1 Chronicles 21:15 describes a moment where God's judgment on Jerusalem is averted due to his mercy. Let's break down the meaning:
"God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it." This indicates divine judgment. God, in response to a perceived offense (in this case, David's census, which was seen as an act of pride and distrust in God's power), sends an angel as an instrument of destruction upon Jerusalem. This is not unusual in the Old Testament, where angels often act as agents of God's will, both for good and for punishment.
"As he was about to destroy, Yahweh saw, and he relented of the disaster..." This is the key point. God, seeing the potential devastation or perhaps feeling compassion for the people, relents from his planned destruction. This highlights God's mercy and willingness to forgive. Relenting is a human term applied to God to show God's mercy. God, in His sovereignty, can change His course of action.
"...and said to the destroying angel, “It is enough. Now withdraw your hand.” This is God directly commanding the angel to cease the destruction. The phrase "It is enough" implies that God's purpose in sending the angel has been fulfilled, whether through a demonstration of his power or through the acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
"Yahweh’s angel was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite." This provides a specific location. The threshing floor was a place where grain was separated from the chaff, an open area that might have been easily visible to many. This detail is important because it sets the stage for the next part of the story, where David will purchase the threshing floor and build an altar to God. The threshing floor becomes a place of reconciliation and worship.
In summary, the verse describes a scene of impending divine judgment averted by God's mercy. It emphasizes:
God's Sovereignty: God has the power to bring judgment.
God's Mercy: God is also compassionate and willing to forgive and halt punishment.
Intervention: Angels are agents of God, both for blessing and judgement.
Repentance and Reconciliation: This verse sets the stage for David's repentance and the establishment of a place of worship that signifies reconciliation between God and his people. It is also believed to be the location of the future temple mount.
The verse is a reminder that even in the face of judgment, God's mercy is available to those who seek it. It's also important to note that different theological perspectives might interpret the details, purpose, and specific causes of God’s actions. However, the overriding themes of divine sovereignty and mercy are central to understanding the verse.
1 Chronicles 21:15 describes a moment where God's judgment on Jerusalem is averted due to his mercy. Let's break down the meaning:
"God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it." This indicates divine judgment. God, in response to a perceived offense (in this case, David's census, which was seen as an act of pride and distrust in God's power), sends an angel as an instrument of destruction upon Jerusalem. This is not unusual in the Old Testament, where angels often act as agents of God's will, both for good and for punishment.
"As he was about to destroy, Yahweh saw, and he relented of the disaster..." This is the key point. God, seeing the potential devastation or perhaps feeling compassion for the people, relents from his planned destruction. This highlights God's mercy and willingness to forgive. Relenting is a human term applied to God to show God's mercy. God, in His sovereignty, can change His course of action.
"...and said to the destroying angel, “It is enough. Now withdraw your hand.” This is God directly commanding the angel to cease the destruction. The phrase "It is enough" implies that God's purpose in sending the angel has been fulfilled, whether through a demonstration of his power or through the acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
"Yahweh’s angel was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite." This provides a specific location. The threshing floor was a place where grain was separated from the chaff, an open area that might have been easily visible to many. This detail is important because it sets the stage for the next part of the story, where David will purchase the threshing floor and build an altar to God. The threshing floor becomes a place of reconciliation and worship.
In summary, the verse describes a scene of impending divine judgment averted by God's mercy. It emphasizes:
God's Sovereignty: God has the power to bring judgment.
God's Mercy: God is also compassionate and willing to forgive and halt punishment.
Intervention: Angels are agents of God, both for blessing and judgement.
Repentance and Reconciliation: This verse sets the stage for David's repentance and the establishment of a place of worship that signifies reconciliation between God and his people. It is also believed to be the location of the future temple mount.
The verse is a reminder that even in the face of judgment, God's mercy is available to those who seek it. It's also important to note that different theological perspectives might interpret the details, purpose, and specific causes of God’s actions. However, the overriding themes of divine sovereignty and mercy are central to understanding the verse.