1 Chronicles 21:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 21:28 mean?

1 Chronicles 21:28 describes how David, after seeing that the LORD had answered him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, chose to offer sacrifices there. This moment marks David’s recognition that God’s presence and favor were shown at that specific place.

The verse comes after a dramatic event where David built an altar on Ornan’s threshing floor to stop a plague affecting Israel. David is the main figure, responding to God’s answer to his prayer. The setting is Jerusalem, and this verse highlights the importance of this location, which later becomes the site of the temple.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 21:28

• "Threshingfloor" (גֹּרֶן, goren): This word refers to a flat, open area used for separating grain from chaff. Its mention here is significant because it is not a traditional altar site, showing God’s willingness to meet David outside established places of worship.
• "Answered" (עָנָה, ‘anah): This word means to respond or reply, often in the context of prayer. The verse emphasizes that God’s response was clear and direct at this location, confirming His acceptance of David’s sacrifice.
• "Sacrificed" (זָבַח, zavach): This verb means to offer a sacrifice, usually an animal, as an act of worship. David’s action here is a response to God’s intervention and signals the importance of this site for future worship.

Why 1 Chronicles 21:28 matters

• This verse explains why the threshing floor of Ornan became a central place of worship, setting the stage for Solomon to build the temple there.
• It clarifies that God’s presence is not limited to traditional or established sacred spaces, but can be revealed wherever He chooses to respond to faith and repentance.
• The verse ties together the themes of divine mercy, answered prayer, and the establishment of a new, significant worship site in Israel’s history.