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1 Chronicles 21:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
T. Austin-Sparks
Zac Poonen
Stewart RuchT. Austin-Sparks
John WesleyT. Austin-SparksT. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And Satan stood up against Israel - See the notes on the parallel place, Sa2 24:1 (note), etc.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
See Chapter Introduction See Chapter Introduction 1 Chronicles 21:28 ch1 21:28 ch1 21:28 ch1 21:28At that time when David saw that the Lord had answered him in the threshing floor Of Ornan the Jebusite,.... The same with Araunah, Sa2 24:16, with some small variation of the letters, and are of the same signification; both signifying the "ornus", as Hillerus (m) observes, the pine tree or ash; see Isa 44:14, in whose threshingfloor David now was, and where he had been praying and sacrificing; and God had accepted his prayer, as the Targum, and had answered him, by causing fire to come down on the sacrifice and consume it, and by ordering the angel to put up his sword in its sheath: then he sacrificed there; again by the priests, and continued to do so, for he had sacrificed there before, Ch1 21:26 and finding his sacrifices in that place were acceptable, he repeated them, and did not go to Gibeon, as follows. (m) Onomastic. Sacr. p. 529, 530.
John Gill Bible Commentary
See Chapter Introduction See Chapter Introduction 1 Chronicles 21:28 ch1 21:28 ch1 21:28 ch1 21:28At that time when David saw that the Lord had answered him in the threshing floor Of Ornan the Jebusite,.... The same with Araunah, Sa2 24:16, with some small variation of the letters, and are of the same signification; both signifying the "ornus", as Hillerus (m) observes, the pine tree or ash; see Isa 44:14, in whose threshingfloor David now was, and where he had been praying and sacrificing; and God had accepted his prayer, as the Targum, and had answered him, by causing fire to come down on the sacrifice and consume it, and by ordering the angel to put up his sword in its sheath: then he sacrificed there; again by the priests, and continued to do so, for he had sacrificed there before, Ch1 21:26 and finding his sacrifices in that place were acceptable, he repeated them, and did not go to Gibeon, as follows. (m) Onomastic. Sacr. p. 529, 530.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Numbering the people, one would think, was no bad thing. Why should not the shepherd know the number of his flock? But God sees not as man sees. It is plain it was wrong in David to do it, and a great provocation to God, because he did it in the pride of his heart; and there is no sin that has in it more of contradiction and therefore more of offence to God than pride. The sin was David's; he alone must bear the blame of it. But here we are told, I. How active the tempter was in it (Ch1 21:1): Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to do it. Is is said (Sa2 24:1) that the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David to do it. The righteous judgments of God are to be observed and acknowledged even in the sins and unrighteousness of men. We are sure that God is not the author of sin - he tempts no man; and therefore, when it is said that he moved David to do it, it must be explained by what is intimated here, that, for wise and holy ends, he permitted the devil to do it. Here we trace this foul stream to its foundation. That Satan, the enemy of God and all good, should stand up against Israel, is not strange; it is what he aims at, to weaken the strength, diminish the numbers, and eclipse the glory of God's Israel, to whom he is Satan, a sworn adversary. But that he should influence David, the man of God's own heart to do a wrong thing, may well be wondered at. One would think him one of those whom the wicked one touches not. No, even the best saints, till they come to heaven, must never think themselves out of the reach of Satan's temptations. Now, when Satan meant to do Israel a mischief, what course did he take? He did not move God against them to destroy them (as Job, Job 2:3), but he provoked David, the best friend they had, to number them, and so to offend God, and set him against them. Note, 1. The devil does us more mischief by tempting us to sin against our God than he does by accusing us before our God. He destroys none but by their own hands, 2. The greatest spite he can do to the church of God is to tempt the rulers of the church to pride; for none can conceive the fatal consequences of that sin in all, especially in church-rulers. You shall not be so, Luk 22:26. II. How passive the instrument was. Joab, the person whom David employed, was an active man in public business; but to this he was perfectly forced, and did it with the greatest reluctance imaginable. 