Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 21:7 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 21:7 says that God was unhappy with what had happened, so He brought harm to Israel as a result. The verse makes clear that God's displeasure led directly to a punishment affecting the whole nation. This verse comes after King David ordered a census of Israel, which was seen as an act of pride or lack of trust in God. The writer is explaining that God (not just David or his advisors) was the one who responded to this action, and the consequence was not just for David but for all Israel. The focus is on God's reaction to a specific event and its serious outcome.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 21:7

Accepted Answer

"God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is the general Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His power and authority in this context. "Displeased" (יָרַע, yara‘): This word means "to be evil" or "to be displeased." Here, it shows that what happened was not just a minor mistake but something that deeply offended God. "Thing" (דָּבָר, davar): This word can mean "word," "matter," or "event." It refers specifically to the census that David ordered, highlighting that the act itself was the problem. "Smote" (נָכָה, nakah): This verb means "to strike" or "to afflict." It makes clear that the harm to Israel was an active response from God, not just a natural consequence. "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisra'el): This refers to the whole nation, showing that the punishment was widespread, not limited to David alone.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 21:7 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that God's displeasure was not just with David personally but with the action itself, and the whole nation felt the effects. It highlights the seriousness of David's decision to take a census, which might seem harmless but was seen as a lack of faith in God's provision. The verse sets up the rest of the chapter, where the consequences of the census unfold and David seeks to make things right with God.

1 Chronicles 21:7 (KJV)