Understanding 1 Chronicles 21:19 - A Comprehensive Bible Verse Commentary

1 Chronicles 21:19 states, "And David said to Ornan, 'Give me the place of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar to the Lord. You shall grant it to me at its full price, that the plague may be averted from the people.'"

Verse Analysis and Interpretation

This moment in Scripture captures a significant interaction between King David and Ornan, the Jebusite. David, recognizing his sin and the severity of the consequences upon his people, seeks to build an altar to the Lord on Ornan’s threshing floor. Below are insights from various public domain commentaries.

• Matthew Henry:

  Matthew Henry emphasizes the sincerity and urgency of David’s approach to God. Having counted the people in defiance of God’s judgment, he understands that an act of repentance is needed. Henry points out that David's desire to build an altar signifies his acknowledgment of sin and his intent to seek atonement through sacrifice.

• Albert Barnes:

  Albert Barnes provides a detailed cultural context, explaining that Ornan was willing to donate the threshing floor, highlighting the spirit of generosity in Israel. However, David insists on paying the full price, illustrating a key principle in biblical sacrifice—the need for personal investment in worship. This reflects the deeper understanding that genuine worship and atonement require a cost to the individual.

• Adam Clarke:

  Adam Clarke expands on the significance of the site itself, noting that the location of the threshing floor is historically rich, eventually becoming the site of the future Temple. Clarke also underscores the importance of David’s actions, as they demonstrate the king’s responsibility to lead his nation back to God, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament concerning leadership and accountability.

Key Themes and Lessons

From 1 Chronicles 21:19, several key themes emerge that are vital for understanding Scripture:

• Repentance: David’s actions show the importance of turning back to God after sin.
• Cost of Worship: The need for personal sacrifice in the act of worship signifies that true devotion often requires significant investment.
• God’s Mercy: The urgency to build an altar symbolizes a cry for divine intervention and mercy from God amid judgment.
• Leadership Responsibility: David’s willingness to confront his sin and seek restoration reflects the importance of accountability among leaders.

Application to Daily Life

Understanding this verse encourages believers to reflect on their relationship with God, the importance of repentance, and the acknowledgment that true worship often comes at a personal cost. In practical terms:

• Reflect on Personal Sin: Consider areas where one might need to seek God’s forgiveness and initiate restoration.
• Invest in Worship: Assess what one is willing to give in order to deepen their worship experience and relationship with God.
• Lead by Example: If in a position of influence, actively demonstrate accountability and a commitment to spiritual growth.

Cross References

For deeper understanding, consider these related Bible verses:

• 2 Samuel 24:24 - David’s refusal to offer sacrifices that cost him nothing.
• 1 Kings 6:1 - The site’s significance as it becomes the future Temple of Solomon.
• Hebrews 13:15 - The call to offer sacrifices of praise as a form of spiritual worship.

Conclusion

In summary, 1 Chronicles 21:19 serves as a profound reminder of the importance of repentance, personal sacrifice in worship, and leadership accountability. Understanding this verse fosters a deeper appreciation for biblical teachings and their application in daily life.