1. He put in a remonstrance against it before he began it. No man more forward that he in any thing that really tended to the honour of the king or the welfare of the kingdom; but in this matter he would gladly be excused. For, (1.) It was a needless thing. there was not occasion at all for it. God had promised to multiply them, and he needed not question the accomplishment of that promise. They were all his servants, and he needed not doubt of their loyalty and affection to him. Their number was as much his strength as he could desire. (2.) It was a dangerous thing. In doing it he might be a cause of trespass to Israel, and might provoke God against them. This Joab apprehended, and yet David himself did not. The most learned in the laws of God are not always the most quick-sighted in the application of those laws. 2. He was quite weary of it before he had done it; for the king's word was abominable to Joab, Ch1 21:6. Time was when whatever king David did pleased all the people, Sa2 3:36. But now there was a general disgust at these orders, which confirmed Joab in his dislike of them. so that, though the produce of this muster was really very great, yet he had no heart to perfect it, but left two tribes unnumbered (Ch1 21:5, Ch1 21:6), two considerable ones, Levi and Benjamin, and perhaps was not very exact in numbering the rest, because he did not do it with any pleasure, which might be one occasion of the difference between the sums here and Sa2 24:9.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:1–22:1 This account of the census closely parallels 2 Sam 24:1-25 but has an entirely different focus. The Chronicler’s account provides the context for the dedication of the altar and the preparations for building the Temple (1 Chr 22). 21:1 Satan (or the adversary) motivated David to take a census of his military forces (cp. 2 Sam 24:1). The Chronicler seems to interpret the narrative of Samuel in light of his theology of Satan as the adversary of God and humanity. As God allows Satan to work in the world, Satan unwittingly fulfills God’s purposes (cp. 2 Chr 18:3-34; Job 1:6–2:7; Zech 3:1-2; Matt 4:1-11; John 13:27; 1 Cor 5:5; 2 Cor 12:7; 1 Tim 1:20; Rev 20:3, 7-9).
1 Chronicles 21:1
David’s Military Census
1Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.2So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Threshing Floor of Ornan
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K29:44Ornan1SA 24:152SA 6:61CH 21:11CH 21:15JER 23:28MAT 3:12MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and real relationship with God. He highlights the need for believers to have a solid foundation in their faith and not just rely on superficial teachings or forms of religion. The speaker warns against becoming too familiar with holy things and treating them as common or cheap. He also discusses the significance of threshing floors in biblical turning points and how they symbolize the refining process that God uses to purify his people.
The Church Is the Light
By Zac Poonen77252:212SA 24:181CH 21:1LUK 16:31EPH 5:25COL 3:10
This sermon emphasizes the importance of building the church as a united body, not just focusing on individual Christianity. It highlights the sacrificial attitude needed to build the church, drawing parallels to biblical examples like David's willingness to pay a price for the temple. The speaker stresses the need for true sacrifice, giving oneself for the church, and not just relying on money, music, or psychology. The goal is to build a church where Christ's presence is felt, transcending cultural, social, and economic barriers, and focusing on unity in Christ.
A Heart to Sacrifice
By Stewart Ruch44227:46Sacrifice1CH 21:1In this sermon, the speaker shares the journey of their church in raising funds for a building project. They started with a goal of $7 million and began raising money two years ago. They called their campaign "reach" because they wanted to worship, be in mission, and serve something greater than themselves. However, they soon realized that the initial purchase of the building was not enough, and they needed more funds to make it suitable for their needs. They hired a firm to appraise the building and determine the additional costs.
"I Will Not Offer Unto the Lord That Which Cost Me Nothing"
By T. Austin-Sparks0SacrificeValue of Fellowship2SA 24:241CH 21:11CH 21:7MAT 16:24LUK 14:27JHN 3:16ROM 12:1PHP 3:8HEB 13:151JN 3:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of sacrifice in our relationship with God, using the story of David and the threshing floor of Ornan as a backdrop. He highlights that the foundation of God's house is built upon the judgment of sin and the humility that comes from recognizing our faults. Sparks stresses that true fellowship and service in the house of God come at a cost, urging believers to value their relationship with God and each other deeply. He challenges the congregation to reflect on what they are willing to sacrifice for their faith, asserting that genuine offerings to God must come from a place of personal cost and commitment.
