Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 21:30
but David could not go before it to inquire of God, because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The Chronicler records David’s reaction after the plague halts at the threshing floor of Ornan. David stands before the site of divine judgment, unable to approach the ark to worship at the appointed altar.
The words — `יָכֹל` (ya.Khol) means “he was able,” and `לִ/דְרֹשׁ` (li/d.Rosh) means “to seek” or “inquire.” The text states David was not able to go before the ark to inquire of God.
The thread — The passage contrasts this location with the tabernacle and altar at Gibeon (1 Chronicles 21:29), while the theme of fearing the Lord’s presence runs through Revelation 1:17 and Revelation 15:4. The call to acceptable worship in an unshakable kingdom is later referenced in Hebrews 12:28.
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to recognize that fear of divine judgment must lead to obedience to God’s appointed means of atonement, not mere avoidance. It demands that worship be grounded in reverence and the proper place God establishes.
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
But David could not go before it to enquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the Lord.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
- Revelation 1:17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,
- Revelation 15:4 Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”
- Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
- 2 Samuel 6:9 That day David feared the LORD and asked, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?”
- 1 Chronicles 13:12 That day David feared God and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?”
- 1 Chronicles 21:16 When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown.
- Job 13:21 Withdraw Your hand from me, and do not let Your terror frighten me.
- Job 21:6 When I remember, terror takes hold, and my body trembles in horror.
- Job 23:15 Therefore I am terrified in His presence; when I consider this, I fear Him.