1 Chronicles 21:30

30 But David could not go to the Holy Tent to speak with God, because he was afraid of the angel of the Lord and his sword. David said, "The Temple of the Lord God and the altar for Israel's burnt offerings will be built here."

1 Chronicles 21:30 Meaning and Commentary

1 Chronicles 21:30

But David could not go before it to inquire of God
Which yet was the proper place to seek the Lord in: the reason follows,

for he was afraid, because of the sword of the angel of the Lord;
which had so terrified him, that he was so weak that he could not go; and he feared that, should he attempt to go, while he was going thither, at such a distance, the angel would make a terrible slaughter in Jerusalem, and therefore he durst not go and leave it; and besides, as the Lord had commanded him to build an altar there, he might fear it would displease him, should he depart from it; and the rather, as hereby he pointed out to him the place where the temple should be built, and sacrifices offered, as appears from what he says in the beginning of the next chapter.

1 Chronicles 21:30 In-Context

28 When David saw that the Lord had answered him on the threshing floor of Araunah, he offered sacrifices there.

29 The Holy Tent that Moses made while the Israelites were in the desert and the altar of burnt offerings were in Gibeon at the place of worship.

30 But David could not go to the Holy Tent to speak with God, because he was afraid of the angel of the Lord and his sword. David said, "The Temple of the Lord God and the altar for Israel's burnt offerings will be built here."