1 Chronicles 21

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with Satan inciting David to conduct a census of Israel, which was a sinful act of pride and distrust in God's sovereignty. In response, God sent the prophet Gad to confront David with his sin, offering him a choice of three punishments: three years of famine, three months of devastation by his enemies, or three days of plague. David chose the third option, and the Lord sent a plague that killed 70,000 men in Israel. However, when the angel of the Lord was about to destroy Jerusalem, God relented and instructed the angel to stop the plague. David then purchased the threshing floor of Araunah, where the angel had appeared, and offered sacrifices to the Lord. The chapter ends with David's recognition of God's mercy and his decision to build an altar on the site, which would later become the location of the temple.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles, which tells the story of the kingdom of Israel from the perspective of the tribe of Judah. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative, which describes the history of God's relationship with His people and the ultimate redemption that would be accomplished through Jesus Christ. The events of this chapter occur during the reign of King David, who is seen as a type of Christ and a model for Christian leadership. As seen in (1 Chronicles 21:1-3), the chapter is connected to the larger story of Israel's history and God's covenant with His people.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages us to recognize the dangers of pride and self-reliance, and to trust in God's sovereignty and mercy. We are also reminded of the importance of repentance and confession, and the need to seek God's forgiveness and guidance in our lives. As we reflect on this chapter, we can apply these principles by examining our own hearts and actions, and seeking to cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and wisdom.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of how King David's decision to conduct a census led to God's judgment on Israel, and how David's repentance and God's mercy ultimately resulted in the establishment of the site for the future temple. As seen in (1 Chronicles 21:1-3), David's actions were motivated by pride and a lack of trust in God's sovereignty. However, through his repentance and God's mercy, David was able to find forgiveness and establish a place of worship that would later become the temple. The chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His forgiveness and guidance in our lives.

Voices from the Church

“The pestilence which David chose was a terrible scourge, but it was a plague which came from the hand of God, and therefore it was more tolerable than the sword of man.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“David's sin was not only a violation of the law, but also a betrayal of the trust which God had placed in him as king.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Census and God's Judgment (1 Chronicles 21:1-6) — The chapter begins with Satan inciting David to conduct a census, which was a sinful act of pride and distrust in God's sovereignty. As a result, God sent the prophet Gad to confront David with his sin and offer him a choice of three punishments.
2. David's Repentance and God's Mercy (1 Chronicles 21:7-13) — David recognized his sin and chose the third option, which was a plague that would kill 70,000 men in Israel. However, when the angel of the Lord was about to destroy Jerusalem, God relented and instructed the angel to stop the plague.
3. The Establishment of the Temple Site (1 Chronicles 21:14-22) — David then purchased the threshing floor of Araunah, where the angel had appeared, and offered sacrifices to the Lord. The chapter ends with David's recognition of God's mercy and his decision to build an altar on the site, which would later become the location of the temple.
4. The Significance of the Temple Site (1 Chronicles 21:23-27) — The establishment of the site for the future temple is a significant event in the chapter, highlighting the connection between the Old Testament and the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. As seen in (1 Chronicles 21:26-27), the Lord answered David's sacrifice and established the altar.
5. Conclusion (1 Chronicles 21:28-30) — The chapter concludes with David's recognition of God's mercy and his decision to build an altar on the site, which would later become the location of the temple. This event underscores the connection between the Old Testament and the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the actions of humans and the consequences of sin. As seen in (1 Chronicles 21:1-3), God's sovereignty is evident in His response to David's sin.

The Importance of Repentance

The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and confession in the Christian life, demonstrating that these actions can mitigate the consequences of sin. As seen in (1 Chronicles 21:8), David's repentance is a key aspect of the chapter.

The Mercy of God

The chapter reveals the mercy of God, who relents from His judgment and provides forgiveness and guidance to those who seek Him. As seen in (1 Chronicles 21:15), God's mercy is evident in His instruction to the angel to stop the plague.

The Connection between the Old and New Testaments

The establishment of the site for the future temple highlights the connection between the Old Testament and the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. As seen in (1 Chronicles 21:26-27), the Lord's answer to David's sacrifice and the establishment of the altar underscore this connection.

Lessons from 1 Chronicles 21

1. The Dangers of Pride — This chapter teaches us to beware of the dangers of pride and self-reliance, and to trust in God's sovereignty and mercy.
2. The Importance of Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and confession in the Christian life, demonstrating that these actions can mitigate the consequences of sin.
3. The Mercy of God — The chapter reveals the mercy of God, who relents from His judgment and provides forgiveness and guidance to those who seek Him.
4. The Connection between the Old and New Testaments — The establishment of the site for the future temple highlights the connection between the Old Testament and the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
5. The Significance of the Temple Site — The chapter underscores the significance of the temple site, which would later become the location of the temple and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

Themes from 1 Chronicles 21

1. The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the actions of humans and the consequences of sin.
2. The Importance of Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and confession in the Christian life, demonstrating that these actions can mitigate the consequences of sin.
3. The Mercy of God — The chapter reveals the mercy of God, who relents from His judgment and provides forgiveness and guidance to those who seek Him.
4. The Connection between the Old and New Testaments — The establishment of the site for the future temple highlights the connection between the Old Testament and the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
5. The Significance of the Temple Site — The chapter underscores the significance of the temple site, which would later become the location of the temple and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

Questions for Meditation

1. What motivated David to conduct the census, and what were the consequences of his actions?
2. How did David's repentance and recognition of his sin affect the outcome of the story?
3. What is the significance of the temple site, and how does it relate to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ?
4. How does this chapter encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and seek His forgiveness and guidance in our lives?
5. What lessons can we learn from David's experience, and how can we apply them to our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 21

	Sermon	Description
	Yielding by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, Dr. Alan Redpath discusses the story of David in 1 Chronicles 21. David realizes that his sin has caused innocent people to suffer, and he falls on his face before
	When Corruption Turns to Revelation by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being honest with ourselves and recognizing the presence of pride in our hearts. He refers to the story of Nebuchadnezzar a
	The Threshing Floor of Ornan by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and real relationship with God. He highlights the need for believers to have a solid foundation in their f
	I Have Sinned by Jack Hyles	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience as a public speaker and his struggle with three specific words. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and the negative co
	The Church Is the Light by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of building the church as a united body, not just focusing on individual Christianity. It highlights the sacrificial attitude needed to build
	Obtaining the Promises by Edgar F. Parkyns	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of David and how he made a mistake by not consulting God before carrying out his plans. The speaker emphasizes that sometimes we ma
	David's Mistake in Numbering Israel by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of being prepared as a Christian to share the message of Jesus Christ with others. He encourages believers to know and
	A Heart to Sacrifice by Stewart Ruch	In this sermon, the speaker shares the journey of their church in raising funds for a building project. They started with a goal of $7 million and began raising money two years ago
	Angel Workers by Andrew Bonar	Andrew Bonar shares a profound allegory of a gathering of angels who discuss their divine missions and the importance of their service to God and humanity. Each angel recounts thei
	"I Will Not Offer Unto the Lord That Which Cost Me Nothing" by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of sacrifice in our relationship with God, using the story of David and the threshing floor of Ornan as a backdrop. He highlights that

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21

This chapter describes the sin of David in numbering the people, and the plague that followed as a consequence. However, it also reveals the mercy of God, who relented from His judgment and provided forgiveness and guidance to David. The establishment of the site for the future temple is a significant event in the chapter, highlighting the connection between the Old Testament and the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.' This chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His forgiveness and guidance in our lives, and to recognize the significance of the temple site as a symbol of God's presence among His people. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?