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Book of 1 Chronicles - Chapter 21 - Verse 16

21:16
And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

Meaning

This verse from 2 Samuel 24:16 describes a solemn moment when King David and the elders of Israel saw the angel of the LORD standing over Jerusalem with a drawn sword in hand. This visual representation of the angel is significant as it demonstrates the divine presence and power of God, as well as the seriousness of the situation that was unfolding. The action of the angel with the drawn sword symbolizes judgment and the potential consequences of the actions taken. In response to this vision, David and the elders of Israel humbled themselves by falling on their faces and wearing sackcloth, a traditional sign of mourning and repentance in Jewish culture. This reaction shows their acknowledgment of their own sins and the need for God's mercy and forgiveness. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging one's actions before God and seeking his guidance and forgiveness in times of trouble.

Theological Overview

In this verse, David is depicted as being in a state of deep distress and repentance as he sees the angel of the LORD standing between the earth and the heaven with a drawn sword over Jerusalem. The mention of the angel of the LORD with a drawn sword highlights the seriousness of the situation and the imminent threat facing the city. This imagery serves as a reminder of the power and authority of the divine presence in the midst of human affairs. The act of David and the elders of Israel falling upon their faces while clothed in sackcloth signifies a posture of humility, reverence, and penitence before God. This gesture reflects a community coming together in acknowledgment of their sins and seeking forgiveness and mercy from the Lord. Overall, this verse showcases the interplay between divine judgment and human response, emphasizing the importance of humility and repentance in the face of divine intervention.

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