1 Chronicles 21:18

Authorized King James Version

Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמַלְאַ֧ךְ
Then the angel
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#2
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
לֵאמֹ֣ר
commanded
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
גָּ֖ד
Gad
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
#6
לֵאמֹ֣ר
commanded
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
דָוִ֗יד
that David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#8
כִּ֣י׀
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
יַֽעֲלֶ֣ה
should go up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#10
דָוִ֗יד
that David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#11
לְהָקִ֤ים
and set up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#12
מִזְבֵּ֙חַ֙
an altar
an altar
#13
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
בְּגֹ֖רֶן
in the threshingfloor
a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area
#15
אָרְנָ֥ן
of Ornan
ornan, a jebusite
#16
הַיְבֻסִֽי׃
the Jebusite
a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection