King James Version
1 Chronicles 21
30 verses with commentary
David's Census
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
The statement 'Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel' introduces Satan explicitly in a historical narrative (compare 2 Samuel 24:1 which says 'the LORD moved David'). Both accounts are true: Satan acted as agent of temptation while God permitted/used this for His purposes. This illustrates the mysterious relationship between divine sovereignty and satanic/human agency....
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1-6) The Census.
(1) **And Satan stood up against Israel.**—Perhaps, *And an adversary* (hostile influence) *arose against Israel.* So in 2Samuel 19:23 the sons of Zeruiah are called “adversaries” (Heb., a *Satan*) to David. (Comp. 1Kings 11:14; 1Kings 11:25.) When *the* adversary, the enemy of mankind, is meant, the word takes the article, which it has not here. (Comp. Job 1, 2 and Zechariah 3:1...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **And to the rulers** (captains) **of the people.**—Omitted in Samuel, which reads, “Joab, the captain of the host, who was with him.” The “captains of the host” are, however, associated in the work of the census with Joab (2Samuel 24:4). The fact that Joab and his staff were deputed to take the census seems to prove that it was of a military character.
**Go.**—Plural.
**Number.**—*Enrol,* or ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Answered.**—Hebrew, *said.*
**The Lord . . . as they be.**—Literally, *Jehovah add upon his people like them an hundred times,* an
abridged form of what is read in Samuel.
**But, my lord the king, are they not** **. . .?**—Instead of this, Samuel records another wish, “And may the eyes of my lord the king be seeing,” that is, *living* (Genesis 16:13).
**Why then doth my lord require this thi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 8
1Ch 8:1-32. Sons and Chief Men of Benjamin.
**1. Now Benjamin begat, &c.--**This chapter contains some supplementary particulars in addition to what has been already said regarding the tribe of Benjamin (see on 1Ch 7:6). The names of many of the persons mentioned are different from those given by Moses--a diversity which may be accounted for in part on grounds formerly stated, na...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Wherefore Joab departed.**—“Went out” *scil,* from the king’s presence (Samuel). The chronicler omits the account of the route of Joab and his party, as described in 2Samuel 24:4-8. They crossed Jordan, and went to Aroer, Jazer, Gilead, and Dan; then round to Zidon, “the fortress of Tyre, and all the cities of the Hivite and Canaanite, and came out at the *nageb* of Judah, to Beersheba.” The...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah was four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **The number.**—*Muster,* or census (*miphqăd*)*.* The first clause is identical with Samuel, but has “David” for “the king,” as elsewhere.
**And all they of Israel.**—*And all Israel became* (came to). The numbers are different in Samuel, which states them as 800,000 for Israel and 500,000 for Judah. The latter may fairly be regarded as a round number (500,000), our text giving the more exact...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **But Levi** **. . .**—This verse is wanting in Samuel, but it probably existed in the original source. There is nothing in the style to suggest a later hand; while the word “counted” (*pāqad*)*,* which has not been used before in this chapter, occurs twice in the parallel passage (2Samuel 24:2; 2Samuel 24:4). It is noticeable also that the chronicler writes “the king” (not “David”) here, as i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →Judgment for the Census
And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel. And: Heb. And it was evil in the eyes of the LORD concerning this thing
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7-13) The Divine wrath, declared by Gad the seer.
(7) **And God was** **displeased.**—This verse also is not read in Samuel, which has instead, “And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people.” The peculiarities of expression in Samuel suggest textual corruption. The chronicler’s verse is a sort of general heading, or anticipative summary, to the following narrative. The margin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And David said.**—This verse is verbatim the same with its parallel, save that it makes the characteristic substitution of “God” for “Jehovah,” and adds the explanatory phrase “this thing” in the first half, and in the second omits the Divine Name altogether.
