Old Testament
1 Chronicles 21:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Ornan turned around and saw the angel. His 4 sons who were with him ran and hid. Ornan had been threshing wheat at the time.
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And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.
What 1 Chronicles 21:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Ornan was busy working in his field, threshing wheat, when he suddenly noticed an angel standing nearby. This sight was so startling that his four sons, who were with him, were frightened and quickly ran away to hide. The presence of the angel signified something important and possibly alarming. Ornan's reaction shows how unexpected encounters can change our focus and priorities in an instant. In that moment, his work was interrupted by a divine presence, reminding us that life can take unexpected turns. This story illustrates the importance of being aware of the spiritual realities around us, even in our daily routines. Ornan's experience encourages us to remain open to the extraordinary, even when we are engaged in ordinary tasks. It also highlights the need for courage when faced with the unknown, as well as the significance of family support during such moments of fear and uncertainty. Ultimately, this passage invites us to reflect on how we respond to unexpected events in our lives.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 21:20 to your life
When faced with unexpected situations, take a moment to pause and reflect. Consider how these moments can shift your perspective and priorities. Embrace the lessons that come from fear and uncertainty, and remember to support your loved ones during challenging times. Stay open to the extraordinary in your everyday life, as it can lead to growth and understanding. Trust that you are not alone in these experiences, and seek guidance.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
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Illustrated scene from David's story: The Census and the Threshing Floor (1 Chronicles 21:1–22:1)
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David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 21:20 mean?
1 Chronicles 21:20 describes Ornan's reaction upon seeing an angel while he was threshing wheat. His sudden awareness of the angel signifies a divine encounter that interrupts his daily work, highlighting how unexpected moments can shift our focus.
What is the significance of Ornan's sons hiding in 1 Chronicles 21:20?
Ornan's sons hid themselves out of fear when they saw the angel, illustrating a natural human response to the unknown. Their reaction emphasizes the theme of fear in the presence of divine or extraordinary events.
What does threshing wheat symbolize in 1 Chronicles 21:20?
Threshing wheat in this verse represents Ornan's ordinary, everyday work. The interruption by the angel serves as a reminder that spiritual encounters can occur amidst our routine activities.
What can we learn from Ornan's experience in 1 Chronicles 21:20?
Ornan's experience teaches us to be aware of spiritual realities in our daily lives and to remain open to unexpected events. It also highlights the importance of family support during moments of fear and uncertainty.
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