King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 21:16 Mean?

1 Chronicles 21:16 in the King James Version says “And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Chronicles 21:16 · KJV


Context

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.

18

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֨א1 of 26

lifted up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

דָּוִ֧יד2 of 26

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת3 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֵינָ֗יו4 of 26

his eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַיַּ֞רְא5 of 26

and saw

H7200

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

אֶת6 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַלְאַ֤ךְ7 of 26

the angel

H4397

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

יְהוָה֙8 of 26

of the LORD

H3068

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

עֹמֵ֗ד9 of 26

stand

H5975

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

בֵּ֤ין10 of 26
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙11 of 26

between the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּבֵ֣ין12 of 26
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם13 of 26

and the heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְחַרְבּ֤וֹ14 of 26

sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

שְׁלוּפָה֙15 of 26

having a drawn

H8025

to pull out, up or off

בְּיָד֔וֹ16 of 26

in his 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

נְטוּיָ֖ה17 of 26

stretched out

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

עַל18 of 26
H5921

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

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם19 of 26

over Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וַיִּפֹּ֨ל20 of 26

fell

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

דָּוִ֧יד21 of 26

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְהַזְּקֵנִ֛ים22 of 26

and the elders

H2205

old

מְכֻסִּ֥ים23 of 26

of Israel who were clothed

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

בַּשַּׂקִּ֖ים24 of 26

in sackcloth

H8242

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

עַל25 of 26
H5921

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

פְּנֵיהֶֽם׃26 of 26

upon their faces

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi


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 21:16 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 21:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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