1 chronicles 21:26 - David built an altar to Yahweh there, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on Yahweh; and he answered him from the sky by fire on the altar of burnt offering.
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What does "1 chronicles 21:26" mean?
This verse from 1 Chronicles 21:26 describes a powerful act of divine intervention in response to David's plea for forgiveness. Let's break down its meaning:
"David built an altar to Yahweh there": This refers to the location where the angel of the Lord had stopped his destruction of Jerusalem as punishment for David's census (a sin in this context, as it represented a trust in the army's numbers rather than God's provision). David built an altar at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, a place chosen through divine guidance. Building an altar signifies dedicating a sacred space for worship and sacrifice.
"and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings": These were two specific types of sacrifices prescribed in the Old Testament.
Burnt offerings were wholly consumed by fire as a symbol of complete devotion and atonement for sin. The offering was entirely given to God.
Peace offerings (or fellowship offerings) were partially consumed by fire, with portions also eaten by the priests and the one offering the sacrifice. They represented fellowship with God, thanksgiving, and the making of covenants.
"and called on Yahweh": David prayed and appealed to God for mercy and forgiveness. He recognized his sin and sought reconciliation.
"and he answered him from the sky by fire on the altar of burnt offering": This is the key part indicating divine acceptance. Fire coming down from the sky and consuming the offering was a clear sign of God's acceptance and approval. It was a demonstration of God's power and mercy, showing that He had heard David's prayer and accepted his sacrifice as atonement.
In essence, the verse signifies:
Repentance and Atonement: David's actions demonstrate sincere repentance for his sin of taking the census. The sacrifices were offered as a means of seeking atonement and reconciliation with God.
Divine Acceptance: The fire from the sky is a powerful symbol of God's acceptance of David's sacrifice and his forgiveness of the people.
End of Judgment: The plague that had been afflicting Israel ceased because God had accepted David's offering and intervened.
Establishment of Worship: This location, the threshing floor of Ornan, became a sacred place for worship and sacrifice, eventually becoming the site of the Temple in Jerusalem.
The verse highlights the importance of repentance, the power of prayer, and God's willingness to forgive those who sincerely seek Him. It also underscores the significance of sacrifice in the ancient Israelite religion as a means of establishing a relationship with God.
1 chronicles 21:26 - David built an altar to Yahweh there, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on Yahweh; and he answered him from the sky by fire on the altar of burnt offering.
What does "1 chronicles 21:26" mean?
This verse from 1 Chronicles 21:26 describes a powerful act of divine intervention in response to David's plea for forgiveness. Let's break down its meaning:
"David built an altar to Yahweh there": This refers to the location where the angel of the Lord had stopped his destruction of Jerusalem as punishment for David's census (a sin in this context, as it represented a trust in the army's numbers rather than God's provision). David built an altar at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, a place chosen through divine guidance. Building an altar signifies dedicating a sacred space for worship and sacrifice.
"and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings": These were two specific types of sacrifices prescribed in the Old Testament.
Burnt offerings were wholly consumed by fire as a symbol of complete devotion and atonement for sin. The offering was entirely given to God.
Peace offerings (or fellowship offerings) were partially consumed by fire, with portions also eaten by the priests and the one offering the sacrifice. They represented fellowship with God, thanksgiving, and the making of covenants.
"and called on Yahweh": David prayed and appealed to God for mercy and forgiveness. He recognized his sin and sought reconciliation.
"and he answered him from the sky by fire on the altar of burnt offering": This is the key part indicating divine acceptance. Fire coming down from the sky and consuming the offering was a clear sign of God's acceptance and approval. It was a demonstration of God's power and mercy, showing that He had heard David's prayer and accepted his sacrifice as atonement.
In essence, the verse signifies:
Repentance and Atonement: David's actions demonstrate sincere repentance for his sin of taking the census. The sacrifices were offered as a means of seeking atonement and reconciliation with God.
Divine Acceptance: The fire from the sky is a powerful symbol of God's acceptance of David's sacrifice and his forgiveness of the people.
End of Judgment: The plague that had been afflicting Israel ceased because God had accepted David's offering and intervened.
Establishment of Worship: This location, the threshing floor of Ornan, became a sacred place for worship and sacrifice, eventually becoming the site of the Temple in Jerusalem.
The verse highlights the importance of repentance, the power of prayer, and God's willingness to forgive those who sincerely seek Him. It also underscores the significance of sacrifice in the ancient Israelite religion as a means of establishing a relationship with God.