate with your understanding of God's character? 8. Why was it important for David to pay for the threshing floor and the offerings? What does this teach us about sacrifices and offerings? 9. How does the story of David's repentance inspire your personal spiritual journey? 10. David had three choices for his punishment. How would you have chosen? Why? 11. If you were in Joab's position, how would you have handled David's command? 12. In present-day living, how can we discern when a command or order contradicts God's principles? 13. How can we apply the principle of God's mercy towards David to our own lives when we make mistakes? 14. How can this chapter inform our understanding of the relationship between sin, repentance, and forgiveness? 15. How can we ensure that our offerings to God are meaningful and not just ceremonial? 16. In what ways do we see the theme of divine justice played out in our world today? 17. How can we trust in God's providence when faced with challenging decisions, as David did? 18. How does this chapter help you understand the importance of obeying God’s command? 19. In what ways might you be relying on worldly measures of success rather than trusting God's provision and purpose? 20. How does 1 Chronicles 21 inspire you to seek God's mercy in your life? How can you incorporate this lesson into your daily actions? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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