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 21:26KJV
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1 Chronicles 21:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 21:26 mean?

1 Chronicles 21:26 describes how David built an altar to the LORD, offered burnt and peace offerings, prayed to God, and received a dramatic answer: God sent fire from heaven to consume the offering on the altar. This event shows God’s acceptance of David’s sacrifice and prayer.

David is the main figure here, responding to a crisis after Israel experienced a plague as a result of his earlier actions. At God’s instruction, David builds an altar at a specific place, offers sacrifices, and calls on the LORD (the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible). The fire from heaven is a visible sign that God has heard David and accepted his offerings, marking a turning point in the story.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 21:26

  • "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): This word refers to a structure built for offering sacrifices to God. Its use here highlights the importance of a specific, God-appointed place for worship and atonement.
  • "burnt offerings" (עֹלוֹת, olot): These are offerings completely burned on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God. The word emphasizes the seriousness and completeness of David’s act.
  • "peace offerings" (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim): These offerings often express gratitude or a desire for restored relationship. Including both types of offerings shows David’s desire for both atonement and restored fellowship with God.
  • "fire" (אֵשׁ, esh): The fire coming from heaven is a direct sign of divine approval. In the Hebrew Bible, fire from heaven is rare and always signals God’s unmistakable response.

Why 1 Chronicles 21:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s acceptance is not automatic; it comes in response to obedience, repentance, and proper worship, as seen in David’s actions.
  • The dramatic sign of fire from heaven connects this moment to other key events in Israel’s history (like Elijah on Mount Carmel), showing continuity in how God responds to genuine faith.
  • The location where David built the altar later becomes the site of Solomon’s temple, making this event a turning point in the story of Israel’s worship.

Where else these words appear

“offerings” Hebrew H8002 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
  • Leviticus 9:22 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.