Definition: And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know [it].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:2. It’s a really important passage about David's leadership and understanding his people. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: David was asking his advisors – the leaders of Israel – to help him figure out how many people were in the kingdom. He wanted to know the size of his nation, so he could make good decisions about things like military strategy, resource allocation, and overall prosperity. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And David said…” : This establishes that this is a direct instruction from David himself. “…to Joab and to the rulers of the people…” : David wasn't asking anyone individually. He was giving instructions to a group – his generals and those in charge of the kingdom. “Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan…” : This is where it gets interesting. “Israel” refers to the Israelites (the Jewish people). "Beersheba" is a city in Southern Israel, and "Dan" is a very distant place – probably on the border of modern-day Turkey. David was telling his advisors to go that far – “even to Dan” – meaning they needed to travel a significant distance. “…and bring the number of them to me…” : This is the crucial part. He wanted to know how many people were in the kingdom. What does it mean practically? This verse shows David was incredibly focused on his people and their well-being. It suggests he valued their numbers, perhaps as a measure of his power, influence, or even a sign of strength. It highlights his concern for the overall size of his nation. Why is this important? This story is part of a larger narrative in the Bible that shows David’s growing authority and his desire to understand and protect his people. It's also a reminder that leadership often involves understanding and measuring what you have – both your strength and the strength of those around you. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 Chronicles 21? Give you a bit more context about David’s reign? Talk about the significance of the location of Beersheba?

Definition: And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:20. It's a really important part of the story of how Ornan became king. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Ornan, who was already threshing wheat (meaning he was collecting the harvested grain), suddenly saw an angel watching him. Let's unpack that: “And Ornan turned back”: He stopped what he was doing and looked where he was going. “And his four sons with him hid themselves.” Ornan had four sons – he was collecting wheat, so he needed to be busy. He quickly gathered his four sons close by, protecting them. “Now Ornan was threshing wheat”: This is the context. He was in the middle of a big task – gathering and preparing the wheat for the harvest. So, what's the point? This is a bit mysterious, but it’s a key part of how God chose to set things up for the future. It suggests that God has a plan, even when things seem chaotic or difficult. It’s a little like a puzzle piece – it tells us something important about what's coming. It hints at a larger story and shows that God is working behind the scenes to guide events. Does that make sense? Do you want me to explain any of these points further, or would you like me to give you another Bible verse with a different focus?

Definition: And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out of the threshingfloor, and bowed himself to David with [his] face to the ground.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:21. It's a really significant moment in God’s plan for David! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes David’s humbling and obedience to God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “David came to Ornan…” – This tells us the story is about a meeting between David and a man named Ornan. “…Ornan looked…” – Ornan was observing this encounter. “…and went out of the threshingfloor…” - The "threshingfloor" was where grain was being harvested. So, Ornan was leaving the place where David was in a state of relaxation and peace. It’s like he was stepping back from the action. “…and bowed himself to David with [his] face to the ground.” – This is the key part! David lowered his head completely, almost touching the ground. This is a huge sign of humility and submission. What does this all tell us about David? This is often interpreted as a moment of profound peace and blessing. It shows: He was humbled by God: The act of bowing down signifies recognizing his dependence on God and accepting his divine authority. He recognized his worthiness: David wasn't just lucky to be in that situation; he was presented with a chance to show humility and obedience. It’s a sign of grace: This moment is often seen as a blessing – a demonstration of God’s favor and protection. In short, this verse paints a picture of David accepting God's will and recognizing his place within His plan. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like to know: What the historical context might be (when did this happen)? The significance of the word "threshingfloor"? How this verse relates to David’s overall character and role in the Bible?

Definition: Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of [this] threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse together. It’s a really important passage in the Bible and speaks about a difficult situation. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: David is Facing a Problem: David was King of Israel at this point, and he had a significant problem with his son, Absalom. He felt threatened and anxious because Absalom was plotting to overthrow him. He Requests a Specific Thing: David asked Ornan, a powerful advisor, for a specific privilege – to have the threshing floor (a place where grain is threshed) of a particular field. This threshing floor was extremely important to him because he wanted to build an altar dedicated to God. He’s Asking for Payment: David wasn't just asking for a favor; he was demanding money. He wanted to buy the right to use this threshing floor for a specific, significant purpose – to build an altar and worship God. What it Means in Simple Terms: This verse describes a situation where David is trying to secure a powerful religious symbol (an altar) for his worship of God. He's essentially asking Ornan to give him the right to use this threshing floor – which represents a place of holiness and devotion. The Significance & Context: Divine Authority: This passage is rooted in the idea that God has ultimate authority over things like temples and places of worship. David was appealing to God's power to stop a potential disaster (the plague) and protect his people. A Test of Faith: It’s also a significant test of faith for David, showing how he sought God's help despite his own struggles. In short, it's a plea for divine protection and a demonstration of trust in God's plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Give you some historical context about this passage? Compare it to other biblical stories with similar themes?

