What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 21:27? Then the LORD • The initiative belongs entirely to God; He decides when judgment ends and mercy begins (1 Chronicles 21:14-15; Psalm 103:8-9). • “Then” signals a turning point after David’s repentance and sacrifice (1 Chronicles 21:17-19). God’s timing is perfect—He is neither slow to judge nor slow to forgive (Isaiah 55:7; Jonah 3:10). • His sovereignty is on display: the same Lord who permitted the plague now halts it (2 Samuel 24:16). Spoke to the angel • Angels are personal, conscious servants who obey God’s direct word (Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 1:14). • The angel in this chapter had been actively striking Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 21:15), yet he pauses the moment God speaks—illustrating absolute heavenly obedience (Revelation 7:2-3). • God mediates judgment through His messengers but retains full control; no calamity proceeds one second beyond His command (Exodus 12:23; Job 1:12). Who put his sword back into its sheath • The drawn sword symbolized ongoing judgment (1 Chronicles 21:16; Joshua 5:13). Sheathing it marks complete cessation—grace has triumphed (Psalm 30:5). • In Scripture, a sheathed sword often pictures peace restored (Ezekiel 21:30; Psalm 46:9). • David’s altar sacrifice on Ornan’s threshing floor immediately precedes this moment (1 Chronicles 21:26); the offering points forward to the once-for-all atonement in Christ that ultimately stops judgment for all who believe (Hebrews 10:10-12; Romans 5:9). summary 1 Chronicles 21:27 captures the instant God’s mercy overtook His wrath: the sovereign LORD spoke, the angel obeyed, and the sword of judgment was sheathed. In one verse we see divine authority, angelic submission, and the gracious end of discipline—reminding us that when God declares “Enough,” His people move from peril to peace. |
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