What does 1 Chronicles 21:28 teach about God's response to sincere worship?

The Setting Behind 1 Chronicles 21:28

• David had taken a pride-filled census; judgment followed in the form of a plague (1 Chronicles 21:1-17).

• In repentance he was told to build an altar on Ornan’s threshing floor (vv. 18-19).

• He paid full price, offered burnt and peace offerings, and “the LORD answered him with fire from heaven” (v. 26).

• The plague stopped, the angel sheathed his sword (v. 27), and David recognized God’s response—recorded in v. 28.

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Reading the Verse

“At that time David saw that the LORD had answered him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, and he offered sacrifices there.” (1 Chronicles 21:28)

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What We Learn About God’s Response to Sincere Worship

• God answers humble, repentant worship.

– Psalm 51:17: “A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”

• His answer is perceptible.

– David “saw” the answer; fire, halted plague, and peace marked divine approval (vv. 26-27).

– 2 Chron 7:1 shows similar fire at Solomon’s dedication.

• He turns ordinary ground into holy ground.

– The threshing floor later became the temple site (2 Chron 3:1).

• Mercy triumphs over judgment.

– Isaiah 55:7: the LORD “will abundantly pardon” the repentant.

• He invites continued fellowship.

– David kept offering sacrifices there; worship became ongoing, not momentary (cf. Hebrews 13:15).

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Practical Takeaways for Our Worship Today

• Come with honest repentance—He hears (Psalm 34:15).

• Expect recognizable reassurance—perhaps not fire, but peace, conviction, open doors (Philippians 4:7).

• Offer obedience that costs us something, as David did (1 Chronicles 21:24).

• Trust God to transform everyday places—and situations—into meeting points with Him.

• Keep offering yourself; true worship is continual (Romans 12:1).