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1 Chronicles 21:30

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Chronicles 21:30 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But David could not go before it to inquire of God; for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of Jehovah.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But David could not go before it to inquire of God; for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of Jehovah.
1 Chronicles 21:30 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Chronicles 21

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
27And Jehovah commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.
28At that time, when David saw that Jehovah had answered him in the threshing-floor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.
29For the tabernacle of Jehovah, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt-offering, were at that time in the high place at Gibeon.
30But David could not go before it to inquire of God; for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of Jehovah.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But David could not go before it to inquire of God, etc.] Which yet was the proper place to seek the Lord in: the reason follows, for he was afraid, because of the sword of the angel of the Lord; which had so terrified him, that he was so weak that he could not go; and he feared that, should he attempt to go, while he was going thither, at such a distance, the angel would make a terrible slaughter in Jerusalem, and therefore he durst not go and leave it; and besides, as the Lord had commanded him to build an altar there, he might fear it would displease him, should he depart from it; and the rather, as hereby he pointed out to him the place where the temple should be built, and sacrifices…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“David, knowing that by sacrifice on this altar he had caused the angel to stay his hand, was afraid to transfer his offerings elsewhere, lest the Angel should resume his task and pestilence again break out. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/1-chronicles-21.html. 1870. StudyLight.org © 2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Afraid - When he saw the angel stand with his drawn sword over Jerusalem, he durst not go away to Gibeon, lest the angel in the mean time should destroy Jerusalem: for the prevention whereof he thought it proper to worship God in that place, which he had consecrated by his special presence and acceptance. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 22”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he was afraid: Ch1 21:16, Ch1 13:12; Deu 10:12; Sa2 6:9; Job 13:21, Job 21:6, Job 23:15; Psa 90:11; Psa 119:120; Jer 5:22, Jer 10:7; Heb 12:28, Heb 12:29; Rev 1:17, Rev 15:4 1 Chronicles 21:1”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Chronicles 21 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification