1 Chronicles 21:23

Ornan said to David, "My lord the king may take whatever seems good. Look, I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for the wood, and the wheat for the grain offering--I will give it all."

Study Bible

Ornan said to David
The name "Ornan" is a variant of "Araunah," which is used in 2 Samuel 24. This reflects the common practice of individuals having multiple names or variations in ancient texts. Ornan, a Jebusite, demonstrates a remarkable willingness to serve the king, which is significant given the historical context of the Jebusites as former inhabitants of Jerusalem before David's conquest. This interaction highlights the peaceful coexistence and mutual respect that can occur between different peoples under God's providence.

Take it!
Ornan's immediate offer to give his property to King David without hesitation is a profound act of generosity and submission. The Hebrew root for "take" (לָקַח, laqach) often implies a transfer of possession or acceptance. Ornan's willingness to give freely underscores the biblical principle of cheerful giving, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where God loves a cheerful giver. This act of giving is not just about the material but reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes.

My lord the king
This phrase reflects the respect and honor Ornan has for David, acknowledging his authority and God-given role as king. The use of "lord" (אֲדֹנִי, adoni) is a term of respect and submission, recognizing David's leadership and God's anointing upon him. This respect is crucial in understanding the dynamics of leadership and servanthood in the biblical narrative, where authority is both respected and exercised under God's guidance.

may do whatever seems good to him
Ornan's statement here is an expression of trust and deference to David's judgment. The phrase "seems good" (טוֹב, tov) is often used in the Old Testament to denote what is right, beneficial, or pleasing. This reflects a trust in David's integrity and decision-making, which is rooted in his relationship with God. It also highlights the importance of seeking what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord, a recurring theme in Scripture.

See, I am giving
The act of giving is emphasized here, with Ornan explicitly stating his intention. The Hebrew verb "giving" (נָתַן, natan) is a common term for offering or bestowing something of value. This act of giving is not just a transaction but a sacrificial offering, reflecting a heart of worship and dedication to God. It serves as a model for believers to give generously and sacrificially, recognizing that all we have is ultimately from God.

the oxen for the burnt offerings
Oxen were valuable assets in ancient agrarian societies, used for plowing and as a source of food. Offering them as burnt offerings signifies a significant sacrifice, as burnt offerings were entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete devotion to God. This act of sacrifice is a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who gave Himself completely for the atonement of sin.

the threshing sledges for the wood
Threshing sledges were tools used in agriculture to separate grain from chaff. By offering them for wood, Ornan is providing the means for the burnt offering, showing his willingness to contribute all necessary resources for worship. This reflects the biblical principle of using our resources for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

and the wheat for the grain offering
Wheat, a staple food, was used in grain offerings, which were expressions of thanksgiving and dedication to God. By offering wheat, Ornan is participating in an act of worship that acknowledges God's provision and sovereignty. This offering is a reminder of the importance of gratitude and recognition of God's blessings in our lives.

I will give it all
Ornan's declaration to give everything needed for the offering is a powerful testament to his generosity and faith. The phrase "give it all" emphasizes total commitment and surrender to God's purposes. This mirrors the call for believers to offer themselves wholly to God, as seen in Romans 12:1, where we are urged to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who seeks to build an altar to the LORD to stop a plague on Israel.

2. Ornan (Araunah)
A Jebusite who owns the threshing floor where David wishes to build the altar.

3. Threshing Floor
The location where David intends to offer sacrifices to God, which later becomes the site of Solomon's Temple.

4. Plague
A divine punishment on Israel due to David's census, which David seeks to end through sacrifice.

5. Burnt Offerings and Grain Offerings
Sacrificial offerings to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication.

Teaching Points

Generosity and Willingness to Give
Ornan's willingness to give everything needed for the sacrifice without cost reflects a heart of generosity and submission to God's purposes.

The Cost of Worship
David insists on paying for the threshing floor, teaching us that true worship often involves personal sacrifice and cost.

Obedience and Repentance
David's actions demonstrate the importance of obedience to God and repentance in the face of sin.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
The cessation of the plague upon David's sacrifice illustrates God's control over events and His mercy in response to genuine repentance.

The Significance of Place
The threshing floor of Ornan becomes the site of the future temple, showing how God can transform ordinary places into sites of divine significance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ornan's response to David's request challenge us in our own willingness to give to God and others?

2. What does David's insistence on paying for the threshing floor teach us about the nature of true worship and sacrifice?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of costly worship in our daily lives?

4. How does the account of David and the plague illustrate the relationship between sin, repentance, and God's mercy?

5. How can we identify and honor the "threshing floors" in our lives—places or moments where God is calling us to deeper obedience and worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 24
This parallel account provides additional context to the events in 1 Chronicles 21, including David's repentance and the purchase of the threshing floor.

Genesis 22
The concept of sacrificial offerings is echoed in Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, highlighting themes of obedience and faith.

Hebrews 13:15-16
These verses discuss offering sacrifices of praise and doing good, connecting the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament to spiritual sacrifices in the New Testament.