1 chronicles 21:14 - So Yahweh sent a pestilence on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell.

Generated Verse: 1 chronicles 21:14

What does "1 chronicles 21:14" mean?


1 Chronicles 21:14 states, "So Yahweh sent a pestilence on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell."

Here's a breakdown of what this verse means within the context of the chapter and broader Old Testament themes:

Context: This verse is part of the narrative where King David orders a census of Israel. This census is seen as a sin against God, possibly due to pride or distrust in God's provision. As a consequence, God offers David a choice of punishments, and David chooses a pestilence (a deadly epidemic).

"Yahweh": This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. The use of this name emphasizes God's direct involvement and covenant relationship with Israel.

"Sent a pestilence": This refers to a widespread and deadly disease outbreak. In ancient times, pestilences were often interpreted as divine judgments or punishments. The idea is that God directly caused or allowed the disease to spread.

"Seventy thousand men of Israel fell": This indicates a significant number of deaths resulting from the pestilence. It highlights the severity of the punishment and the impact on the nation.

Interpretations and Significance:

Divine Judgment: The verse is a clear example of divine retribution in the Old Testament. God is seen as punishing Israel for David's sin.

Sovereignty of God: It underscores the belief that God has ultimate authority over life and death, and that He can use natural disasters (like pestilence) to carry out His will.

Consequences of Sin: The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and pride.

Additional Considerations:

Ethical Questions: Passages like this can raise ethical questions about divine justice and the suffering of innocent people. Different theological perspectives offer various explanations, such as the idea that God's ways are beyond human understanding, or that suffering can sometimes be a catalyst for repentance and renewal.

In summary, 1 Chronicles 21:14 describes a divinely ordained pestilence that resulted in the deaths of seventy thousand men in Israel, serving as a punishment for David's sin and a demonstration of God's sovereignty and judgment.

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