1 Chronicles 21:26

Authorized King James Version

And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּבֶן֩

H1129

built

to build (literally and figuratively)

שָׁ֨ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

דָּוִ֤יד

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

מִזְבַּ֥ח

H4196

there an altar

an altar

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

unto the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיַּ֥עַל

H5927

and offered

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הָֽעֹלָֽה׃

H5930

burnt offerings

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וּשְׁלָמִ֑ים

H8002

and peace offerings

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

וַיִּקְרָא֙

H7121

and called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

unto the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

וַֽיַּעֲנֵ֤הוּ

H6030

and he answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

#13

בָאֵשׁ֙

H784

by fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#14

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#15

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

him from heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#16

עַ֖ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#17

מִזְבַּ֥ח

H4196

there an altar

an altar

#18

הָֽעֹלָֽה׃

H5930

burnt offerings

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of peace 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?