National Sins and Miseries
By John Wesley0National RepentanceThe Consequences of Sin2SA 24:102SA 24:171CH 21:12CH 7:14PSA 51:10ISA 1:16AMO 5:14MAT 5:7JAS 4:81JN 1:9John Wesley preaches on the theme of national sins and the resulting miseries, drawing parallels between the sins of ancient Israel and contemporary England. He emphasizes that the suffering of the people is often a consequence of their leaders' sins, urging individuals to reflect on their own transgressions and the collective impact on society. Wesley warns that just as David's pride led to calamity for Israel, so too can the pride and vices of the English people lead to their downfall. He calls for repentance and a return to righteousness, highlighting the importance of mercy towards the widows and orphans affected by war. Ultimately, Wesley implores his listeners to seek God's grace to heal their land and restore peace.
Let the House Be Builded - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareUnity in the ChurchEXO 7:161CH 21:1JHN 2:19ACT 7:481CO 1:131CO 12:13EPH 3:16EPH 4:3EPH 6:12REV 21:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the ongoing conflict and controversy throughout the Bible regarding God's desire to dwell among His people. He illustrates how this struggle began in the Garden of Eden and continued through the history of Israel, culminating in the New Testament with Christ's incarnation and the establishment of the Church. Sparks highlights that the true enemy seeks to divide and disrupt the unity of God's people, which is essential for His habitation among them. He calls for believers to recognize the spiritual warfare at play and to pursue unity through the Holy Spirit, as this is the key to overcoming division and fulfilling God's purpose. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining fellowship and oneness in the body of Christ amidst external and internal challenges.
The Continuous Controversy and Conflict
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareUnity in the SpiritEXO 7:161CH 21:1JHN 2:19ACT 7:481CO 1:131CO 12:13EPH 3:16EPH 4:4EPH 6:12REV 21:3T. Austin-Sparks addresses the ongoing conflict and controversy present from the beginning of the Bible, emphasizing that the central issue is God's desire to dwell among His people. He illustrates how this theme of divine habitation has been challenged throughout history, from the Garden of Eden to the early Church, highlighting the spiritual warfare that seeks to disrupt this fellowship. Sparks points out that the Church faces internal divisions and conflicts, which are often rooted in a spiritual battle against forces that oppose God's purpose. He calls for believers to recognize the importance of unity in the Spirit, as true oneness is essential for God's presence among His people. Ultimately, the sermon urges Christians to be vigilant and aware of the spiritual dynamics at play in their relationships and fellowship.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And Satan stood up against Israel - See the notes on the parallel place, Sa2 24:1 (note), etc.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
See Chapter Introduction See Chapter Introduction 1 Chronicles 21:28 ch1 21:28 ch1 21:28 ch1 21:28At that time when David saw that the Lord had answered him in the threshing floor Of Ornan the Jebusite,.... The same with Araunah, Sa2 24:16, with some small variation of the letters, and are of the same signification; both signifying the "ornus", as Hillerus (m) observes, the pine tree or ash; see Isa 44:14, in whose threshingfloor David now was, and where he had been praying and sacrificing; and God had accepted his prayer, as the Targum, and had answered him, by causing fire to come down on the sacrifice and consume it, and by ordering the angel to put up his sword in its sheath: then he sacrificed there; again by the priests, and continued to do so, for he had sacrificed there before, Ch1 21:26 and finding his sacrifices in that place were acceptable, he repeated them, and did not go to Gibeon, as follows. (m) Onomastic. Sacr. p. 529, 530.
