What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 21:19? So David went up - After the judgment that followed David’s census, the prophet Gad instructed him to build an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor (2 Samuel 24:18-19). - “Went up” signals David’s immediate, physical response—ascending Mount Moriah without delay (Genesis 22:2; Psalm 24:3). - Obedience here is active, visible faith: David moves before seeing the outcome, trusting God’s mercy (James 2:17; Hebrews 11:8). at the word - David’s action is triggered solely “at the word,” underscoring the sufficiency and authority of God’s command (Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 55:11). - He does not negotiate or postpone; the Word of the LORD is final and compelling (Luke 5:5; John 2:5). - Scripture, not circumstance, determines his course (Psalm 119:105). that Gad had spoken - Gad, the “seer” (1 Samuel 22:5), stands as God’s appointed messenger; David recognizes prophetic authority (2 Chronicles 29:25). - The king submits to a prophet—showing that no earthly rank exempts anyone from God’s directive (Proverbs 15:31; Hebrews 13:17). - True leadership models humble responsiveness to godly counsel (Proverbs 11:14; Acts 11:22-24). in the name of the LORD - Acting “in the name of the LORD” means under His character, authority, and approval (Exodus 3:14-15; Colossians 3:17). - The phrase affirms that the command originated with God, not merely with Gad (Jeremiah 1:9; 2 Peter 1:21). - David’s obedience aims at God’s glory, not self-preservation (1 Samuel 17:45; 1 Corinthians 10:31). summary 1 Chronicles 21:19 portrays David’s swift, unquestioning obedience to a divine command delivered through Gad. He ascends the future temple site because God spoke, responding in faith and humility under God’s authority. The verse calls believers to the same pattern: hear God’s Word, recognize its source, and act promptly for His glory. |
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