Definition: And Ornan said unto David, Take [it] to thee, and let my lord the king do [that which is] good in his eyes: lo, I give [thee] the oxen [also] for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:23. It’s a really interesting passage about Ornan’s offer to King David! Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: Ornan, a man who was very close to David, is offering David a gift – essentially, a sacrifice – that will be used for religious purposes. He’s saying he’s giving David everything he has. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And Ornan said unto David…” – This tells us the context: Ornan is speaking to King David, who was already in a position of power. “…Take [it] to thee, and let my lord the king do [that which is] good in his eyes:” - This is the key part. “Take it” means give something to him. "Good in his eyes" is a fancy way of saying righteousness – that’s what David values most. It's about pleasing God and following His laws. “lo, I give [thee] the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering;” - Ornan is giving specific things to David: Oxen: These are oxen – animals used in religious rituals. Threshing instruments for wood: This means tools to help with harvesting grain (wheat). Wheat for the meat offering: This means the wheat will be used to make bread or other foods offered to God. “I give it all.” – Essentially, Ornan is giving everything he possesses – all his resources and gifts - to David. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of a strong relationship between David and Ornan. It’s a way for Ornan to demonstrate his loyalty and devotion to David. It highlights that Ornan isn't just offering something to David, but actively giving him something valuable – a sign of his commitment to God’s will. Why is this important? This passage shows the importance of giving – both material things and spiritual ones – in religious traditions. It emphasizes that true gifts are offered with a desire to please God and honor Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect this verse to a specific biblical story?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:24. It’s a really important part of understanding David’s actions and his relationship with God. Here’s a simple explanation: What it says: “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.” Let's unpack it word by word: “And king David said…” – This tells us this is a conversation between David and someone named Ornan. It’s a significant moment in the Bible. “…Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price…” - "Nay" means “no” or “stop.” So, David is saying, "No, I won't just take this thing; I’ll pay its true worth." “Verily” adds emphasis – he’s being very serious. “…for I will not take [that] which thine for the LORD…” - This is the core of the verse. “That” refers to the thing David wants to buy. He’s saying, "I won't take this thing from your possession ." The key word here is " thy ." It means your – his own possessions. "...nor offer burnt offerings without cost.” - This is a very important part. “Burnt offerings” were sacrifices offered to God as a way of showing respect and acknowledging His power. "Without cost" means it’s not free, it requires something to be paid for. What does this verse mean in general? This passage is about respect and responsibility. David was being incredibly generous – he was offering the entire thing (the kingdom) to God. But he understood that he had a responsibility to honor God by giving back what He received. He wasn't just handing over his power; he was acknowledging God’s authority and showing gratitude through sacrifice. Why is this important? This verse shows: David’s humility: He recognized his own worthiness and didn’t want to be arrogant. God’s absolute sovereignty: He understood that God owns everything, and giving back is a sign of respect. The importance of giving back: It’s a fundamental principle in many religions – offering something of value to the divine. In short, David was showing his reverence by not just taking what he received, but also acknowledging God's authority through sacrifice. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide a historical context for it? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?

