What does 1 Chronicles 21:15 mean?
"And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite." - 1 Chronicles 21:15

1 Chronicles 21:15 (KJV) reads: "And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the Lord beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the Lord stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite."
This verse is part of a larger narrative in the Old Testament that details the consequences of King David's sinful actions. The chapter begins with David deciding to take a census of the people of Israel, against the advice of his military commander Joab. This act of taking a census was seen as a sign of pride and arrogance, as it demonstrated a reliance on human strength rather than trust in God. God was displeased with David's actions, and as a result, He brought judgement upon the people of Israel.
In verse 15, we see the consequences of David's sin as God sends an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it. This demonstrates the severity of God's response to David's disobedience and the impact that one person's sin can have on an entire nation. The destruction caused by the angel was a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commands.
However, in the midst of this destruction, we see the mercy and compassion of God. The verse states that "the Lord beheld, and he repented him of the evil." This does not mean that God changed His mind or made a mistake, but rather that He chose to show compassion and mercy in the face of judgement. This act of repentance from God demonstrates His willingness to forgive and relent from bringing destruction upon His people when they turn to Him in repentance.
The verse also highlights the concept of God's sovereignty and power over His creation. Despite the destruction being carried out by the angel, God is in control and ultimately decides when enough is enough. He commands the angel to stop and refrain from causing further devastation, showing His ultimate authority and control over all things.
The symbolism in this verse is powerful and thought-provoking. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin, the mercy of God, and His sovereignty over all things. It also points to the need for repentance and obedience to God's commands in order to avoid His judgement.
In terms of broader themes, this verse speaks to the relationship between God and humanity. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and humility before God, as well as the reality of judgement and the need for repentance. It also highlights the mercy and compassion of God, even in the face of deserved punishment.
In conclusion, 1 Chronicles 21:15 (KJV) offers a profound and sobering reflection on the consequences of sin, the mercy of God, and His sovereignty. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience, repentance, and humility before God. This verse encourages readers to consider their own actions and attitudes in light of God's character and commandments, and to seek His mercy and forgiveness in the face of judgement.
Have questions about 1 Chronicles 21:15?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
1 Chronicles 21:15 Artwork
1 Chronicles 21:15 - "And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite."
"And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite." - 1 Chronicles 21:15
1 Chronicles 15:21 - "And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel."
"And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel." - 1 Chronicles 15:21
2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
1 Chronicles 1:21 - "Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah,"
1 Chronicles 1:15
1 Chronicles 1:15
1 Chronicles 1:15 - "And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,"
John 14:15-21
Luke 21:15-19
1 Chronicles 8:21 - "And Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimhi;"
1 Chronicles 21:1 - "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel."
1 Chronicles 8:15 - "And Zebadiah, and Arad, and Ader,"
2 Chronicles 21:15 - "And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day."
1 Chronicles 24:15 - "The seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Aphses,"
1 Chronicles 24:21 - "Concerning Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, the first was Isshiah."
1 Chronicles 2:15 - "Ozem the sixth, David the seventh:"
1 Samuel 21:10-15
1 Chronicles 15:4 - "And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:"
1 Chronicles 9:21 - "And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."
1 Chronicles 21:7 - "And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel."
1 Chronicles 21:9 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,"
"Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah," - 1 Chronicles 1:21
1 Chronicles 23:15 - "The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer."
1 Chronicles 15:23 - "And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark."
"And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite," - 1 Chronicles 1:15
1 Chronicles 21:21 - "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."
Philippians 3:15-21 mature spirituality
1 Chronicles 23:21 - "¶ The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish."