1 Chronicles 21:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When the adversary was vanquished, when their diabolical bravery was quelled, and their mightiest champion fell prostrate on the earth (1 Sam. 17:49), a jubilant assembly emerged from the city, united in song to proclaim David's triumph over countless foes (1 Sam. 18:7). In this moment, the angel drew his sword and, having laid waste to the evil city, indicated the spot for a sanctuary dedicated to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornah, king of the Jebusites. This event foreshadowed that the body of Christ would flourish not within Israel, but among the nations.

When the people were stricken by the death sent by God, David witnessed the angel bringing devastation. He constructed an altar on the threshing-floor of Ornah and offered a sacrifice on behalf of the people, adhering to the divine command that sacrifices be made on the altar in front of the tabernacle. Rather than acting in disobedience, he sought to appease God due to the calamity that had befallen the community. This is substantiated by historical accounts. The tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses had established in the wilderness, along with the altar of burnt offering during that period, was located in Gibeon. David, however, could not approach God to inquire of Him, for he was filled with fear because of the sword of the angel of the Lord (1 Chronicles 21:29-30).