John Gill Bible Commentary
See Chapter Introduction See Chapter Introduction 1 Chronicles 21:28 ch1 21:28 ch1 21:28 ch1 21:28At that time when David saw that the Lord had answered him in the threshing floor Of Ornan the Jebusite,.... The same with Araunah, Sa2 24:16, with some small variation of the letters, and are of the same signification; both signifying the "ornus", as Hillerus (m) observes, the pine tree or ash; see Isa 44:14, in whose threshingfloor David now was, and where he had been praying and sacrificing; and God had accepted his prayer, as the Targum, and had answered him, by causing fire to come down on the sacrifice and consume it, and by ordering the angel to put up his sword in its sheath: then he sacrificed there; again by the priests, and continued to do so, for he had sacrificed there before, Ch1 21:26 and finding his sacrifices in that place were acceptable, he repeated them, and did not go to Gibeon, as follows. (m) Onomastic. Sacr. p. 529, 530.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Numbering the people, one would think, was no bad thing. Why should not the shepherd know the number of his flock? But God sees not as man sees. It is plain it was wrong in David to do it, and a great provocation to God, because he did it in the pride of his heart; and there is no sin that has in it more of contradiction and therefore more of offence to God than pride. The sin was David's; he alone must bear the blame of it. But here we are told, I. How active the tempter was in it (Ch1 21:1): Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to do it. Is is said (Sa2 24:1) that the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David to do it. The righteous judgments of God are to be observed and acknowledged even in the sins and unrighteousness of men. We are sure that God is not the author of sin - he tempts no man; and therefore, when it is said that he moved David to do it, it must be explained by what is intimated here, that, for wise and holy ends, he permitted the devil to do it. Here we trace this foul stream to its foundation. That Satan, the enemy of God and all good, should stand up against Israel, is not strange; it is what he aims at, to weaken the strength, diminish the numbers, and eclipse the glory of God's Israel, to whom he is Satan, a sworn adversary. But that he should influence David, the man of God's own heart to do a wrong thing, may well be wondered at. One would think him one of those whom the wicked one touches not. No, even the best saints, till they come to heaven, must never think themselves out of the reach of Satan's temptations. Now, when Satan meant to do Israel a mischief, what course did he take? He did not move God against them to destroy them (as Job, Job 2:3), but he provoked David, the best friend they had, to number them, and so to offend God, and set him against them. Note, 1. The devil does us more mischief by tempting us to sin against our God than he does by accusing us before our God. He destroys none but by their own hands, 2. The greatest spite he can do to the church of God is to tempt the rulers of the church to pride; for none can conceive the fatal consequences of that sin in all, especially in church-rulers. You shall not be so, Luk 22:26. II. How passive the instrument was. Joab, the person whom David employed, was an active man in public business; but to this he was perfectly forced, and did it with the greatest reluctance imaginable. 1. He put in a remonstrance against it before he began it. No man more forward that he in any thing that really tended to the honour of the king or the welfare of the kingdom; but in this matter he would gladly be excused. For, (1.) It was a needless thing. there was not occasion at all for it. God had promised to multiply them, and he needed not question the accomplishment of that promise. They were all his servants, and he needed not doubt of their loyalty and affection to him. Their number was as much his strength as he could desire. (2.) It was a dangerous thing. In doing it he might be a cause of trespass to Israel, and might provoke God against them. This Joab apprehended, and yet David himself did not. The most learned in the laws of God are not always the most quick-sighted in the application of those laws. 2. He was quite weary of it before he had done it; for the king's word was abominable to Joab, Ch1 21:6. Time was when whatever king David did pleased all the people, Sa2 3:36. But now there was a general disgust at these orders, which confirmed Joab in his dislike of them. so that, though the produce of this muster was really very great, yet he had no heart to perfect it, but left two tribes unnumbered (Ch1 21:5, Ch1 21:6), two considerable ones, Levi and Benjamin, and perhaps was not very exact in numbering the rest, because he did not do it with any pleasure, which might be one occasion of the difference between the sums here and Sa2 24:9.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:1–22:1 This account of the census closely parallels 2 Sam 24:1-25 but has an entirely different focus. The Chronicler’s account provides the context for the dedication of the altar and the preparations for building the Temple (1 Chr 22). 21:1 Satan (or the adversary) motivated David to take a census of his military forces (cp. 2 Sam 24:1). The Chronicler seems to interpret the narrative of Samuel in light of his theology of Satan as the adversary of God and humanity. As God allows Satan to work in the world, Satan unwittingly fulfills God’s purposes (cp. 2 Chr 18:3-34; Job 1:6–2:7; Zech 3:1-2; Matt 4:1-11; John 13:27; 1 Cor 5:5; 2 Cor 12:7; 1 Tim 1:20; Rev 20:3, 7-9).