and they bowed and
prostrated themselves to Yahweh and to the king: The only unexpected thing in this verse
is the prostration before the king. One might argue that the assembly had
followed David twice already in this chapter by donating to the temple (vv. 6–9)
and by blessing Yahweh in this verse, and that therefore they would naturally
honor him by prostrating themselves before him as well. Ornan had previously
prostrated himself to David (1 Chr 21:21//2 Sam 24:20), and the officials of
Judah will later do the same to Joash (2 Chr 24:17, without Vorlage). It is proper to prostrate
themselves before the king, since he sits on Yahweh’s throne (see v. 23).
This act also implies popular endorsement of David’s plans and his generosity.
The first celebration is for the completion of preparations for the temple
before the people turn to the inauguration of the new king. (Ralph
W. Klein, 1 Chronicles: A Commentary [Hermeneia—a Critical and
Historical Commentary on the Bible; Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2006], 540, emphasis
in bold added; cf. Rev 3:9, 21)
