Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 21:27
Then the LORD spoke to the angel, who put his sword back into its sheath.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD speaks directly to the angel of destruction at the threshing floor of Ornan, immediately following David's altar dedication and the Lord's response with fire. This command occurs at the precise moment of halted judgment on Jerusalem.
The words — וַ/יָּ֥שֶׁב (va/i.Ya.shev) means "and he returned," paired with חַרְבּ֖/וֹ (char.B/o) meaning "his sword" and נְדָנָֽ/הּ (ne.da.Na/h) meaning "its sheath." The text literally records the angel's physical action of withdrawing the weapon.
The thread — This event directly fulfills the Lord's initial directive to send the angel against Jerusalem in 1 Chronicles 21:15 and aligns with the prophetic demand for the sword of the LORD to cease in Jeremiah 47:6. It also demonstrates the operational principle that angels carry out divine commands as stated in Psalms 103:20.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that divine judgment is strictly bounded by God's sovereign word rather than autonomous force. It demands recognition that obedience to a commanded cessation must immediately follow the execution of a commanded purpose.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the Lord commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.
Cross-references
- 1 Chronicles 21:15 Then God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem, but as the angel was doing so, the LORD saw it and relented from the calamity, and He said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
- Psalms 103:20 Bless the LORD, all His angels mighty in strength who carry out His word, who hearken to the voice of His command.
- Jeremiah 47:6 ‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’
- Ezekiel 21:30 Return the sword to its sheath! In the place where you were created, in the land of your origin, I will judge you.
- Matthew 26:52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
- John 18:11 “Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”
- Hebrews 1:14 Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
- 2 Samuel 24:16 But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
- 1 Chronicles 21:12 between three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies and overtaken by their swords, or three days of the sword of the LORD—days of plague upon the land, with the angel of the LORD ravaging every part of Israel.’ Now then, decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.”
- 1 Chronicles 21:20 Now Ornan was threshing wheat when he turned and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves.