King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 21:15 Mean?

1 Chronicles 21:15 in the King James Version says “And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of th...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 21:15 · King James Version

Context

13

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

14

So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.

15

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.

16

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.

17

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.

Read 1 Chronicles 21 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's census and divine judgment. The Hebrew term חֵטְא (chet) - sin/offense 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, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Even godly leaders sin and face consequences. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ bears judgment for sin on our behalf.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of David's census and divine judgment occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Even godly leaders sin and face consequences challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ bears judgment for sin on our behalf teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיִּשְׁלַח֩1 of 25

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֨ים׀2 of 25

“And God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וּמַלְאַ֤ךְ3 of 25

“And the angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

לִֽירוּשָׁלִַם֮4 of 25

“unto Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

הַמַּשְׁחִית֙5 of 25

“it and as he was destroying”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

הַמַּשְׁחִית֙6 of 25

“it and as he was destroying”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

רָאָ֤ה7 of 25

“beheld”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יְהוָה֙8 of 25

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיִּנָּ֣חֶם9 of 25

“and he repented”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

עַל10 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָֽרָעָ֔ה11 of 25

“him of the evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר12 of 25

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וּמַלְאַ֤ךְ13 of 25

“And the angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

הַמַּשְׁחִית֙14 of 25

“it and as he was destroying”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

רַ֔ב15 of 25

“It is enough”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

עַתָּ֖ה16 of 25
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הֶ֣רֶף17 of 25

“stay”

H7503

to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)

יָדֶ֑ךָ18 of 25

“now thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וּמַלְאַ֤ךְ19 of 25

“And the angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָה֙20 of 25

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֹמֵ֔ד21 of 25

“stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עִם22 of 25
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

גֹּ֖רֶן23 of 25

“by the threshingfloor”

H1637

a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area

אָרְנָ֥ן24 of 25

“of Ornan”

H771

ornan, a jebusite

הַיְבוּסִֽי׃25 of 25

“the Jebusite”

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 21:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 21:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 6:6Exodus 32:14Mark 14:41Matthew 23:37-38Jeremiah 26:181 Kings 19:4

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 21 →

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