Old Testament
1 Chronicles 21:26
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David built an altar to the LORD there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. He called out to the LORD, and the LORD answered him by sending fire from heaven onto the altar of burnt offering.
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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.
What 1 Chronicles 21:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, King David takes a significant step by building an altar to the LORD. This act symbolizes his desire to connect with God and seek His favor. By offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, David expresses gratitude and devotion. When he calls out to the LORD, he is not just performing a ritual; he is reaching out in faith. The response from God is powerful and immediate, as fire descends from heaven onto the altar. This divine response signifies God's acceptance of David's offerings and His presence among His people. It shows that when we earnestly seek God, He responds in ways that affirm His love and power. David's actions remind us of the importance of worship and the significance of approaching God with sincerity and reverence. This moment marks a pivotal point in David's relationship with God, highlighting the importance of building a personal connection with the divine through acts of faith and worship. It encourages us to seek God earnestly in our own lives.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 21:26 to your life
When you feel distant from God, consider how you can reach out to Him through prayer and acts of worship. Just as David built an altar, create a space in your life for connection with God. Remember that sincere efforts to seek Him can lead to powerful experiences of His presence and love. Trust that He hears you when you call upon Him. Your faith matters!
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 21:26 teach about worship?
1 Chronicles 21:26 emphasizes the importance of sincere worship and devotion to God. David's act of building an altar and offering sacrifices reflects his desire to connect with God. This teaches us that worship is not just a ritual but a heartfelt expression of faith and gratitude, inviting God's presence into our lives.
Why did David offer burnt offerings and peace offerings?
David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings as acts of worship and gratitude. Burnt offerings symbolize complete surrender to God, while peace offerings represent fellowship and thankfulness. These sacrifices were ways for David to express his devotion and seek God's favor, highlighting the significance of sacrificial acts in our relationship with God.
How did God respond to David's offerings in this verse?
In 1 Chronicles 21:26, God responded to David's offerings by sending fire from heaven onto the altar. This miraculous response signifies God's acceptance of David's sacrifices and His presence among His people. It illustrates that when we earnestly seek God, He responds in powerful and affirming ways, reinforcing the importance of faith in our worship.
What can we learn from David building an altar?
David building an altar teaches us the value of creating dedicated spaces for worship and connection with God. It encourages us to intentionally seek God in our lives, whether through prayer, worship, or acts of service. This act symbolizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and making room for Him in our daily lives.
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