1 Chronicles 21 recounts a significant event in the life of King David. Satan incited David to take a census of Israel, an action that was against God’s wishes. Despite Joab’s warnings, David insisted, and the census was conducted, revealing 1.1 million men in Israel and 470,000 in Judah (verse 5). However, God was displeased with this act and sent the prophet Gad to David, offering him three choices of punishment: three years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of plague (verse 12). David chose the plague, resulting in the death of 70,000 men (verse 14).

As the plague struck, David saw the angel of the Lord standing by the threshing floor of Araunah (Ornan) the Jebusite. David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, pleaded with God to spare the people and place the punishment on him and his family (verse 17). God instructed David, through Gad, to build an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor. David bought the site, built the altar, and offered sacrifices, leading to God halting the plague (verses 18-27).

Life Applications from 1 Chronicles 21

1. Listening to Wise Counsel (verse 3): David ignored Joab’s advice against the census. We should heed wise and godly counsel to avoid unnecessary consequences.
2. Recognizing Sin and Repentance (verse 8): David’s acknowledgment of his sin and immediate plea for forgiveness teaches us the importance of recognizing our wrongdoings and seeking God’s mercy.
3. Understanding God’s Sovereignty (verse 14): The severe punishment reminds us of God’s sovereignty and the seriousness of sin. It underscores that actions against God’s will have significant repercussions.
4. Intercession and Responsibility (verse 17): David’s intercession for his people, asking for the punishment to fall on him instead, exemplifies a leader’s responsibility and the power of intercessory prayer.
5. Obedience to God’s Commands (verses 18-19): David’s prompt obedience in building an altar as instructed by Gad shows the importance of following God’s directives, even when they require personal sacrifice.
6. Worship and Sacrifice (verses 24-26): David insisted on paying full price for the threshing floor, signifying that our offerings to God should be genuine and costly, reflecting true devotion and worship.
7. God’s Mercy (verse 27): The cessation of the plague after David’s sacrifices highlights God’s mercy and readiness to forgive when we approach Him with a contrite heart.

By applying these lessons, we can deepen our faith, live responsibly, and align our actions with God’s will, acknowledging His sovereignty in our lives.