**Do away.**—*Cause to pass over,* and so *away.* David’s conscience misgave him in the night, before his interview with Gad. (See 2Sa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. these are the sons of Ehud--**most probably the judge of Israel (Jud 3:15). His descendants, who had at first been established in Geba in Benjamin, emigrated in a body under the direction of Gera (1Ch 8:7) to Manahath, where their increased numbers would find more ample accommodation. Manahath was within the territory of Judah.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **And the Lord** (Jehovah) **spake unto Gad.**—Samuel, “And David arose in the morning. Now a word of Jehovah had come to Gad the prophet, a seer of David, saying—“ This appears to be more original than our text.
**David’s seer.**—Better, *a seer of David’s,* for the same title is applied to Heman (1Chronicles 25:5). For Gad, see 1Samuel 22:5, and 1Chronicles 29:29. From the latter passage it ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee. offer: Heb. stretch out
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) This verse, again, nearly coincides with the parallel in Samuel. The variations look like corrections and explanatory or paraphrastic substitutions. Thus the word “go is here imperative, instead of the less usual infinitive; “saving” is added by way of clearness; the easier phrase, “I offer thee” (*spread* or *lay before thee*)*,* is given in place of the curious “I lift up” (*i.e.,* impose) ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. Shaharaim begat children in the country of Moab--**He had probably been driven to take refuge in that foreign land on the same calamitous occasion that forced Elimelech to emigrate thither (Ru 1:1). But, destitute of natural affection, he forsook or divorced his two wives, and in the land of his sojourn married a third, by whom he had several sons. But there is another explanation given of th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-18**
Here is the doom of Judah and Jerusalem. The words used represent the city emptied and utterly desolate, yet not destroyed thereby, but cleansed, and to be kept for the future dwelling of the Jews: forsaken, yet not finally, and only as to outward privileges, for individual believers were preserved in that visitation. The Lord will cast off any professing people who dishonour ...
Read full commentary →So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee Choose: Heb. Take to thee
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **And said unto him.**—Samuel has the pleonastic, “And told him, and said,” &c.
The following curse from the Annals of Tiglath Pileser I. (circ. 1120 B.C.) well illustrates the three penalties proposed by God to David: “May Assur and Anum, the great gods my lords, mightily rebuke him and curse him with grievous curse . . . The overthrow of his army may they work! In presence of his foes may t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-18**
Here is the doom of Judah and Jerusalem. The words used represent the city emptied and utterly desolate, yet not destroyed thereby, but cleansed, and to be kept for the future dwelling of the Jews: forsaken, yet not finally, and only as to outward privileges, for individual believers were preserved in that visitation. The Lord will cast off any professing people who dishonour ...
Read full commentary →Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Three years’ famine.**—This appears correct, as harmonising with the three months and three days of the other visitations. Samuel has the reading “seven,” which perhaps originated in some scribe’s memory of the famine described in Genesis 41:30, *sqq.*
**To be destroyed.**—Samuel has, “thy flying,” and so LXX. and Vulg. here. This is doubtless right, as the word in our Hebrew text might eas...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-18**
Here is the doom of Judah and Jerusalem. The words used represent the city emptied and utterly desolate, yet not destroyed thereby, but cleansed, and to be kept for the future dwelling of the Jews: forsaken, yet not finally, and only as to outward privileges, for individual believers were preserved in that visitation. The Lord will cast off any professing people who dishonour ...
Read full commentary →And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man. very great: or, very many
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KJV Study Commentary
David's response 'Let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man' reveals profound theological insight. When given choice between three judgments, David chooses the one bringing him directly under God's hand rather than human enemies. This demonstrates confidence in divine mercy (rachamim - compassionate love) even in judgment. R...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **And David said.**—Almost identical with Samuel. “Let me fall” looks like an improvement of Samuel, “Let us fall.” The word “very” (not in Sam.) is perhaps an accidental repetition from the Hebrew of *I am in a great strait.*
**Let me not fall.**—Samuel has a precative form of the same verb (’*eppōlāh;* here ’eppōl).
David confesses inability to choose. So much only is clear to him, that it ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-18**
Here is the doom of Judah and Jerusalem. The words used represent the city emptied and utterly desolate, yet not destroyed thereby, but cleansed, and to be kept for the future dwelling of the Jews: forsaken, yet not finally, and only as to outward privileges, for individual believers were preserved in that visitation. The Lord will cast off any professing people who dishonour ...
Read full commentary →So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14-17) The Pestilence.
(14) **So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel.**—So Samuel. The rest of our verse is abridged. From Samuel we learn that the plague raged throughout the land from dawn to the time of the evening sacrifice.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-18**
Here is the doom of Judah and Jerusalem. The words used represent the city emptied and utterly desolate, yet not destroyed thereby, but cleansed, and to be kept for the future dwelling of the Jews: forsaken, yet not finally, and only as to outward privileges, for individual believers were preserved in that visitation. The Lord will cast off any professing people who dishonour ...
Read full commentary →And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. Ornan: also called, Araunah 2.Sam.24.18.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it.**—The reading of Samuel is probably right, “And the angel stretched out his hand towards Jerusalem, to destroy it.” The verb is the same word in each, and the word “God” in our text is substituted for “Jehovah,” which, again, is a misreading of part of the Hebrew of Samuel (*yādô ha*)*,* the first word meaning *his hand,* and the second be...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-18**
Here is the doom of Judah and Jerusalem. The words used represent the city emptied and utterly desolate, yet not destroyed thereby, but cleansed, and to be kept for the future dwelling of the Jews: forsaken, yet not finally, and only as to outward privileges, for individual believers were preserved in that visitation. The Lord will cast off any professing people who dishonour ...
Read full commentary →And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) This verse is not read in Samuel, which, however, mentions the essential fact that David “saw the angel that smote the people” (2Samuel 24:17). There is nothing in the style to suggest suspicion of a later hand; and it is as likely that the compiler of Samuel has abridged the original account as that the chronicler has embellished it.
**Having a drawn sword in his hand.**—Comp. Numbers 22:23,...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-18**
Here is the doom of Judah and Jerusalem. The words used represent the city emptied and utterly desolate, yet not destroyed thereby, but cleansed, and to be kept for the future dwelling of the Jews: forsaken, yet not finally, and only as to outward privileges, for individual believers were preserved in that visitation. The Lord will cast off any professing people who dishonour ...
Read full commentary →And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **And David said unto God.**—Sam., “Jehovah.” Samuel adds, “when he saw the angel that smote the people” (see our 1Chronicles 21:16); “and he said.”
**Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered?**—Literally, *to number the people.* In Samuel these words are wanting. They may have been added by the chronicler for the sake of clearness. “though they may also have formed part of the or...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-18**
Here is the doom of Judah and Jerusalem. The words used represent the city emptied and utterly desolate, yet not destroyed thereby, but cleansed, and to be kept for the future dwelling of the Jews: forsaken, yet not finally, and only as to outward privileges, for individual believers were preserved in that visitation. The Lord will cast off any professing people who dishonour ...
Read full commentary →David Builds an Altar
Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18-27) The purchase of Ornan’s threshingfloor as a place of sacrifice.
(18) **Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David.**—Rather, *Now the angel had told Gad to tell David.* In Samuel, the mediation of the angel is not mentioned. There we read, “And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up,” &c. No doubt it is only in the later prophetical books of the Canon that angel...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-18**
Here is the doom of Judah and Jerusalem. The words used represent the city emptied and utterly desolate, yet not destroyed thereby, but cleansed, and to be kept for the future dwelling of the Jews: forsaken, yet not finally, and only as to outward privileges, for individual believers were preserved in that visitation. The Lord will cast off any professing people who dishonour ...
Read full commentary →And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the name of the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **At the saying.**—Samuel, “according to.” The difference is only that of the “one tittle,” or small projection, of a letter, mentioned in Matthew 5:18.
**Which he spake in the name of the Lord.**—Samuel reads, “as the Lord commanded.” The variation is merely verbal.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-26**
Amon profaned God's house with his idols; and God suffered his house to be polluted with his blood. How unrighteous soever they were that did it, God was righteous who suffered it to be done. Now was a happy change from one of the worst, to one of the best of the kings of Judah. Once more Judah was tried with a reformation. Whether the Lord bears long with presumptuous offende...
Read full commentary →And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat. And Ornan: or, When Ornan turned back and saw the angel, then he and his four sons with him hid themselves
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **And Ornan turned back** **(*returned**),* and saw the angel; **and his** **four sons with him hid** **themselves **(*were hiding*)*.* There can be little doubt that this is corrupt, and that the text of Samuel is right, “And Araunah looked up, and saw the king and his servants passing by him.” The LXX. here has “Ornan turned, and saw the king;” the Vulg., “when Ornan had looked up” The Hebr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-26**
Amon profaned God's house with his idols; and God suffered his house to be polluted with his blood. How unrighteous soever they were that did it, God was righteous who suffered it to be done. Now was a happy change from one of the worst, to one of the best of the kings of Judah. Once more Judah was tried with a reformation. Whether the Lord bears long with presumptuous offende...
Read full commentary →And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out of the threshingfloor, and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David.**—This is wanting in Samuel. The corruption of the previous verse made some such statement necessary here. The rest of the verse nearly corresponds with 2Samuel 24:20.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-26**
Amon profaned God's house with his idols; and God suffered his house to be polluted with his blood. How unrighteous soever they were that did it, God was righteous who suffered it to be done. Now was a happy change from one of the worst, to one of the best of the kings of Judah. Once more Judah was tried with a reformation. Whether the Lord bears long with presumptuous offende...
Read full commentary →Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people. Grant: Heb. Give
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Then** (*and*) **David said to Oman, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build.**—Literally, *Pray give me the place of the threshingfloor.* Samuel, “And Araunah said Why is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To purchase from thee the threshingfloor, to build,” &c.
**Grant it me for the full price.**—Literally, *At a full price give it me.* These words a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-26**
Amon profaned God's house with his idols; and God suffered his house to be polluted with his blood. How unrighteous soever they were that did it, God was righteous who suffered it to be done. Now was a happy change from one of the worst, to one of the best of the kings of Judah. Once more Judah was tried with a reformation. Whether the Lord bears long with presumptuous offende...
Read full commentary →And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Take it to thee.**—Comp. Genesis 23:11.
**Let my lord the king do.**—Samuel, “offer.” In the Hebrew only one letter is different; and the word “do” may have the meaning “offer,” as in Greek (Comp. Exodus 29:38.)
**I give thee.**—Not in Samuel; an exegetical addition.
**For burnt offerings.**—*For the burnt offerings.* Samuel has the singular.
**The threshing** **instruments,** or drags. 1Ch...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-26**
Amon profaned God's house with his idols; and God suffered his house to be polluted with his blood. How unrighteous soever they were that did it, God was righteous who suffered it to be done. Now was a happy change from one of the worst, to one of the best of the kings of Judah. Once more Judah was tried with a reformation. Whether the Lord bears long with presumptuous offende...
Read full commentary →And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.
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KJV Study Commentary
David's response to Araunah's offer to give the threshing floor free: 'And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.' This principle - refusing to offer God what costs nothing - demonstrates that acceptable worship requires sacrifice. David rejected the easy path of accep...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **For the full price.**—Samuel simply, “At a price” (different word). The next clause does not appear in Samuel, but may well be original.
