King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 21:26 Mean?

1 Chronicles 21:26 in the King James Version says “And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD;...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 21:26 · KJV

Peace

Context

24

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.

25

So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.

26

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.

27

And the LORD commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.

28

At that time when David saw that the LORD had answered him in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.

Read 1 Chronicles 21 full chapter

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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּבֶן֩1 of 18

“built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שָׁ֨ם2 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

דָּוִ֤יד3 of 18

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מִזְבַּ֥ח4 of 18

“there an altar”

H4196

an altar

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 18

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיַּ֥עַל6 of 18

“and offered”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הָֽעֹלָֽה׃7 of 18

“burnt offerings”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וּשְׁלָמִ֑ים8 of 18

“and peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

וַיִּקְרָא֙9 of 18

“and called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל10 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֔ה11 of 18

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

וַֽיַּעֲנֵ֤הוּ12 of 18

“and he answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

בָאֵשׁ֙13 of 18

“by fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

מִן14 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם15 of 18

“him from 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

עַ֖ל16 of 18
H5921

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

מִזְבַּ֥ח17 of 18

“there an altar”

H4196

an altar

הָֽעֹלָֽה׃18 of 18

“burnt offerings”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

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 21:26 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 21:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 9:24Judges 6:211 Kings 18:38Proverbs 15:8Psalms 99:91 Kings 18:24

Test Your Knowledge

1 Chronicles 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Chronicles 21 with CommentaryAll 1 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 1 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes