1 Chronicles 21 · Grade 5
Mercy at the Threshing Floor
Read and Think
The census began with temptation: Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number the people. Even Joab saw the danger and asked why David would bring guilt on Israel. David insisted, and God was displeased. David then confessed that he had sinned greatly and acted very foolishly.
Offered three kinds of judgment, David chose to fall into the hand of Yahweh, for his mercies are very great, rather than into the hand of men. A plague swept Israel, and many died. When David saw the angel, he prayed like a shepherd: he had sinned, but what had the sheep done? Let the punishment fall on him and his house.
God sent David to Ornan's threshing floor. David bought it for full price, saying he would not offer a burnt offering that cost him nothing. He built an altar, and God answered by fire from heaven. Chapter 22 reveals that this very place would become the site of the temple. The place of judgment became the place of mercy and sacrifice.
Show What You Know
What did Joab ask David?
What did David choose, and why?
How did David pray like a shepherd?
How did God show he accepted the offering?
What would this place become?
Crossword
Across
- Why will he be a cause of guilt to ____
- And saw Yahweh’s ____ standing between earth and the sky
Down
- David built an altar to ____ there
- And moved ____ to take a census of Israel
- ____ turned back and saw the angel
Think About It
David trusted God's mercy more than man's. How does knowing God is merciful help you come to Him after you sin?
David offered to take the punishment for his people. In the New Testament, Jesus truly did take our punishment (1 Peter 2:24). How does that move you to thank Him?
Memory Verse
“David built an altar to Yahweh there, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on Yahweh; and he answered him from the sky by fire on the altar of burnt offering.”
1 Chronicles 21:26 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for Your mercy. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- What does it mean for worship to cost you something?
- How does 1 Peter 2:24 in the New Testament connect to David's prayer?
- What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.