**Nor offer burnt offerings without cost.**—So Samuel: “Nor will I offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings without cost.” It was of the essence of sacrifice to surrender *something valued* in order to win from God a greater good (*Ewald*)*.*
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-26**
Amon profaned God's house with his idols; and God suffered his house to be polluted with his blood. How unrighteous soever they were that did it, God was righteous who suffered it to be done. Now was a happy change from one of the worst, to one of the best of the kings of Judah. Once more Judah was tried with a reformation. Whether the Lord bears long with presumptuous offende...
Read full commentary →So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **So David gave to Oman for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.**—Literally, *shekels of gold*—*a weight of six hundred.* Samuel has, “And David purchased the threshingfloor and the oxen for silver, fifty shekels.” The two estimates are obviously discordant. We have no means of calculating what would have been a fair price, for we know neither the extent of the purchase nor the v...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-26**
Amon profaned God's house with his idols; and God suffered his house to be polluted with his blood. How unrighteous soever they were that did it, God was righteous who suffered it to be done. Now was a happy change from one of the worst, to one of the best of the kings of Judah. Once more Judah was tried with a reformation. Whether the Lord bears long with presumptuous offende...
Read full commentary →And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **And David built . . . peace offerings.**—Word for word as in Samuel.
**And called upon the Lord.**—Not in Samuel, where the narrative ends with the words, “And the Lord was entreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.”
**From heaven by fire** (*with the fire from the heavens*)*.*—The Divine inauguration of the new altar and place of sacrifice. (See Leviticus 9:24; 1Kings 1...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-26**
Amon profaned God's house with his idols; and God suffered his house to be polluted with his blood. How unrighteous soever they were that did it, God was righteous who suffered it to be done. Now was a happy change from one of the worst, to one of the best of the kings of Judah. Once more Judah was tried with a reformation. Whether the Lord bears long with presumptuous offende...
Read full commentary →And the LORD commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **He put up** **. . .**—It seems hardly fair to call this verse a “figurative or poetical expression for the cessation of the plague.” In 1Chronicles 21:16 David *sees* the angel with drawn sword; and the older text (2Samuel 24:16-17) equally makes the angel a “real concrete being,” and *not* a “personification,” as Reuss will have it.
**Sheath** (*nādān*)*.*—A word only found here. A very si...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →At that time when David saw that the LORD had answered him in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **At that time when David saw** **. . .**—The use of Ornan’s threshingfloor as a place of sacrifice was continued from the time of the cessation of the pestilence. The words “then he sacrificed there” refer to this fact. The answer by fire from heaven (1Chronicles 21:26) was an unmistakable intimation of the Divine will that it should be so. (Comp. also Joshua 5:15.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt offering, were at that season in the high place at Gibeon.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29, 30) A parenthesis, relating why it was that David did not rather resort to the ancient Tabernacle, which then stood at Gibeon. (Comp. 1Chronicles 16:39-40.)
(29) **For the tabernacle.**—*Now the dwelling-place of Jehovah:* in contrast with Oman’s threshingfloor, the new sanctuary.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →But David could not go before it to enquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **But **(and) **David could not go before it**—*i.e.,* the Tabernacle at Gibeon and the altar of burnt offering (1Chronicles 16:4; 1Chronicles 16:37; 1Chronicles 16:39).
**To enquire of God.**—To *seek Him,* that is, to seek His favour by sacrifice and prayer. (But comp. 1Chronicles 13:3; 1Chronicles 15:13.)
**For he was afraid because of the sword.**—“David could not go to Gibeon,” says Keil...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28. These dwelt in Jerusalem--**The ordinary and stated inhabitants of Jerusalem were Judahites, Benjamites, and Levites. But at the time referred to here, the chiefs or heads of the principal families who are enumerated (1Ch 8:14-27) established themselves in the city after their return from the captivity.
1Ch 8:33-40. Stock of Saul and Jonathan.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh.(1-9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah.(10-18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon.(19-26)
**Verses 1-9**
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier...
Read full commentary →