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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:25. It's a relatively short passage, but it has some important meaning about how David handled his wealth. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, David gave a significant amount of money to Ornan – a wealthy man – as a gift. Let’s unpack that a bit more: “So David…” : This tells us this is part of the story of David’s life and his dealings with wealth. “…gave to Ornan for the place…” : David was giving money to someone named Ornan. He was essentially giving him a "place" – likely land or property – in exchange for that money. “for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.” : This is the key part! “Shekels” is Hebrew currency, and “gold” refers to precious metal. “By weight” means he gave it based on its actual value – not just a guess. It was a substantial amount of money. What’s the bigger picture? This story illustrates several things: David's generosity: He wasn’t hoarding his wealth; he was giving it to those who were needed. His leadership: It shows that David was a thoughtful and responsible leader, prioritizing the well-being of his people (and Ornan). The importance of trust: It also highlights that David trusted in God's provision. In short, this verse tells us about a significant financial transaction where David gave a large sum of money to someone in exchange for property. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of this story in the Bible? Why this event is important in understanding David’s character?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:26. It’s a really significant and powerful passage about God’s relationship with David and his people. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: David was building a temple: Before long, David, who was already a very important leader, decided to build a special place – a temple – for God. It was a really big deal! He offered sacrifices: He started by offering burnt offerings (small gifts) and peace offerings (gifts of gratitude). These were ways for the people to show their devotion and thank God for his blessings. God answered him directly: The really important part is that God didn’t just listen to David; he responded to him! He sent a fiery blast – think of it like a powerful, intense spark – from heaven onto the altar of burnt offerings. Let's unpack what that means: “And he answered him from heaven”: This is key. It’s not just any answer; God was directly involved and controlling the event. “By fire upon the altar”: This describes a very intense, powerful reaction – a blazing fire! It wasn't just a little spark; it was a major display of God’s power. “Of burnt offering” : This refers to the types of sacrifices David made – offerings brought to God as a sign of worship and devotion. What does this verse tell us about God? God is powerful: It shows that God doesn't just listen to people; He has the ability to directly intervene in their lives and actions. God is involved: It highlights that God isn’t distant or uninvolved – He’s actively working with and controlling events through His divine power. God’s faithfulness: This verse speaks of a profound, unwavering commitment from God. In essence, this verse portrays a moment where David's devotion was recognized and answered by God in a spectacular way. It emphasizes that God is the ultimate authority and that He has the power to respond to those who worship Him. Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Give you another verse from 1 Chronicles 21?

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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:27. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about God’s judgment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying: “I’m going to punish those who disobeyed me.” Let's unpack it a little further: “The LORD commanded the angel…” – This tells us that God directly instructed an angel (a messenger) to take action. It wasn't just someone else telling the angel, but God himself giving instructions. “…and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.” - This is the key part. "The sheath" refers to a sword, and “put up” means to place it in a position. The angel was instructed to place the sword back into its storage container – its sheath. What does this mean practically? In the Old Testament, Israel had been disobeying God for many years. They were wandering, they weren’t following his laws, and they weren't honoring him properly. God, in response to their disobedience, ordered an angel to strike down those who disobeyed him. This was a very serious and forceful command. It’s a symbolic representation of judgment. The angel’s action wasn’t just about physically hitting someone; it represented God’s complete authority and his righteous anger at the sins of the people. It was a clear demonstration that God's will is absolute. Important Context: This verse often appears in connection with the story of the division of the Israelite tribes after the death of King Saul. It’s a powerful illustration of God’s judgment and his commitment to justice, even when it seems harsh or devastating. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context about this passage? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 21:28. It's a really significant moment in God’s plan for Israel! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: David was struggling: David was facing a huge problem – he was having difficulty with his army, and he was feeling like God wasn’t helping him. He felt frustrated and upset. God heard his prayers: God heard David's pleas for help, and he answered him. This is a big deal because it means God cares about David and his people. The threshing floor – a place of sacrifice: The word “threshing floor” refers to the area where grain was harvested. It’s a place where farmers would gather their harvest. Think of it as a little altar or platform for offering. A special moment - "at that time..." This verse tells us exactly when this happened: “At that time…” – it wasn't just any moment; it was a specific, important moment. What Happened Next: David made a sacrifice: David, feeling desperate and acknowledging God’s help, decided to offer a sacrifice to God. He realized he needed to show his gratitude and obedience. He sacrificed there: He placed the offering (likely grain or fruit) on the threshing floor. The Significance – Why is this important? This story highlights several key things: God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God has a plan for everything, even when we feel like we're losing control. He actively works in our lives. Faith and Obedience: David’s sacrifice was a way of showing his faith – he believed in God’s power to help him. It also demonstrates obedience to God’s commands. God’s Favor: It's a powerful reminder that God is involved in our lives, even when we don't see it. In short, the verse tells us that David experienced a moment of profound recognition and gratitude when God answered him through a sacrifice on the threshing floor. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you a more detailed explanation of what this story might symbolize?