Fire from Heaven on David's Altar
The LORD answers David with fire from heaven on the altar at the threshingfloor of Ornan.
After David's sinful census the LORD sent a plague. David bought the threshingfloor of Ornan and built an altar there. He offered burnt offerings and called upon the LORD. The LORD answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering, and the plague was stayed.
God
The threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, Jerusalem
What Happened
Key KJV Scriptures
"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."
"So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel."
Spiritual Significance
Fire from heaven marked this place as God's chosen spot for the temple. Sacrifice answered by fire is a recurring testimony that only blood-bought atonement turns away wrath.
Lesson for Today
True worship costs something. Bring your best, call upon the LORD, and He will answer.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
What place became the temple site?
Ornan's threshingfloor on Mount Moriah, the very mountain where Abraham offered Isaac (2 Chronicles 3:1).
How is this related to Solomon's dedication?
Years later fire fell again on the altar when Solomon dedicated the temple (2 Chronicles 7:1), confirming the same chosen place.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of Fire from Heaven on David's Altar?
The miracle of Fire from Heaven on David's Altar is recorded in 1 Chronicles 21:26 (KJV), with additional references in 2 Samuel 24:25.
Who performed the miracle of Fire from Heaven on David's Altar?
Scripture records that God carried out this miracle at The threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, Jerusalem. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
Related Bible Miracles
Fire on Mount Carmel
Elijah's prayer brought fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice and the water around it.
Uzzah Struck Dead for Touching the Ark
Uzzah reaches out to steady the ark and is struck dead by the LORD for his error.
The Glory of the LORD Fills Solomon's Temple
Fire falls and the glory of the LORD fills the temple at its dedication, so the priests cannot stand to minister.
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Satan in Job — The Accuser Before God
In Job 1-2, Satan stands before God as accuser — but he cannot touch a believer without divine permission.
Read moreBeelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreSubmit to God, Resist the Devil — James 4:7 (KJV)
Resistance to the devil begins with submission to God — surrender first, then standing firm.
Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
Free KJV quizzes on Jesus' miracles and the supernatural acts of God in Scripture.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Fire from Heaven on David's Altar
The LORD answers David with fire from heaven on the altar at the threshingfloor
Fire on Mount Carmel
Elijah's prayer brought fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice and the wat
Seraphim — The Burning Worshipers
Seraphim are six-winged angels who burn with holiness and lead heaven's worship
David's Prayer of Repentance
A heartfelt cry for mercy inspired by Psalm 51.
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