David could not, i.e. durst not. Before it, i.e. before the tabernacle, where the altar stood. To inquire of God, Heb. to seek God, i.e. humbly to beg his favour by prayer and sacrifice. Because of the sword of the angel of the Lord, i.e. when he saw the angel stand with his drawn sword over Jerusalem, as is related above, 1 Chronicles 21:15,16, he durst not go away thence to Gibeon, lest the angel in the mean time should destroy Jerusalem; for the prevention whereof he thought it most proper to continue to worship God in that place, which he had consecrated by his special presence and gracious acceptance.
Related Commentaries of 1 Chronicles 21:30
1 Chronicles 21:30
30 But David could not go before it to enquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD.