1 Chronicles 21:20

Now Ornan was threshing wheat when he turned and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves.

Study Bible

Now Ornan
The name "Ornan" is significant in the context of this passage. Ornan, also known as Araunah in other parts of Scripture, was a Jebusite, a group that originally inhabited Jerusalem before King David's conquest. The Jebusites were known for their fortified city, which later became the City of David. Ornan's presence in this narrative highlights the inclusivity of God's plan, as even those outside of Israel's covenant community play pivotal roles in biblical history. His willingness to offer his threshing floor to David for the altar demonstrates a heart open to God's purposes.

was threshing wheat
Threshing wheat was a common agricultural activity in ancient Israel, involving the separation of grain from chaff. This process often took place on a threshing floor, a flat, hard surface where oxen or other animals would tread out the grain. The act of threshing wheat symbolizes provision and sustenance, as wheat was a staple food. In a spiritual sense, it can also represent the separation of good from evil, or truth from falsehood, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.

when he turned and saw the angel
The appearance of an angel in this context is a divine intervention that signifies the seriousness of the situation. Angels in the Bible are often messengers of God, bringing important revelations or executing God's will. The Hebrew word for angel, "malak," means messenger, emphasizing their role as intermediaries between God and humans. Ornan's ability to see the angel indicates a moment of divine revelation and underscores the gravity of the events unfolding, as the angel was sent to execute judgment due to David's census.

and his four sons who were with him
The mention of Ornan's four sons provides a glimpse into the familial and communal aspects of ancient life. Families often worked together in agricultural tasks, and the presence of his sons suggests a shared responsibility and unity in their labor. This detail also highlights the potential danger they perceived, as the sight of the angel prompted a reaction of fear and awe, leading them to hide.

hid themselves
The reaction of hiding is a natural human response to fear and the unknown, especially in the presence of divine or supernatural occurrences. This echoes other biblical instances where individuals hid in fear of God's presence, such as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The act of hiding signifies an awareness of human frailty and the overwhelming holiness of God. It also reflects the instinctive recognition of the need for protection and the acknowledgment of God's power and authority.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ornan (Araunah)
A Jebusite who owned the threshing floor where David was instructed to build an altar to the Lord. His willingness to give his property for God's purpose is significant.

2. The Angel of the Lord
A divine messenger sent by God, often associated with God's presence and judgment. In this context, the angel is executing judgment due to David's sin of conducting a census.

3. David
The King of Israel who, by ordering a census, sinned against God, leading to a plague upon Israel. His repentance and subsequent actions are central to this account.

4. Threshing Floor of Ornan
The location where David was instructed to build an altar to stop the plague. It later became the site of Solomon's Temple.

5. Ornan's Sons
They were present during this divine encounter and reacted with fear, highlighting the awe and reverence due to God's presence.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
David's census was an act of pride and lack of trust in God, leading to severe consequences. We must be aware of the impact of our actions and seek God's guidance.

God's Mercy and Provision
Despite the judgment, God provided a way for restoration through sacrifice. This points to His mercy and the ultimate provision of Jesus Christ as the final sacrifice.

Willingness to Serve God
Ornan's readiness to give his threshing floor for God's purpose is a model of generosity and submission to God's will. We should be willing to offer our resources for God's kingdom.

Reverence for God's Presence
The reaction of Ornan's sons reminds us of the importance of reverence and awe in the presence of God. We should approach God with humility and respect.

The Significance of Worship Sites
The transformation of Ornan's threshing floor into the temple site underscores the importance of places dedicated to worship and meeting with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from David's response to his sin, and how can we apply this to our own lives when we recognize our failures?

2. How does Ornan's willingness to give his threshing floor challenge us in our own generosity and service to God?

3. In what ways does the fear and reverence shown by Ornan's sons inform our understanding of how we should approach God today?

4. How does the transformation of the threshing floor into the temple site illustrate the concept of redemption and new beginnings in our lives?

5. What parallels can we draw between the sacrifices made by David and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how does this deepen our understanding of God's plan for salvation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 24
This parallel account provides additional details about David's sin, the resulting plague, and the purchase of Ornan's threshing floor.

Genesis 22
The concept of a significant sacrifice on a mountain, as Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac, parallels David's sacrifice on Ornan's threshing floor.

Hebrews 12
The fear and reverence shown by Ornan's sons can be connected to the New Testament teaching on the reverence due to God, who is a consuming fire.